Month: October 2024

Planet Rugby recaps some of the top stories of the day involving Billy Twelvetrees, Stuart McInally, Anthony Watson, Dave Kearney and more.

Billy Twelvetrees to leave Gloucester

Gloucester announced that centre Billy Twelvetrees will leave the club at the end of this season. 

The 34-year-old has spent the last 11 years at the Cherry and Whites and will ’embark on a new challenge’ next season, the club confirmed.

The former England and Lions centre has made over 270 appearances for Gloucester since joining Leicester Tigers in 2012. 

“I’m extremely thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to play for such a prestigious club for the last 11 years, and I’ve loved every minute of it,” Twelvetrees said.

“What makes this club special is the people and the fans. From Shaun the kitman, to Chef, to Martin and Judith St. Quinton, who have given me the opportunity to play here for so many years, this club is all about the people.

“I’ve made some friends for life, and that’s why I love rugby so much, and I can’t wait for my next chapter in rugby.”

🗣 "I've just loved being at a club that is all about the people…"

Billy Twelvetrees will leave for a new challenge at the end of the season but what an impact he's had in Cherry & White. 🍒

Watch the full interview 👉 https://t.co/F4xEqeuvID pic.twitter.com/pKVdkcSRFt

— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) April 19, 2023

While Gloucester did not confirm what Twelvetrees’ ‘new challenge’ would be, he has been linked with a move to the Ealing Trailfinders.

Saracens chase Anthony Watson, while Billy Vunipola to stay – report

The Telegraph reports that Saracens have emerged as a potential destination for Leicester Tigers’ back Anthony Watson.

The 29-year-old has been linked with a move to Castres next season but could head to Saracens if he opts to stay in the Premiership.

According to the report, Saracens are also set to retain Billy Vunipola’s services despite interest from France and Japan. This could mean veterans Sean Maitland, Duncan Taylor and Jackson Wray leave at the end of the season.

Dave Kearney and Adam Byrne off to the MLR?

Leinster veteran Dave Kearney has been linked with a move to Major League Rugby’s newest franchise, the Chicago Hounds, and his former teammate Adam Byrne could follow.

Connacht confirmed that Byrne would leave the province at the end of the season, and Kearney is set to do the same at Leinster.

Rob and Dave Kearney are founding members of the new MLR side, so Dave continuing his career at the team is no surprise, but the 42.ie reports that Byrne will follow him.

Stuart McInally to pursue pilot career

Edinburgh and Scotland hooker Stuart McInally will hang up his boots in November to pursue a career as a pilot.

The 47-Test cap international is one of Edinburgh’s longest-serving players. He joined the academy in 2009 and made his senior debut a year later.

He currently holds a Private Pilot’s License but aims to become a commercial airline pilot.

The hooker will play his final game for Edinburgh this weekend, featuring in his 177th game for the club in his 12th and final season.

McInally finishes his time at Edinburgh as the club’s sixth most-capped player behind Allan Jacobsen (273), Chris Paterson (205), Ross Ford (199), Grant Gilchrist (188) and WP Nel (186).

“It was really tough knowing this was the moment to move on. I always thought it would be really easy to retire because I’ve always known what I want to do after rugby – become a pilot – but stepping away from the club I love is massive, and it’s been a huge decision,” McInally said.

 “However, I feel ready, and this is such an exciting opportunity. I drive under a flight path every morning on my journey into BT Murrayfield and so often see planes landing at Edinburgh Airport. I start to think, ‘what is the pilot seeing’ ‘how are they adapting’ – and that itself gets me excited for the next steps in my career.

Click Here: union bordeaux begles rugby jerseys

“While I’m obviously sad to be moving on, this decision has really been 10 years in the making. I started flying back in 2013, and a lot of work has gone in to get to this point. I’m now massively excited to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot.”

✈️🙏 Hanging up his boots to earn his wings.

Part 1⃣: @McInallyStuart sits down at @EDI_Airport to discuss hanging up his boots while reflecting on his best moments in the Edinburgh jersey. pic.twitter.com/bCVExqukzd

— Edinburgh Rugby (@EdinburghRugby) April 19, 2023

Tom Collins to leave Northampton Saints

Northampton Saints wing Tom Collins will leave the Premiership club at the end of the 2022/23 season.

