ROBBIE HENSHAW IS the kind of player and personality that coaches must love.
Henshaw and Connacht are hoping to secure a top six spot this weekend. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
After a year in which he started and excelled in seven games for Ireland, the 21-year-old was asked about the looming World Cup as he accepted his Nevin Spence Young Player and VW Try of the Year awards at last night’s IRUPA dinner in Dublin.
“It’ll be a brilliant experience if I get selected,” began Henshaw.
There’s little doubt that injury is the only thing that could prevent the Connacht man from being integrally involved in Joe Schmidt’s attempts to lead Ireland to glory at the global tournament as Henshaw continues to improve with every game.
Last night was his third consecutive IRUPA Young Player award, a mark of his quality since breaking into Connacht’s first team under Eric Elwood. Having made his international debut in 2013, this season was the one in which those who had long predicated Henshaw as a future Ireland starter saw their forecasts come true.
International thoughts are on the back burner for now, with Henshaw focusing on Connacht’s monumental final day Guinness Pro12 clash with the Ospreys in Galway on Saturday, but he can reflect on a job well done this season.
“My target was to try and get a couple of games in the November Tests and hope that went well,” said Henshaw at the DoubleTree by Hilton before last night’s ceremony.
“Thankfully it did and then obviously getting the start in the Six Nations was absolutely brilliant and to be involved in all the games was amazing. I pretty much hit my targets internationally that I set and hopefully now we can hit this target this weekend against the Ospreys.”
Henshaw has stepped into more of a leadership role with Connacht. Source: James Crombie/INPHO
Henshaw’s acceleration with Ireland has brought him into new ground at Connacht too, with his provincial teammates increasingly looking to him as a leader on and off the pitch.
There have also been increased demands on Henshaw physically, though he says the IRFU’s player management system has seen him deal with that comfortably.
“I’ve to put my hand up down in Connacht now, I’m probably looked to as one of the leaders in the backline even though I’m one of the youngest. I like taking that job on my shoulders, even though it’s obviously not easy, and I like the leadership role, it comes with it.
“The body was tired after the Six Nations, but we got a good rest and I was looking forward to getting back into Connacht and that normal routine, I wanted to get back and help the boys get a few wins, so it’s been a really exciting year for me and I’ve loved every bit of it.”
The single frustration for Henshaw as he was racking up impressive Six Nations performances was watching his Connacht teammates lose 18-17 away to the Cardiff Blues in March.
Henshaw battles into contact against Ulster in the Pro12. Source: James Crombie/INPHO
That result, after which Pat Lam was furious, along with a home defeat to Edinburgh early in January that Henshaw was involved in mean Connacht come into this weekend with little certainty of where they will finish in the league table.
There is potential for a top six spot, and with it automatic Champions Cup qualification, or a route into the play-offs for the European competition, where Gloucester lie in wait. Henshaw is simply excited that Connacht are in the mix.
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“There was a few results that got away from us and we mightn’t have had to dig out as hard as we’ve had to in the last few weeks,” said Henshaw.
“It’s the first time we have a chance for ourselves to qualify automatically into the Champions Cup, anything could happen. It’s quite up in the air.”
As he demonstrated for that try of the year, when he leaped to gather Conor Murray’s clever kick against England, Henshaw is entirely comfortable in such circumstances.
O’Connell ready to make summer decision after claiming Player of the Year double‘GAA wouldn’t be top of my list for doping… rugby and soccer are the big ones’
BEFORE TOULON WENT about putting out fires in the guise of reports Paul O’Connell would not sign for them after all, their main goal for the day had been to launch their new jerseys.
Here are their snazzy red, black and white kits for the reigning European champions’ forthcoming season.
‘Meh, looks the same,’ we hear you cry.
Well, you’re mostly right. Burrda Sport remain, Orangina? Check. Mutuelles du Soleil? You got it. They’ve added an extra star for another year as European Champions, the black stripe on the red jersey has moved down and fades away as you move up the torso and the Rue du Commerce badge has opened up some real estate on the right pectoral.
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Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
The big change, however, is the club crest itself.
Seeing as they are working on a Galactico project, Toulon started some serious chin-stroking about their brand. Evidently, that led to a realisation that they just weren’t getting Coke-levels of recognition with a simple RCT above their Lily of the Valley.
Health to wear, Paulie.
