Month: March 2023

Lyon are in the process of finalising a major mini-coup to sign French U17s international right-back Saël Kumbedi from Ligue 2 outfit in Le Havre – the teenager will be the back-up in his position in the OL 1st team squad to Malo Gusto for the 2022/23 campaign, according to L’Équipe.

Kumbedi was part of the France U17s set-up that won the Euros and scored twice in the final of that tournament. 

With 12 months remaining on his contract with Le Havre, the teenager has decided to make a move to OL where he will sign his first professional contract for 3 seasons, with the option to extend by a further 2 years.

OL will pay around €1m to acquire Kumbedi. Lyon have beaten away competition from AC Milan and AS Monaco for his signature by selling the teenager a better project: immediate integration into the 1st team as the back-up to Malo Gusto, with the intention for him to become 1st choice next season as they expect to lose Gusto in the 2023 summer transfer window.

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Le Havre are majorly disappointed in his departure, having made just 6 appearances for the club despite his immense potential. New HAC Sporting Director Mathieu Bodmer failed to convince the player to stay and sign a professional deal with the Ligue 2 outfit instead.

 

New coach Eddie Jones will mastermind a "reset" of the Wallabies ahead of the World Cup and has matured since his previous stint in charge, Rugby Australia's boss told AFP.Australia sacked Dave Rennie and replaced him with former England coach Jones on Monday, less than eight months before the World Cup in France.HSBC SYDNEY SEVENS TICKET FINAL RELEASE: GET YOUR TICKETS TO RUGBY’S BIGGEST PARTY NOW!"Eddie and I believe we can win the World Cup this year. That's a lot to do but we really believe we have got a fair shake," chairman Hamish McLennan said."I think it is a whole-of-game reset that Eddie will lead," he said, foreseeing changes in players' strength and conditioning, coaching and "ultimately the game plan".The 62-year-old Australian Jones first coached the Wallabies in 2001-2005, taking the hosts to the 2003 World Cup final, where they lost to England.McLennan said he had no concerns about England's decision to sack the outspoken Jones in December over his record there."I think in life quite often you mature with age and I think he's a better coach than 20 years ago," he added.The Australian boss praised Jones's World Cup record."He performs well at World Cups — that is really critical for us. And then we have the home World Cup in 27," he said.Jones's availability was a "unique opportunity presented at short notice, but we are very comfortable with the decision", McLennan added.Jones, whose contract runs until 2027, will also oversee the Wallaroos, the national women's team, programme."Overwhelmingly his focus is on the Wallabies, but the women's game is a priority for Rugby Australia," McLennan said.Rugby Australia wanted to find "synergies" for the Wallaroos in coach selection — which Jones will be responsible for — and high-performance techniques, the rugby chief said."Eddie is very enthused by the opportunity and as you would know, Eddie is a worker, and so he will make it all work," said McLennan.McLennan said it was a tough call to sack Rennie, who took over from Michael Cheika at the end of 2019."It was a very difficult decision for us and ultimately we are grateful for all the hard work that Dave did for our team."In his first statement since being appointed, Jones said his immediate aim was to win the World Cup."It is a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to come home to Australia and lead my nation to a Rugby World Cup," he said. Click Here: Roberto Firmino Jersey Sale

Sharks director of rugby Neil Powell was full of praise for his charges after they sealed a 22-19 win against Edinburgh in their United Rugby Championship (URC) clash on Saturday.

As the scoreline suggests, this was a tightly-contested battle, and Powell was proud of how his team, who were without the services of rested Springboks Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Jaden Hendrikse and Lukhanyo Am, gutsed it out en route to victory.

Full of pride

“As a coaching team and management, we are so proud of the boys for the effort, the fight and the character they showed in that match,” Powell told the Sharks’ official website.

The character which Powell refers to was on display during the dying moments of the encounter at the DAM Health Stadium when the Sharks had to dig deep to keep their hosts at bay with a resilient defensive effort.

“I know it was tough in the last few minutes when they kept Edinburgh out, but they showed a lot of fight throughout the whole 80 minutes,” he said.

The Sharks came into their clash with Edinburgh after suffering a defeat to Harlequins in the Champions Cup, and Powell admitted that he urged his players to increase their intensity levels against the Scottish capital outfit, which they did.

“We asked them to be physical and dominant and they were exactly that, for the entire game,” he explained.

“It was a really good start from us, in that first 25-30 minutes we defended well, we retained our structure, and we played the game in the right areas of the field. But in the last 10 to 15 minutes of the first half, they played off our mistakes and we allowed the game to get unstructured which suited their way of play.

“That’s when they scored those three tries just before half-time.”

The Sharks’ triumph was a crucial one in the grander scheme of things as the result meant they leapfrogged Edinburgh on the URC standings, and the Durban-based side are now in the play-off positions as they are occupying eighth spot – just one point adrift of seventh-placed Benetton but with two matches in hand on the Italian outfit.