The 28-year-old made his debut for the side back in 2013 and has gone on to make 144 appearances so far, scoring 48 tries along the way.

“I’ve absolutely loved my time at the club, it’s been amazing for me, and I’m very grateful to all the people I have played alongside and those who have enabled me to play rugby at the highest level,” said Collins.

Four players to depart Harlequins

Harlequins confirmed that four players will depart the club at the end of the 2022/23 season. Back-row Viliami Taulani, scrum-half Jack Stafford, wing Conor Oresanya and prop Rhys Litterick will all leave the Famous Quarters.

Head coach Tabai Matson commented: “Viliami, Jack, Conor and Rhys have been excellent during their time at the club, and I have no doubt they will continue to succeed going forward. We would like to wish all four players every success for their futures beyond this season and thank them for their service and dedication to the Quins shirt.”

Trio re-sign with Scarlets

Scarlets backs Joe Roberts, Ioan Nicholas and Eddie James have all signed new deals, committing their futures to the club.

The trio all came through the club’s academy system, with Roberts racking up 23 appearances for the side since debuting in 2020. 

Nicholas became the youngest player to represent the Scarlets when he made his debut at the age of 17 years and 134 days in a pre-season friendly against Jersey in August 2015. He has since played 69 times for the region.

20-year-old James made his debut against Glasgow Warriors in February and earned his first URC start against Glasgow last weekend. 

Central defender Vukasin Jovanovic has officially completed his move from Zenit to Bordeaux after making his initial loan permanent.

The Serbian spent the second half of last season in Ligue 1 and now signs a four-year-deal to make his move permanent, much to the delight of Jocelyn Gourvennec.

“We wish to continue with Vuka, to carry on the work we have done together over the last five months. He is a valuable player to the squad, a valuable element to our style and a young player with great potential.”

The 21-year-old impressed during his loan spell with the club and is being tipped to be in the Russia squad for the 2018 World Cup. He has plenty of room to develop as a player and this may just be the right move for him at this stage.

T.S.

Click Here: cheap puma shoes

Leinster wing James Lowe believes it is imperative for his side to capitalise on the “luxury” of playing at home or the rest of their European season.

Click Here: cheap nike women shoes

Lowe’s side finished the pool stages of the Champions Cup as the best-placed side meaning they earn the right to host knockout games as far as they progress.

Home run in

Leinster also have the benefit of the final being in Dublin, so should they make it all the way then it will still be a home game for them. Their journey in the prestigious tournament continues this week with an intriguing quarter-final against Leicester Tigers.

The Leinsterman acknowledges that his side are lucky to have a home run in and believes that they have what it takes to make the most of it.

“Having the luxury of playing at home is awesome,” said Lowe.

“Mate, if you give us an absolute carpet to play on and don’t water it an hour before the game, we’re pretty confident going into it.

“We’ve put ourselves in a great position to play at home for the next knock-out games we’re a part of, so we need to really capitalise on that.

“I’m fortunate enough to be in a pretty good side, so if you’re not enjoying it at the moment then you’re probably in the wrong field of work. We’re playing with a bit of confidence – and you’ve got boys in every position who are arguably playing their best footy, so it’s going well.”

Unbeaten run

Leinster have been on a sensational run this season and are 20 games unbeaten in all competitions, with their only blemish a draw against the Stormers whilst their Grand Slam winners were away.

Lowe understands this puts a target on their back and insists winning streaks mean nothing if they do not include a trophy.

“You’ve got to understand there’s a bit of a target on your back and I think we deserve it, but everyone’s there trying to pick us apart however which way they can,” he said.

“We know we’ve got a pretty good game plan, a good understanding of what we’re trying to achieve – and if you don’t do your homework and understand what the other team is trying to do, you’re setting yourself up to fail.

“So now this time of season is when it really matters. No one’s going to remember that we were unbeaten for 20-odd games if you don’t have any trophies at the end to show for it.