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Kavita Devi discussed her appearance in the 2017 Mae Young Classic, her ring attire and more during her interview with Wrestling Inc. Highlights are below:
On her training at the WWE Performance Center: “Every day is different, and there is something new to learn every day. From the try-outs to today, you can see a massive difference in my personality, my life, my lifestyle and my work in the ring; I’ve improved a lot. I currently live in Orlando near the Performance Center, and I train there. I’ve learned a lot, and I train with world class athletes every day. So, everything is new, and every day is a different challenge, which is exciting.”
On using a salwar kameez as her ring attire: “That was my personal decision, and there was a reason behind my taking the decision. People think that the female talent in the WWE only compete in short tights, when we look at talent in the United States. So that is the idea, the notion that people have here, and that’s when I decided to reveal our culture and tradition to the people in the United States, to the world. And through this, I also wanted to change the ideas and perception of people in India, and ensure the future Indian female talent that sign with WWE won’t have any such barriers, when it comes to ring attires.”
On competing in the Mae Young Classic: “The experience was great, and I felt extremely proud when I competed in the Mae Young Classic tournament, and when I stood in the ring wearing salwar suit. Also, when the name of the country was announced, I think that wasn’t just my victory, but the victory for the entire nation of India.”Click Here: Germany National Team soccer tracksuit
THE ALL BLACKS haven’t sprung any surprises with their new World Cup jersey, although they say it includes a “a subtle design change” that pays homage to The Originals.
The legendary Originals side lost just a single game on their 35-match tour of the UK, Ireland, France and the USA in 1905 and 1906.
That tour famously included a homecoming for All Blacks captain Dave Gallaher, a native of County Donegal who moved to New Zealand as a child. Unfortunately, the injured Ramelton man did not play in the All Blacks’ 15-0 win over Ireland in a Test match at Lansdowne Road on 25 November, 1905.
The tour continued south to Munster, where the All Blacks beat the province 33-0 at Market’s Field in Limerick.
The press release for the brand new All Blacks World Cup jersey says that “a patterned design across the shoulders and chest of the jersey was inspired by the famous leather yoke which adorned The Originals jersey.”
Adidas say the design was developed with input from Richie McCaw and the rest of the current All Blacks squad, as well as the management team.
“To wear a jersey with a design that represents the nation’s proud rugby heritage and reflects the team’s success since that iconic team of 1905-1906 is hugely significant to us,” said McCaw. “We’re ready to wear the Rugby World Cup jersey with pride.”
After extensive research involving techniques usually reserved for the aerospace industry, adidas say they have produced two jerseys: one for the forwards and one for the backs – both of which “replicate the movements of players’ skin.”
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SOME PEOPLE LOVE it, others hate it, but the Haka is undeniably a major part of rugby.
Often labelled a needless intimidation tactic and an unfair advantage for the All Blacks to strike a psychological blow, this video shows it wasn’t always the fearsome war dance it is today.
This video from USASEVENS.COM shows just how far it’s evolved since 1922, and the difference in those 93 years is startling.
While the early 20th century Haka looked awkward and borderline embarrassing for the players, the modern version has become one of the most iconic images in modern sport.
Source: Rugby Today/YouTube
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Would you miss the Haka if it was no longer allowed? Let us know in the comments below.
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GFE, Monopoly Events partner to bring content to FITE, starting with Comic Con Liverpool
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 18, 2018
NASHVILLE — Monopoly Events and Global Force Entertainment have partnered to make FITE TV the exclusive home of streamed content from Monopoly’s UK Comic Cons.
After the success of Starrcast and NWA 70, this is the next series of events GFE will bring to FITE. The first such event will be Comic Con Liverpool, March 8-10 from the Exhibition Centre Liverpool. It will include an appearance by the icon Sting.
The second event Monopoly and GFE will bring to FITE is “For the Love of Wrestling,” April 27-28, also from Exhibition Centre Liverpool. Those appearing are a veritable who’s who of wrestling greats, including Ric Flair, Bret “Hitman” Hart, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan.
““Monopoly Events is a leader in the industry that has brought engaging Comic Cons throughout the UK for years,” GFE CEO Jeff Jarrett said. “And now we are excited to bring these compelling panel discussions as well as other exclusive content to FITE subscribers.”
“We are delighted to have formed a new partnership with Global Force Entertainment to bring our brands and events into the living rooms of fans all over the world,” Monopoly CEO Andy Kleek said.
GFE and FITE will release more information about pricing and programming in January.
