Month: October 2024

Munster will face rivals Leinster in the United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-finals after they beat Glasgow Warriors 14-5 at Scotstoun on Saturday.

The Warriors played the majority of the game with 14 players after fly-half Tom Jordan was red-carded for a dangerous tackle on Munster’s Conor Murray.

His sending-off left Glasgow hampered as they looked to fight their way back into the game, with the Irish province ultimately grinding out a famous win.

Malakai Fekitoa and Antoine Frisch grabbed Munster‘s tries, with Jack Crowley converting both, but injuries during the contest have soured the victory.

Glasgow‘s only points of the match would come late on through captain Kyle Steyn as his try proved in vain, with the Warriors’ URC season now over.

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The home side started well and dominated possession and territory over the 80 minutes, but their hopes of reaching a second final this season were undone in a five-minute spell.

Glasgow could not make their early pressure count, and Fekitoa crossed in the 22nd minute in Munster’s first attack of the game.

Jordan was sent off three minutes later after smashing his shoulder into the face of Murray on the touchline and Frisch soon went over to increase Munster’s lead further.

Straight forward call. Tom Jordan given his marching orders. #URC #GLAvMUN pic.twitter.com/ucAnE3DYYO

— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) May 6, 2023

Steyn gave Glasgow hope with a 66th-minute try, but the 14 men could not build on their opening score.

The first quarter of the game offered little indication of the final outcome.

Glasgow had some promising line breaks from Sione Tuipulotu and Steyn in particular, but the final pass was missing.

Munster survived some sustained pressure after the Warriors kicked a penalty into the corner before Jack Dempsey was later held up on the line.

The visitors continued to defend well despite losing captain Peter O’Mahony early on to an arm injury and lock RG Snyman to a head injury. Murray would soon go off as a result of Jordan’s challenge.

Munster’s first meaningful foray into the Glasgow 22 resulted in Fekitoa spinning out of Steyn’s tackle and touching down.

Jordan saw red after the officials studied footage of his dangerous tackle, and the Irish side quickly used their numerical advantage, winning a penalty and then working the ball to Frisch to cross.

Crowley added his second conversion of the game to give Munster a 14-point half-time lead which might have been greater had Franco Smith’s side not stood firm under some relentless late first-half pressure.

🏆 We have our #URC semi-finalists! Who wins it from here? pic.twitter.com/OSeAMm1UIe

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) May 6, 2023

The Warriors restarted the game on the front foot and won a couple of penalties deep in Munster territory, which allowed them to pile on the pressure, but Richie Gray’s spillage and some stubborn defending kept the visitors’ clean sheet intact.

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Glasgow regained the ascendancy after a brief respite for Munster and finally made their pressure count in the 66th minute when substitute Huw Jones set up Steyn to go over in the corner.

Stafford McDowall missed the conversion to leave the Warriors needing two scores, and Munster spent the remainder of the game deep in home territory.

All comeback hopes evaporated when Tuipulotu was yellow-carded following a head-on challenge which forced Fekitoa off with a head knock.

The Warriors will now focus on preparing for the European Challenge Cup final against Toulon in Dublin on May 19.

Italian striker Mario Balotelli has decided to remain at Ligue 1 side OGC Nice for the 2017/18 campaign, according to Nice Matin.

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The length of his new contract, with his current one expiring at the end of this month, has yet to be clarified.

Sources indicate this evening that Mino Raiola has confirmed that Mario Balotelli will be signing his new OGC Nice contract on Tuesday.

Australia and Brumbies front-row James Slipper is optimistic he will remain at the Canberra outfit as he contemplates his future after the upcoming Rugby World Cup. 

Slipper, who is his country’s current skipper, is one of a few senior Wallabies – including scrum-half Nic White and ex-Wallabies captain Michael Hooper – that are yet to sign new contracts beyond 2023 with Rugby Australia.

Revival at the Brumbies

The 33-year-old has revived his career at the Brumbies since joining them from the Reds in 2019 and is keen to continue playing for head coach Stephen Larkham at Super Rugby Pacific level.