“‘The next game is the most important’ is the cliché – but it’s knock-out footy and we need to not spoil the fact we’ve put ourselves in a great opportunity.”

Bordeaux can head into their Europa League second leg tie against Videoton with an air of confidence following their 2-1 victory last week in France. The long trip to Hungary was made a lot easier when a double from Younousse Sankharé gave Les Girondins a valuable victory in the first leg, setting them up with a simple task; don’t lose.

Whilst it may be easy to dismiss Videoton from the tie, they are in arguably better physical shape than the Ligue 1 side, as they’re currently undefeated in their opening three games in the Hungarian First Division, also known as Nemzet Bajnoksak. The Hungarians managed to keep themselves within a fighting chance of qualification despite being largely outplayed for the majority of the game by Bordeaux, so it would be naïve of Jocelyn Gourvennec’s side to completely disregard the Hungarians.

Speaking of Gourvennec’s men, they will of course be favourites for this tie and a victory here could really see their confidence grow if they go further in the competition. The competition could be a great way for the club to make a huge impression on the rest of the continent, much like Monaco did in the UEFA Champions League last year as well as Ajax Amsterdam when they reached the Europa League final last seasons. Whilst winning the whole competition may seem like a long shot, it offers Bordeaux a great way to show their full potential.

Their business in the summer has been smart as well, bringing in Youssouf Sabaly from Paris Saint-Germain for just under €5m, Lukas Lerager and Vukasin Jovanovic were brought in for roughly the same price combined, but their deal of the summer is undoubtedly the free transfer of Benoit Costil from Rennes. These signings alongside the likes of Malcom, Gaëtan Laborde and the first leg hero Younousse Sankharé could be what Bordeaux needed to make them consistent challengers in Ligue 1 and potentially even in Europe.

Whilst other French clubs may have bigger expectations in Europe this season due to spending and other factors, but Bordeaux could easily find themselves performing well and this game against a resolute side will be a good test to see what Les Girondins are made of.

Team News:

Despite being unbeaten in their opening three games of the Hungarian season, Videoton have only actually won one game, a 1-3 away from home against Puskas, drawing the other two against the long-winded Balmaz Kamilla Gyogyfurdo and most recently at home to Ujpest.

In that last outing against Ujpest, the Hungarians finished the game without any injury concerns as they made a very late two-goal comeback to salvage a 2-2 draw. The injury list will be bare for Videoton, but the confidence will be running high around the dressing room following their late victory, something that the fans may feed off when Bordeaux come to town.

Videoton manager Marko Nikolic may be tempted to keep the same lineup as the one from the first leg, but could potentially go with the eleven that rescued a draw from the hands of defeat against Ujpest. With no injury worries or suspensions, Videoton will be at full strength, as they look to try and turnover the 2-1 deficit.

As for Bordeaux, they are in more or less the same position. No injuries or suspensions from the first leg means Jocelyn Gourvennec has his full strength squad to pick from. This luxury is likely to mean that the manager sticks with the starting eleven from the first leg, but obviously with a mind to Sunday’s opening Ligue 1 game against SCO Angers.

After playing a 4-3-3 last time out and with how effective it was, Gourvennec is likely to stick to that, unless he feels the need to sure up his backline against opposition who will look to catch them on the counter attack.

Danger Men:

Marko Scepovic, Videoton

The former Real Mallorca striker has been in lethal form in all competitions so far this season for Videoton. His seven goals in seven games across both the Hungarian First Division and the Europa League makes him an instant threat to the Bordeaux back line. The 6’2 striker will look to cause as much hassle as possible for the defenders and try bringing in some of the other Videoton players on any potential attacks.

Malcolm, Bordeaux

The special talent of this Bordeaux side, he holds the key for a victory away in Hungary. His pace and trickiness could cause so many problems on the left wing, or even if he wants to let a shot go from distance and try his luck from range. He may not have got on the score sheet in the first leg, but if he’s in the mood on Thursday, he could be the one to look out for in this Bordeaux side.

Prediction:

Videoton 0-2 Bordeaux

T.S.

