Japan – with kids? Believe it or not, it works December 18, 2019 The looks of incomprehension became commonplace, from colleagues, friends, neighbours and, most severely, my mother-in-law. “You’re taking her… to Japan?” they asked, through a variety of similar rhetorical questions. A trip to Japan should surprise no one, these days. The island state is undergoing an eye-watering boom in tourism, with visitor numbers soaring from 13m [...]
Ollie Phillips: I still think they’re poor, but belligerent Wales can beat fragile England – even without a Principality Stadium crowd February 26, 2021 Don’t underestimate the magnitude of Wales v England in the Six Nations in Cardiff on Saturday. With France’s position uncertain due to a Covid-19 outbreak, this is a big match in the context of the title and, for Wales, possibly a Grand Slam. And anyway, this is Wales v England: a great clash full of [...]
Ollie Phillips: World Cup fixture cancellation disadvantages Wales but France mutiny can go either way October 10, 2019 Typhoon Hagibis may not have directly affected Wales’s Rugby World Cup fixtures but the tropical cyclone has still managed to leave them at a considerable disadvantage. If, as expected, Wales win their final group match against Uruguay on Sunday they will finish top of Pool D and set up a quarter-final clash with the runner-up [...]
‘I was suffering with OCD, which was horrific’: Former England scrum-half Kyran Bracken opens up over his mental health problems October 15, 2019 Kyran Bracken played professional rugby for 14 years. As a scrum-half he won 51 caps for England and was part of the famous World Cup-winning squad of 2003. That much is well documented. What wasn’t known, until now, was that he has struggled with mental health problems. But 13 years on from his retirement, Bracken [...]
Scotland firing on all cylinders ahead of Pool A decider with Japan – plus all the permutations October 9, 2019 After a disastrous start to the Rugby World Cup, Scotland appear to have drastically turned their fortunes around. Having looked unconvincing in their opening 27-3 defeat to Ireland, they have not conceded a single point since, beating Samoa 34-0 before thumping Russia 61-0 yesterday. It is the first time they have kept their opponents scoreless [...]
Saracens could challenge legality of Premiership Rugby’s salary cap if review falls through November 7, 2019 Saracens could seek a legal challenge to Premiership Rugby’s salary cap if they fail in their bid to overturn a 35-point deduction and £5.4m fine, according to a leading sports lawyer. The English and European champions could argue that the salary cap framework is anti-competitive, says former World Rugby head of legal Darren Bailey. However, [...]
British Airways passengers face huge delays into Gatwick and Heathrow after ‘technical issue’ November 21, 2019 British Airways warned customers that it is working hard to fix a “technical issue” this morning, as flight cancellations and delays hit thousands of people. The airline said a small number of flights arriving at Gatwick and Heathrow airports are affected and that it is offering passengers “alternative arrangements”. Read more: British Airways owner IAG [...]
Ocean Outdoor snaps up Swedish ad firm Visual Art for €63m as European drive continues September 16, 2019 Outdoor advertising stalwart Ocean Outdoor has bought Swedish digital ad firm Visual Art for €63m (£56m) as it continues to beef up its presence in the European market. As part of the deal, Ocean, which operates major advertising locations including Piccadilly Lights, has also set up a joint venture with the operators of Visual Art [...]
Rugby Betting Tips: Ford and Farrell to steer the chariot home October 31, 2019 EDDIE Jones said from the start of his appointment as England head coach in 2015 to judge him on how his side perform at the 2019 World Cup. It is fair to say he’s been a success, with his team just 80 minutes away from their second Webb Ellis Cup. The Red Rose have been [...]
South Africa could spring a surprise in World Cup opener against New Zealand September 17, 2019 The Rugby World Cup may get under way on Friday when hosts Japan face Russia but the tournament will not fully ignite until a day later when the giants of New Zealand and South Africa collide in Yokohama. It is an encounter between two of rugby’s great nations, who have collectively won five of the [...]