“I’ve always said I’d like to stay,” Slipper told reporters. “It’s something that has been working along behind the scenes but I’ve always loved my time in Canberra and Australian rugby.

“I feel like I have a couple of good years left in me so we’ll see what happens.”

Slipper took over the Wallabies captaincy when Hooper withdrew due to mental health problems shortly before the team’s Rugby Championship opener against Argentina last year.

The loosehead prop is unsure whether he will continue in the leadership role now that Eddie Jones has replaced Dave Rennie as Australia’s head coach.

Jones revealed earlier this month that he is considering naming several Wallabies captains for the World Cup due to the impact of concussions on the game.

Slipper was one of three Wallabies skippers during 2022 alongside Hooper and Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa.

“Eddie made it clear he’s going to pick the right man for the job so whoever that is, we’ll get behind him,” said Slipper. “It’s not a thing I’m striving to be, it’s just about whoever is (the) right man for the job.”

Slipper is still focused on the Brumbies as they are targeting Super Rugby Pacific glory. They currently occupy second position the table despite suffering a defeat against the Hurricanes last weekend.

The Brumbies return to action against the Rebels in Melbourne this week and they still have to face the table-topping Chiefs in Canberra in Round 14 – a match they will be keen to win as they bid to secure second position in the standings ahead of the play-offs.

Disappointing result

“It was tough. The result was disappointing but we’ve got a long turnaround and learnt a lot from the game,” Slipper said on their loss to the Hurricanes.

“We’re happy to be back in Canberra and gearing up for a big game this weekend. We thought it was a good fight by the boys to hang in there until the end.

“The result was obviously disappointing but to come away with something, that’s a positive. but we’re overall disappointed.

“We’re going to work hard this week and try and get better.”

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Jordi Mboula isn’t the first, and nor will he be the last to leave the Barcelona nest.

This time it’s Monaco where a product of La Masia will end up, as the club from the principality look to boost their every growing reputation as the environment for young players to develop in.

“As we have done with players such as Bernardo Silva, Fabinho and Tiemoue Bakayoko, we will support him and help him grow in our team.” said Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev on the club website.

Even amongst those impressive names, Mboula might well turn out to be a special case. Whisper it ever so carefully, but the Ligue 1 title holders might have another Kylian Mbappé on their hands.

In terms of potential the Frenchman is undoubtedly a unique player. He has it in world class proportions and has shown every sign of fulfilling it – even in these tender stages of his career. Mboula, while not packing as much potential, can still be an exciting prospect for Monaco to possess. Credit must go to Monaco behind the scenes, with much of the leg work on the deal being done by Antonio Cordón, a man who will no doubt be receiving more praise in the coming years as Monaco’s new era continues to spin. The ex-Villarreal transfer guru has wasted no time in setting the cogs in motion at the French club.

His latest capture arrived at La Masia when just 8-years-old, Mboula had been long touted for success and was soon handed the monicker of ‘Titi’, referring to Thierry Henry of course. Ironic somewhat that he carries that name given the majority of comparisons Mbappé has had to contend with have been to the Arsenal icon.

Born just outside of Barcelona in Granollers to a Congolese father and Catalan mother, Mboula’s impact in La Masia was fairly immediate when joining the Alevín B category. His approach to football was evident fairly early on with direct, explosive performances from a wide right berth. Graceful but at the same time powerful, Mboula’s a melting pot of raw talent ready to be shaped by Monaco into a world beater.

Even at a club where the standards are at times unrealistically high, Mboula seemed to pass each test with flying colours. He even had his ‘viral’ moment this past year when starring in the UEFA Youth League, scoring a sensational solo effort against Borussia Dortmund that was very much the embodiment of his game. Picking up the ball on the halfway line, he drifted past a series of yellow shirts as if they were not there. Mboula showcased his ability to dribble with grace but also burst with speed in the blink of an eye. Dortmund, bamboozled, could not stop the player before he slammed the ball home. Twitter, Vine etc went into meltdown. La Masia had done it again.