“We will definitely take a lot of confidence and momentum out of this one,” said Powell. “We’ll enjoy the win before returning to South Africa to start our preparations for the Stormers’ game at Hollywoodbets Kings Park this weekend. We know we have to refocus and prepare well for that game.

Full of commitment

“Everyone is committed and knows where we want to go this season, and that commitment was shown on the field [against Edinburgh], especially on defence.

“We’re just so, so, so proud of the boys for what they showed out there, and this is the standard we want shown from the Cell C Sharks in how we play and how we pitch up for every single game.

“A great effort, great character and great fight.”

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An inspired defensive performance has secured a crucial 12-7 win for Australia over Great Britain.Like their female counterparts, the defending World Series champions looked disjointed to start as GB took a 7-5 lead into the break.HSBC SYDNEY SEVENS TICKET FINAL RELEASE: GET YOUR TICKETS TO RUGBY’S BIGGEST PARTY NOW!With the knockout stage dreams on the line, Maurice Longbottom and Henry Paterson stepped up, combining to re-take the lead before producing a number of strong defensive plays to close it out.Coach John Manenti was left frustrated after the Australians struggled to convert their scoring opportunities.James Turner went close in the opening minute before a certain try to Nathan Lawson was brought back after a forward pass from Henry HutchisonOn several occasions, they failed to connect with the final pass, allowing Great Britain back into the contest after an early try to Dietrich Roache.“I’m not (happy). I think we turned over (the ball) four times in possession, three of which should’ve been tries. I’ll put that down to a bit of anxiousness and the boys looking to play well," Manenti said, who admitted he's no longer pleased with just competing.“I’ll give them this grace and try and stay calm because that performance won’t win us many games of football. We defended really well but we need to stop turning the ball over and giving them opportunities.“We had three clear scoring opportunities and should’ve iced the game at half-time. They know that and I know they’ll be feeling emotional about playing here and looking to do well so that’ll be good to get out of the system.”Senior players Paterson and Longbottom changed the game, with Paterson put through the hole by his vice-captain to restore the lead after the break.The Easts product then produced a massive hit to halt a GB attack before coming up with the game-sealing turnover at the end of the game.Longbottom was likewise heroic in defence, making multiple hits on bigger men to ensure Australia end day one on a high."It was a nervy start but it showed how much we really care," Paterson believes."With the nature of Sevens, you're trying to not get too concerned with the score. We knew we had to start the second half strong and when 'Moz' got the ball, I tried to play off him and good stuff happened."We're happy with the start but we have five more games to be better.""We want to be a great team and to do so, you have to perform consistently every time," Manenti added."If we can defend with that attitude and mentality all tournament, that'll define where we go."Australia 12 (TRIES: Paterson, Roache; CONS: Roache) def Great Britain 7 (TRIES Fergusson; CONS: Emery)Click Here: lions rugby online store

FC Nantes goalkeeper and captain Alban Lafont is relishing the chance to play European football, and spoke to L’Équipe ahead of Les Canaris’ Europa League opener against Olympiacos at the Stade de la Beaujoire. He expressed the enormity of the ocaison but warned discipline and concentration for his side. 

“We’ve been waiting for this kind of match since we were little, I’m in this sport to experience emotions like this. It’s going to be great, exceptional, but we have to put that aside, concentrate on the match, on the technical aspects, and not arrive as tourists. The serious stuff starts now.”

20 years after their last appearance in Europe, Nantes return with fervour for a taste of continental competition, starting with a difficult fixture against Olympiacos, in a group which will see Nantes also face Azerbaijian side Qarabag and current Bundesliga high-flyers Freiburg in group G of the Europa League.

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The ACT Brumbies have hit the ground running under new coach Stephen Larkham, grinding out a 31-26 against the NSW Waratahs in Griffith.His first game in charge since taking the reins from Wallabies-bound Dan McKellar, Larkham's Brumbies scored three second-half tries to seal the campaign-opening win.With heavily-rotated squads from both sides meaning the contest will offer practically no formline for their Super Rugby Pacific round one clash on February 24, each team will have been impressed with strong displays from some off-season additions.Australian Rugby Sevens talent Corey Toole turned in the most eye-catching display, the winger scoring an impressive first-half try and adding another in the second with flashy footwork making him one of the Brumbies' better creative options throughout the game.But NSW would have been thrilled with the return of former Wallaby star Tolu Latu from French side Stade Francais.The hooker came off the bench in the second half and hit the scoreboard quickly, showing what he might add to the Tahs' pack this season.As if proving they'd lost nothing from McKellar's departure, the Brumbies powered over from his trademarked rolling maul to open their account, while Toole's brilliant hand to a Declan Meredith grubber got them in front early.The Waratahs scored either side of that double through Harry Wilson and Te Tera Faulkner, but two quick Brumbies' tries to start the second half gave them some breathing room.Young NSW fullback Ben Dowling scored a great try late in proceedings courtesy of a brilliant ball from Jack Bowen.Off-season ACT signing Jack Debreczeni impressed in the halves with Ryan Longergan, the five-eighth making his case to lock down a spot in the Brumbies' 23 for the coming season with stylish play-making in the second half.The Tahs also got back flanker Lachie Swinton for his first run in a year, having missed considerable time dealing with nerve damage to his shoulder.New Wallabies boss Eddie Jones was in attendance, although he had to wait until the second half to see a number of his national team troops in action.Both sides started without most of their regular players, Charlie Gamble, Ben Donaldson and Tane Edmed among the starters for the Waratahs while Ed Kennedy and Rory Scott were familiar faces for the Brumbies.They each emptied the bench in the second half, the Brumbies unleashing Wallabies talent including Lachie Lonergan and Darcy Swain.Click Here: westmeath gaa jerseys

