Explainer: Why have Championship rugby clubs been denied promotion? March 4, 2022 “Disappointed, dismayed and disheartened,” is how Championship rugby leaders Doncaster Knights reacted to news this week that they will not be promoted even if they win the league. The Knights were joined by Ealing Trailfinders in being denied entry to the Premiership, English rugby’s top division, for failing to meet a series of off-field criteria. [...]
Chelsea: Abramovich confirms London club is up for sale March 2, 2022 Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has tonight confirmed that his club is up for sale with the net proceeds going to help Ukrainian war victims. The Premier League club owner confirmed the news in a statement on the club’s website and says the decision “is in the best interest of the club”. In a statement, he [...]
Ukraine: Everton suspend arrangements with Russian linked billionaire March 2, 2022 Premier League side Everton have suspended their commercial sponsorship arrangements with all Alisher Usmanov owned companies. The Russian billionaire is on a list of people who have had their assets frozen by the European Union in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Usmanov owns USM Holdings, who sponsor Everton’s training ground and has Everton owner [...]
After Italy farce rugby needs to take a look at its law book March 2, 2022 Ireland’s Six Nations victory over Italy on Sunday saw an officiating decision which by the letter of the law was correct but in practice ruined a game of rugby. Here is what was so wrong about it and two more rules that World Rugby should address before the World Cup next year: Red card replacement [...]
Cam’s the man: Norrie poised to defend Indian Wells title March 2, 2022 When the first serve of the Indian Wells Masters gets walloped next week, Great Britain will have a defending champion – Cameron Norrie – in the tournament for the first time. Cameron Norrie won his maiden ATP Tour Masters 1000 event last year when he overcame Nikoloz Basilashvili 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in what many [...]
Sir Ben Ainslie on sailing, management and when he plans to stop racing March 1, 2022 The acronym GOAT often gets bandied around in sport, usually unwarranted, but when it comes to British sailors, British Olympians and British sportspeople, Sir Ben Ainslie truly is up there with the Greatest Of All Time. The most successful sailor in Olympic history, an America’s Cup winner and multiple competitor, and now the man in [...]
International Olympic Committee calls for Russia and Belarus ban February 28, 2022 The International Olympic Committee (IOC) have urged sporting federations and organisations to “not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions”. As part of a list of recommendations released today, the IOC Executive Board (EB) have said their motives relate to the inability of Ukrainians to compete as [...]
Jones praises young England side as Six Nations race goes on February 28, 2022 It was a match of three or four moments, moments that could prove defining in this year’s Six Nations. But in England’s 23-19 win over Wales at Twickenham on Saturday, it was so nearly a disaster for the home side. Up by 17 points early in the second half, England let their opposition back in, [...]
Premiership talking points: Saints revived, Irish draw and the race is on February 27, 2022 It’s starting to feel like the beginning of the run-in to this year’s Premiership rugby season. There are less than 10 rounds to go but there are so many storylines to follow. Here are our talking points from the weekend. Luck of the draw The league saw its fifth draw of the season at the [...]
Jones urges fans to get in seats early ahead of England v Wales February 25, 2022 England head coach Eddie Jones has urged fans to take their seats early at Twickenham for tomorrow’s Six Nations match against Wales as his side, boosted by the return of key players, look to burst out of the blocks. “The first 20 minutes of a Test match is always the quickest,” said Jones. “I think [...]