Except, they kind of hadn’t. As Mboula’s star continued to ascend he grew more ambitious, and a shot in the first team was something he began to crave even more. When it became apparent it wasn’t forthcoming for the current campaign – or as he later found out the next neither – Mboula began to have his head turned. Even coaches at Barça advised the player to leave, a damning indictment if there ever was one of the current state of the world’s most famous youth academy.

Like others before him, and some who still remain with the club, La Masia has become a less of a sure thing. The pipelines to the first team have become clogged and it’s now on the minds of several talents. Europe’s elite are also taking notice, and others will follow Mboula out the door.

Barça’s apparent reasoning was they didn’t find the player ready for the big step-up to the first team, even if it was simply light integrating. His lack of consistency and physicality were both cited. In terms of the former this is a player who had 8 goals in 9 UEFA Youth Leagues, this from just 13 shots at goal. He’d also shown himself to be one of the most decisive members of the Juvenil A crop. Mboula meanwhile also packs physical strength, be it with his upper body to hold off challenges or his immense levels of speed.

As usual with Barça in these instances, negatives begin to suspiciously filter out once the player is heading for the exit door – or has already gone through it. They’ve even put out in local press that money was what motivated the teenager.

Mboula however, has been nothing but exemplary while at Barça, producing for the various teams he was assigned to in the academy and also off-the-field being a grounded, humble presence. His parents and family were regularly at the Joan Gamper training complex recording his every goal and flash of skill, cheering on like his biggest fans. The trip to watch Jordi will be a little longer now – but they won’t mind.

D.C.

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Sale Sharks secured a play-off spot in the Premiership as they cruised past a poor Bristol Bears 36-20 at Ashton Gate on Friday.

Tries from Ben Curry, Jean-Luc du Preez and Gus Warr saw them to the four points, with George Ford contributing 21 points that included a drop-goal.

Siva Naulago and Gabriel Ibitoye crossed for Bristol, but they were well beaten on the night as they suffered a 10th defeat of the Premiership campaign.

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Sale need one more win – they visit Gloucester next weekend, then host Newcastle on May 6 – to book a home tie in the knockout phase.

Bristol, who saw prop Ellis Genge yellow-carded following a high tackle on Sale flanker and his England team-mate Tom Curry, are now effectively out of the play-off race.

Scrum-half Harry Randall made his 100th Bristol appearance, while Joe Jenkins replaced injured centre Semi Radradra and there were recalls for lock Joe Batley and number eight Magnus Bradbury.

England flanker Tom Curry recovered from a hamstring injury to take his place in the Sale back-row alongside brother Ben and number eight Jono Ross, with prop Simon McIntyre taking over from Bevan Rodd.

Ford kicked Sale into a fourth-minute lead through a penalty from just inside Bristol’s half, but the home side quickly drew level following a spell of pressure when AJ MacGinty landed a short-range penalty.

Bristol offered an attacking threat, although clear-cut chances were few and far between during the opening quarter, and a second 48-metre penalty from Ford made it 6-3 as Sale’s scrum showed signs of getting on top.

Ford completed a penalty hat-trick after he was tackled late by Bristol flanker Fitz Harding, yet Sale indiscipline allowed Williams a long-range chance that he accepted as the goalkicking fest continued.

A Ford drop-goal made it 12-6 before Sharks’ England centre Manu Tuilagi broke clear and freed wing Tom O’Flaherty, but Bristol number eight Bradbury’s superb cover-tackle prevented a certain try.

Sale, though, only had to wait another two minutes to breach Bristol’s defence when a missed tackle by prop Max Lahiff gave Ben Curry a free run, with his try being converted by Ford.

It was a soft score for Bristol to concede, but they ended the half deep in Sale territory and clawed their way back through a well-worked try for Naulago that was created by MacGinty’s inch-perfect kick.

MacGinty converted from the touchline, and Bristol had narrowed their deficit to six points at the interval.

🦈 Sale need one more try for the bonus. #GallagherPrem #BRIvSALpic.twitter.com/tywUOT3bMg

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) April 14, 2023

Sale began the second period in concerted fashion, and Ross’ fine approach work opened up enough space for Du Preez to crash over, with Ford adding the extras.