L’Équipe report today that contrary to what was initially announced, Kylian Mbappé’s contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain consists of a two-year commitment with an option for an extra season, rather than a flat three years.

The additional year is dependent on the French striker’s decision alone, and could mean that PSG find themselves facing another transfer saga for their forward come next summer.

Mbappé’s decision over whether to trigger the clause will presumably depend on the club’s progress on the pitch, and the World Cup winner could use the arrangement as a way to put the pressure on the management.

The forward himself remained enigmatic when asked about his future last week in a press conference – “This is neither the time nor the place, nor am I the person who can best answer that question”. When contacted by L’Équipe, Mbappé’s team declined to make a comment.

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PSG’s impressive start to the season despite a disappointing transfer window means they can be hopeful of another extension – the club wants him in Paris past 2025. However, the Ligue 1 champions’ recent FFP sanctions as well as Chelsea’s moves for sporting advisor Luís Campos could change things.

Boom youngster Mosese Tuipulotu has emphatically pledged his allegiance to Australia after emerging as a future Wallabies star with some eye-catching pre-season form for the NSW Waratahs.Finally injury-free after almost two years out with a torn ACL and then quad issues, Tuipulotu is giving Waratahs coach Darren Coleman food for thought after starring in the centres against the Brumbies and Queensland Reds.The 22-year-old bagged a nice try in the Tahs' 33-32 win over the Reds in Narrabri on Saturday before flatly dismissing fears he may follow in the footsteps of older brother Sione, who is tearing it up for Scotland.Lost to the Melbourne Rebels three years ago, Sione Tuipulotu has been a stand-out in Scotland's best-ever start to a Six Nations campaign with big wins over England and Wales.But Moses, who also has the option of representing Tonga through his father, has no such plans to abandon his country of birth."Nah, nah. It's always been a dream of mine to play for the Wallabies and to wear the gold jersey," he said on Monday."Growing up as a youngster, seeing all those great players. Even here, Michael Hooper. That would be a great goal of mine to become a Wallaby."Our grandma's Scottish and we're all really proud of Sione that he's representing part of our heritage."But I'm backing gold. Obviously he's my brother and that's my blood and I'm always going to support him but I was born in Australia and I'm always going to support the Wallabies."Tuipulotu is presently behind Wallabies pair Lalakai Foketi and Izaia Perese in the Waratahs' midfield pecking order, but assistant coach Chris Whitaker has huge raps on the versatile centre who is equally at home in the 12 or 13 jumpers."The last couple of years he's had a couple of injuries that have slowed his progress but this year he's been on the field every day and his progress has just been immense," Whitaker said."So I'm expecting big things from him probably soon."Whitaker said the exciting prospect had a skill set that's the envy of teammates."He's really good on his feet, a really balanced runner and he used to play halfback when he was young so his passing skills are exceptional. He's got a good, long pass on him too."So it's just time in the saddle. Last year in Shute Shield he got games back to back and he improved with every game and we've seen this year in pre-season he hasn't missed a beat and he just gets better and better."If he keeps doing what he's doing, I'm sure he's not too far away (from Waratahs and Wallabies selection). That's for sure."Click Here: montpellier rugby jersey

L’Équipe report this morning that Antero Henrique, who returned to Paris Saint-Germain this summer in a role that involved finding transfer-listed players new clubs, will retain a role as a consultant for the season ahead.

The Ligue 1 champions’ former director of sport, who held the role from 2017 to 2019, will not have an official title at the club. He has already started to work on the January transfer window, with the departures of several young players as well as the potential sale of Keylor Navas on the table.

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Henrique was brought back into the fray after being named sporting director of the Qatari domestic championship back in March and involving himself in Kylian Mbappé’s contract extension.

Despite criticism from both Christophe Galtier and sporting advisor Luís Campos over his work in the transfer window, Henrique generally appears to have impressed within the club as a result of the sale (or loan with an option to buy) of several unwanted players on hefty contracts.