Click Here: gold coast suns 2019 guernsey

Wales moved to the top of the Women’s Six Nations table after they beat Scotland 34-22 in Edinburgh in an impressive bonus-point win.

Sisilia Tuipulotu and Gwenllian Pyrs scored two tries apiece on the night as Wales backed up last weekend’s victory over Ireland in their tournament opener.

Tuipulotu and fellow prop Pyrs crossed in the first half either side of a Helen Nelson penalty for the hosts as Wales went 12-3 up, before Lana Skeldon’s reply and Nelson’s conversion reduced the deficit to two points heading into the interval.

Pyrs over again for Wales soon after

Pyrs added her second try moments after the restart, with Keira Bevan kicking her second successful conversion, Coreen Grant hit back for Scotland and Tuipulotu then got on the scoresheet again to secure Wales a bonus point and put them 24-17 up.

Scotland again rallied, with Chloe Rollie crossing in the 65th minute, but Nelson missed her conversion attempt as the visitors kept their noses ahead by two.

And Wales then wrapped things up in the final 10 minutes, with Elinor Snowsill kicking a penalty and then converting Ffion Lewis’ 78th-minute try.

🌟Another Player of the Match winning performance in the #TikTokW6N for @SisiliaT14 💪

Llongyfarchiadau Sisila 👏 #OurCharge #SCOWAL pic.twitter.com/H0IceAFArE

Click Here: Juventus soccer tracksuit

— TikTok Women's Six Nations (@Womens6Nations) April 1, 2023

It makes it two wins from two matches for Ioan Cunningham’s side, who go above France at the summit having added to the 31-5 victory over Ireland, while Bryan Easson’s Scotland remain without a point a week on from being thumped 58-7 by England in their opener.

Ireland suffer back-to-back losses

Elsewhere on Saturday, Ireland suffered a second straight Six Nations defeat after being thrashed 53-3 by France.

The Irish needed a big performance following that opening weekend loss against Wales, but were torn apart by France – who easily made it two wins from two and ran in nine tries despite having Annaelle Deshaye sent off early on.

The final game of the second round takes place on Sunday when England host Italy at Franklin’s Gardens.

Newly promoted Ligue 1 club Amiens have completed the signing of FC Sion player Moussa Konaté.

Click Here: Dani Carvajal jersey sale

The Senegalese striker joins for an undisclosed fee from the Swiss side on a four-year-deal, following his 14 goals and six assists in the Swiss Super League last season.

The Senegalese international has played 23 times for his country, scoring eight goals and will look to bring some of his goals from Switzerland over the border to France in a bid to keep Amiens in the top flight.

T.S.

The Crusaders have confirmed that star wing Sevu Reece has been sidelined with a knee ligament injury which will rule him out of the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup campaign in France later this year.

The 26-year-old sustained the injury during the Crusaders’ 34-28 victory over the Blues in their Round Four Super Rugby Pacific encounter at Eden Park in Auckland earlier this month.

Reece sidelined for the rest of the year

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson confirmed that Reece is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“Sevu’s out for the whole of the 2023 season,” said Robertson. “He’s back in ’24.

“We really feel for him. He’s been incredible for us. It’s a big loss.

“A lot of work will get him back to where he was beforehand, being a world class wing.”

Reece has been a stalwart for the Crusaders since joining them in 2019 and his fine form at Super Rugby level led to him earning an All Blacks call up later that year.

He made his Test debut against Argentina in Buenos Aires during the Rugby Championship, was also part of New Zealand’s squad at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and has made 23 Test appearances so far.

Meanwhile, Robertson also revealed that the Crusaders will be without All Blacks flanker Ethan Blackadder for six weeks due to a calf injury.

Reece and Blackadder’s injuries are the latest setbacks for the Crusaders who are already without Sam Whitelock (broken hand), David Havili (shoulder), Jack Goodhue (groin), utility back Will Jordan (vestibular) and back-row Cullen Grace (shoulder).

Robertson not panicking

Despite the mounting injury list, Robertson is not panicking.