Another Ford penalty gave Sale more breathing space, and their cause was helped when referee Luke Pearce sent to Genge to the sin-bin after he caught Curry high with his left shoulder.

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Sale were in no mood to shut up shop, and Warr added a third try when he sprinted clear of a stretched Bristol defence 11 minutes from time, with an immaculate Ford again converting.

Bath fight back to stun Gloucester

Elsewhere, Bath fought back from 24-14 down to defeat Gloucester 33-24 at Kingsholm in a result that moves them three points behind their bitter rivals.

Gloucester looked in firm control until a yellow card for their skipper Lewis Ludlow gave Bath a foothold in the match, and they grew in confidence from then to run out deserved winners.

Miles Reid scored two tries for Bath, while Joe Cokanasiga and Sam Underhill were also on the try-scoring sheet.

There was also a penalty try award, with Ben Spencer adding three conversions.

Stephen Varney, Seb Atkinson and Santiago Carreras scored Gloucester’s tries, with Carreras adding a penalty and three conversions.

Gloucester took a sixth-minute lead with a well-created try. Chris Harris and Carreras combined neatly to create space for Louis Rees-Zammit to send Varney over.

Carreras converted and added a straightforward penalty before Bath had their first chance for points.

They turned down a kickable penalty in favour of a driving line-out, and when hooker Tom Dunn burst away from it, he looked a likely scorer but managed to lose possession in the process of grounding.

Bath were made to pay for their profligacy when some quick handling provided Carreras with an overlap and an easy run-in.

The visitors needed a response, and they got one with an award of a penalty try. Max Ojomoh ran elusively before being hauled into touch by a high tackle from Ludlow, and after viewing TMO replays, the Gloucester captain was yellow-carded and the try given.

Bath took advantage of Ludlow’s absence to score a second try when Reid finished off a succession of forward drives, with Spencer converting to leave his side trailing 17-14 at the interval.

Ludlow returned for the restart and in time to see his side extend the lead when an excellent three-quarter move culminated in Atkinson forcing his way over.

Bath had another opportunity when Tom de Glanville intercepted a pass from Harris to set sail for the line, but the full-back was chased down by the pace of Rees-Zammit.

However, Bath took their next chance when their opponents failed to deal with a speculative kick from Spencer. The ball bounced unfavourably for Ollie Thorley and Carreras, with Cokanasiga on hand to pick up the pieces.

🍒🛁 Bath lead at Kingsholm! #GallagherPrem #GLOvBAT pic.twitter.com/OUhAW8L6K6

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) April 14, 2023

Three minutes later, Bath took the lead for the first time when Reid crashed over for his second, with Spencer’s conversion giving them a two-point advantage going into the final quarter.

The tide had now firmly turned Bath’s way, and it came as no surprise when they scored a fifth try as a burst from Ollie Lawrence put the home defence on the back foot, which allowed Underhill to pick up and score.

Carreras missed two late penalties to ensure Gloucester came away with nothing and leave Bath with only their second away win in the Premiership this year.

L’Équipe report this morning that Kylian Mbappé and his father recently met with PSG President Nasser Al Khelaifi and the capital club’s Sporting Director Antero Henrique in a meeting that was broadly positive.

During the meeting, a change in tactics that could suit Mbappé at PSG, playing time assurances and a competitive team in the Champions League were all discussed.

Mbappé also talked highly of Fabinho and did nothing to discourage PSG about attempting to sign the Monaco man.

Mbappé has yet to make a decision on his future.

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Check out the teams ahead of the eighth round of Super Rugby Pacific, where Moana Pasifika head coach Aaron Mauger has picked Niko Jones – who is the son of legendary All Blacks back-row Sir Michael Jones – to start on the openside flank against the Reds in Apia on Friday.

Friday

Moana Pasifika v Reds
Apia Stadium

Moana Pasifika: 15 William Havili, 14 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13 Levi Aumua, 12 Danny Toala, 11 Neria Fomai, 10 Lincoln McClutchie, 9 Ereatara Enari, 8 Solomone Funaki (c), 7 Niko Jones, 6 Miracle Faiilagi, 5 Mike McKee, 4 Michael Curry, 3 Isi Tu’ungafasi, 2 Samiuela Moli, 1 Ezekiel Lindenmuth
Replacements: 16 Luteru Tolai, 17 Abraham Pole, 18 Suetena Asomua, 19 Potu Leavasa, 20 Sione Tu’ipulotu, 21 Manu Paea, 22 D’Angelo Leuila, 23 Fine Inisi

Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Suliasi Vunivalu, 13 Josh Flook, 12 James O’Connor, 11 Jordan Petaia, 10 Lawson Creighton, 9 Tate McDermott (c), 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Jake Upfield, 5 Ryan Smith, 4 Connor Vest, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Sef Fa’agase
Replacements: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Phransis Sula-Siaosi, 19 Lopeti Faifua, 20 Connor Anderson, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Tom Lynagh, 23 Taj Annan

Brumbies v Fijian Drua
Gio Stadium, Canberra

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Brumbies: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andy Muirhead, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Ollie Sapsford, 11 Ben O’Donnell, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Rory Scott, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Sam Thomson, 4 Darcy Swain, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Lachlan Lonergan, 1 James Slipper
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Rhys Van Nek, 19 Nick Frost, 20 Luke Reimer, 21 Nic White, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Declan Meredith

Drua: 15 Kitione Taliga, 14 Eroni Sau, 13 Iosefo Masi, 12 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 11 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 10 Teti Tela (c), 9 Peni Matawalu, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Joseva Tamani, 5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Samuela Tawake, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Livai Natave
Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Haereiti Hetet, 18 Jone Koroiduadua, 19 Leone Rotuisolia, 20 Rusiate Nasove, 21 Philip Baselala, 22 Michael Naitokani, 23 Ilaisa Droasese

Saturday

Hurricanes v Chiefs
Sky Stadium, Wellington

Hurricanes: 15 Josh Moorby, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Salesi Rayasi, 10 Aidan Morgan, 9 Cameron Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Devan Flanders, 5 Dominic Bird, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Xavier Numia
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Tevita Mafileo, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 TK Howden, 20 Brayden Iose, 21 Peter Lakai, 22 Jamie Booth, 23 Harry Godfrey

Chiefs: 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Daniel Rona, 12 Rameka Poihipi, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber (cc), 8 Luke Jacobson, 7 Sam Cane (cc), 6 Pita Gus Sowakula, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 George Dyer, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Aidan Ross
Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 John Ryan, 19 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Bryn Gatland, 23 Peniasi Malimali

Waratahs v Western Force
Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Waratahs: 15 Max Jorgensen, 14 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 13 Izaia Perese, 12 Lalakai Foketi, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Jake Gordon (c), 8 Taleni Seu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Lachie Swinton, 5 Ned Hanigan, 4 Jed Holloway, 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Dave Porecki, 1 Tom Lambert
Replacements: 16 Mahe Vailanu, 17 Te Tera Faulkner, 18 Dan Botha, 19 Zac Von Appen, 20 Will Harris, 21 Teddy Wilson, 22 Joey Walton, 23 Harry Wilson

Western Force: 15 Chase Tiatia, 14 Manasa Mataele, 13 Sam Spink, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Zach Kibirige, 10 Jake Strachan, 9 Gareth Simpson, 8 Jacob Norris, 7 Ollie Callan, 6 Tim Anstee, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Jackson Pugh, 3 Santaigo Medrano, 2 Tom Horton, 1 Tom Robertson
Replacements: 16 Feleti Kaitu’u, 17 Angus Wagner, 18 Siosifa Amone, 19 Ryan McCauley, 20 Felix Kalapu, 21 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22 Bayley Kuenzle, 23 George Poolman

After a tumultuous season for Olympique Lyonnais, changes are afoot with the departure of key cogs Corentin Tolisso, captain Maxime Gonalons and Alexandre Lacazette. As the summer began with the club linked to a number of high-profile targets, Les Gones first acquisition was for Brazilian left-back Fernando Marçal from Benfica after a stellar season on loan in Ligue 1. Those looking for a marquee signing may have been underwhelmed. Though with Lyon’s history of success with Brazilian players and his skill set, Marçal may finally reach the full potential of his talents not unlike his compatriot Michel Bastos did when he signed for OL in 2009.