“It’s part of playing rugby, and part of being an athlete,” he said. “You’d like it to be a little bit more spread out, or not happen at all, but it’s just part of it.

“You’ve just got to get around the guys that have had injuries. We’ll make a big deal around it and make sure we support them all the way.

“It’s tough, tough for them.”

Click Here: mens f1 polo,classic f1 shirts

Ligue 1 vice-champions PSG have submitted a €7m offer for Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina, according to Gianluca di Marzio.

Les Parisiens are willing to offer the Spaniard, who will be 35 at the end of the month, a contract worth €3.5m a year.

Napoli so far this summer have come down hard on any offers for Reina, and it would be seemingly non-sensical for them to change that stance so late in the window, even if the former Liverpool man is interested in joining PSG.

Click Here: Cheap Vans Women Shoes

Scott Robertson has been announced as the new All Blacks head coach, taking charge of the team after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The Crusaders boss will begin his tenure at the helm of New Zealand at the beginning of 2024 until the 2027 World Cup, taking over from outgoing coach Ian Foster.

The former All Black considered himself unlucky to have missed out on the job for the cycle after the 2019 World Cup as New Zealand Rugby (NZR) opted for Foster instead.

Click Here: canterbury-bankstown bulldogs shirt

“Ultimate honour”

Nevertheless, Robertson cannot wait to get going in the new role and underlined how much of an honour it is to represent his country in this capacity.

“It’s an honour to be named as the next All Blacks Head Coach,” Robertson told the All Blacks official website. “It’s a job that comes with a huge amount of responsibility, but I’m excited by the opportunity to make a contribution to the legacy of the black jersey.

“To represent your country, as a coach or player, is the ultimate honour in sport and it’s humbling to be given that opportunity. I can’t wait.”

The 48-year-old is no stranger to the All Blacks set-up, having played for his country 23 times during his playing career.

What soon followed was the beginning of a prolific coaching career, beginning with an assistant role with Canterbury in 2008. Robertson would eventually take over and win three consecutive Premiership titles between 2013 and 2016. During this period, he would also lead New Zealand U20 to a World Championship.

In 2017 the coach would take over the Crusader helm and win six Super Rugby titles on the bounce, which threw his credentials into the spotlight for the top job in New Zealand.

Cannot wait to get going

Robertson cannot wait to get going, but his focus will remain on the Crusaders for the remainder of Super Rugby Pacific.

“Having significant time to plan for 2024 and beyond is crucial to setting the All Blacks up for success during the next World Cup cycle,” he added. “I have a job to do with the Crusaders and that will be my main focus through to the completion of DHL Super Rugby, but I will now have the opportunity to work with NZR to get some key appointments in my coaching and management team finalised, so we can hit the ground running next year.“

Meanwhile, NZR board chair dame Patsy Reddy was excited to have appointed Robertson and admits there was much thought put into the decision being made uniquely before the World Cup.

“We were very happy with the calibre and quality and quality of the people involved and would like to thank all of those who took part in the process,” she said. “The decision to appoint the next All Blacks head coach ahead of the Rugby World Cup was not taken lightly, but we believe it was the right decision for New Zealand Rugby and the All Blacks and will set the team up for future success.

“We congratulate Scott on his appointment and look forward to working together in 2024, but have also been clear that New Zealand Rugby’s full support this year will be focused on the current All Blacks coaching team as we look toward the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.”

NZR chief executive Mark Robinson shared the sentiment and feels Robertson is the right coach to take the team forward.

“I’d like to congratulate Scott on his appointment,” he said. “His coaching record speaks for itself in terms of success, but what came through strongly during the interview process was his innovative approach to the game, his passion for his players, and his desire to add to the All Blacks legacy.

“We firmly believe he is the right person to lead the team in 2024 and beyond.”

French international central midfielder Clément Grenier has confirmed to RMC that he wants to remain at Lyon for the forthcoming season, despite the club’s attempts to sell him.

OL were close last night to a €4m agreement with Malaga for the player’s transfer, but Grenier has apparently decided to stay put, where he is currently on a very good salary, despite recently not even being included in Génésio’s match-day squad.

Click Here: nsw blues jersey