The 28-year-old Sao Paulo-born fullback arrives in Lyon with little time to waste. Not only to achieve club glory previously impossible at his former clubs, but to fulfill his ultimate football ambition: playing for his national team. “My dream is to play with the Brazilian National team and I hope OL will help me reach this goal too”, he said at June 19th unveiling.

Bastos also cited international ambitions as one of the reasons for coming to the club. European fans will remember Bastos for his eye for goal and technical abilities as an attacking player. Marçal will only be interested in replicating his role at the 2010 World Cup where Bastos started all five games for the Seleção at left-back.

There is no question Marçal will have his work cut out for him to displace arguably the best left-back in the world Marcelo or Filipe Luis for a spot on the Brazilian team at next summer’s FIFA World Cup.

He will be keen to impress Brazil coach Tite should any injuries arise and he will have ample opportunity to do so with OL’s domestic & Europa League fixtures. Lyon’s longstanding ability to cultivate the talent of Brazilians is well-known, and Bastos isn’t the only player they’ve elevated to the international level. “In Brazil, OL is the best French club, thanks to all the Brazilian players who played here”, Marçal said.

He is the 16th Brazilian to don the blue and red of OL. Any Brazilian at the club dreams of emulating the success of Juninho Pernambucano, a club icon in his 8 years in Lyon, highlighted by his 2005-06 Ligue 1 UNFP Player of the Year. The free kick wizard earned 40 caps for his nation and scored at the 2006 World Cup. His frequent midfield partner, Edmílson, launched his Brazil career at Lyon. He too won 40 caps for the Seleção, scoring his only international goal and appearing in 6 of 7 matches in South Korea as Brazil won their 5th World Cup in 2002. Cris is the gold-standard all Brazilians are judged on in the Lyon defence. Over 200 appearances and four Ligue 1 titles etched his name into club lore. While he only made 17 appearances for Brazil, he can show his 2004 Copa America winner’s medal with pride.

With Cris coaching the U19s and Juninho reportedly close to rejoining the club as sporting director, Marçal will have no shortage of friendly faces to help acclimate to life at the club. On the field, he will be joined by compatriot and former Manchester United red devil, Rafael, a player he quipped about playing against as U18s.

With the two likely to serve as the first-choice fullbacks, their respective pace, technical ability and attacking instincts will be a lot to handle for opposing backlines and midfielders attempting to track their overlapping runs. Manager Bruno Genesio’s penchant for using inverted wingers who like to cut inside make runs in the opposition’s half by the fullbacks even more important.  When you factor in the team’s tendency to control possession, an average of 56.7% last season according to whoscored.com, Marçal will have plenty of chances to contribute in the attack.

While on loan at Guingamp last year, he lead his team in chances created (54) and equaled FC Nantes’ Leo Dubois for the most assists by a defender (7), though Marçal did so in nearly 5 full games less. While his average of 8 defensive actions per match was third best on the team, according to Squawka.

He will be an immediate upgrade at his position from Jeremy Morel. While his high work rate afforded him plenty of attacking opportunities, his 5 assists and 1 goal since joining from Marseille two seasons ago left a lot to be desired. At age 33 and Lyon signing Ferland Mendy, a promising, young left-back from Le Havre, the bulk of his game time next year may come at his auxiliary position in central defence.

Fernando Marçal’s signing may not have come with much fanfare, but he has all the tools to cement his status alongside Michel Bastos and many others in Lyon’s jogo bonito history.

G.R.

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Former England wing Chris Ashton became the first player to score 100 Premiership tries in Leicester Tigers’ outstanding 62-19 triumph over Exeter Chiefs.

Ashton moved to 99 in the first half as the Midlands outfit took a 22-12 advantage into the break, with Dan Kelly and Jack van Poortvliet also going over.

Sam Simmonds and Stuart Hogg crossed the whitewash to keep Exeter in the contest, but their race was effectively run when Olly Woodburn bizarrely received a second yellow card for stopping Ashton scoring his 100th try.

Woodburn was sin-binned in the first half for a deliberate knock-on and was then sent off after he was deemed to have illegally prevented a try.

After that, Leicester dominated with Ashton crossing the whitewash twice more to complete his hat-trick and get to the century mark.

George Martin and Matt Scott (twice) also went over as they pretty much guaranteed their Premiership play-off place, with a home semi-final not out of the equation.

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Leicester were forced into an early change when prop James Cronin left the field in discomfort to be replaced by Tom West.

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However, they immediately overcame that setback to take the lead as Pollard made a clean break from halfway before chipping ahead for Kelly to collect and score.

It was then Exeter’s turn to suffer an injury blow when centre Solomone Kata hobbled off to be replaced by Rory O’Loughlin.

Exeter’s miserable start continued when they conceded a second try. From a ruck on their 22 an alert Van Poortvliet saw space on the blindside to feed Ashton, who kicked ahead for his team-mate to regain possession and score.

Exeter needed a swift response and got one thanks to a solo effort from Sam Simmonds. The number eight ran a superb line to collect a pass from scrum-half Will Becconsall before evading three defenders to crash over.

The score enabled Simmonds to equal Neil Back’s record of 59 tries for a Premiership forward and it was the catalyst for the Chiefs to dominate the early stages of the second quarter.

However, they could not capitalise and it was Leicester who struck next when Handre Pollard kicked a simple penalty after Woodburn had been yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on.

Pollard was also responsible for the next score, albeit unintentionally, when his ill-judged cross-field kick was intercepted by Exeter centre Sean O’Brien ahead of intended target Anthony Watson.

O’Brien was supported by Becconsall and Simmonds to give Hogg a simple run-in.

Exeter soon suffered another blow, though, when O’Loughlin became the second Chiefs player to be carded for a deliberate knock-on and Tigers took immediate advantage, Ashton collecting Watson’s kick for his 99th Premiership try and leaving his side with a 22-12 half-time lead.

Within three minutes of the restart, Leicester were awarded a controversial penalty try and with it picked up their bonus point.

Chris Ashton scores his 101st try and celebrates with this young fan. 🤣

Lovely moment. ❤️pic.twitter.com/T0RtPo7cXt

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) April 16, 2023

A superb burst from Jasper Wiese looked to have led to the history-making 100th try for Ashton but TMO replays showed that Woodburn had dived on top of the grounded Tigers wing after he had been tackled by Hogg.

The referee ruled Ashton’s foot had been in touch so, rather than an historic score for the former England international, a penalty try was harshly given for Woodburn’s offence, with the Chiefs wing subsequently sent off for a second yellow card.

However, Ashton was not to be denied as moments later he achieved his century before Ben Youngs appeared from the bench to become the 37th player to reach 300 appearances for the club.

Chiefs were completely shellshocked so it came as no surprise when Martin and Scott added further tries for the hosts before Ashton completed his hat-trick to take Tigers past 50 points.

There was still time for Scott to score his second try and Leicester’s ninth before Rus Tuima ended proceedings with a consolation for Exeter, who suffered a seventh successive away defeat in the Premiership.

Paris Saint-Germain has officially confirmed the signing of former Barcelona full back Dani Alves on a two-year-deal.

The 34-year-old was set to join Manchester City as close as a week ago, but PSG managed to convince the Champions League winner to move to Ligue 1 on wages reported by reputable French sources to be around €7m a year.

Alves, who asked for his contract to be terminated at Juventus little over a month ago, will wear the number 32 shirt. He joins fellow Brazilians Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Lucas Moura and with a helping hand from former teammate Maxwell, Alves is now a Parisian.

T.S.

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