“Jeff Jarrett has brought us another unique segment of programming that fits well into our portfolio,” FITE COO Michael Weber said. “The potential for this vertical is virtually unlimited.”
About Monopoly Events
Monopoly Events is the leading promoter of Comic Cons in the UK. It has 14 events scheduled for 2019 that include wrestling, film, television and music. Monopoly is behind Comic Con Liverpool, Comic Con Scotland, Comic Con Manchester and For the Love of Wrestling, among many others.
About Global Force Entertainment
The Nashville-based Global Force Entertainment (GFE) was founded in 2014 by WWE Hall of Famer and professional wrestling veteran Jeff Jarrett. GFE specializes in developing and acquiring events that take place in non-traditional settings featuring the stars from the pro wrestling and music worlds. For more information go to GlobalForceEntertainment.com.
About FITE:
FITE brings premium combat sports programming to MMA, boxing, kickboxing and pro wrestling fans to watch live on every device.
FITE proprietary cast-to-TV technology enables users to livestream instantly to over 350M connected TVs around the world with just their phones. The free-to-download mobile app works with any Wi-Fi connected television as well as streaming devices such as Chromecast, Playstation, Xbox, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Android TV. FITE programming is also available at www.FITE.tv and on the Apple TV, Roku and Android set top boxes.
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Nuala Browne celebrates with Rita Quirke, who won a Bronze Medal and Nicola Higgins, who was presented with a 5th place ribbon, after she was presented with a Silver Medal after finishing second in the KT 500M Race Singles Tourist. Source: Ray McManus/SPORTSFILE
HomeKatie Taylor will fight on the undercard of Andy Lee’s WBO title fight at Thomond Park in September.Donegal and Galway have named their teams for Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC qualifier at Croke Park.Kildare have named an unchanged side to take on Kerry in Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final at GAA HQ.A new sport – Poc Fada Golf – was launched today at Deer Park golf complex. It combines hurling and golf and a new course has been opened.Ireland international Anthony Stokes could be on his way out of Celtic after reports suggested he’s been told he has no future at the club by manager Ronny Delia.
St Pat’s fans shelter from the rain ahead of tonight’s game against Galway in Inchicore. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
AwayLiverpool have offloaded striker Rickie Lambert to West Brom after just one season at Anfield.Beijing has been chosen to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, beating off competition from Almaty of Kazakhstan.Man United have made no bid for Barcelona winger Pedro, according to the Spanish club’s President Josep Maria Bartomeu.Australia have confirmed the return of Kane Douglas from Leinster after he signed a three-year contract with Queensland Reds.Theo Walcott has ended speculation surrounding his future by signing a new long-term contract at Arsenal along with Spaniard Santi Cazorla.SANZAR have lodged an appeal over the one-week ban handed to Australia’s Michael Hooper by one of their judicial officers.
The best thing we shared today
There’s a bit of a problem with the mountain at the heart of Beijing’s Winter Olympics….there’s no snow!
On the record
Diego Maradona has vowed to challenge Fifa.
The fixture listThe Galway Races continue in Ballybrit while there’s one SSE Airtricity Premier Division game with Limerick facing Sligo.It’s a big day in the championship with a Croke Park double-header from 4pm as Sligo play Tyrone and Donegal face Galway in the qualifiers.The All-Ireland camogie playoff between Dublin and Clare takes place in Thurles.Football returns in Britain as the Scottish Premier League season gets underway.Showbiz, baby!
Nick Watney somehow managed to scramble a par despite playing his second shot from behind a toilet.
Know your sport? Prove it by taking our big weekly quizPoll: Who do you think will reach the All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals tomorrow?
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1. Triple Threat Match
Finn Balor defeated Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre
2. #1 Contender’s (WWE Intercontinental Championship) Battle Royal
Apollo Crews defeated Mojo Rawley Rhyno, Konnor, Viktor, Tyler Breeze, Zack Ryder, Heath Slater, Kalisto, Gran Metalik, Curt Hawkins, No Way Jose, and Jinder Mahal
3. Nia Jax (w/Tamina) defeated Ember Moon
4. Bobby Lashley (w/Lio Rush) defeated Elias
5. No Disqualification Match
Bray Wyatt defeated Baron Corbin
6. WWE Raw Tag Team Championship – Triple Threat Match
Bobby Roode and Chad Gable (c) defeated The Revival and AOP (w/Drake Maverick)
7. Six-Woman Tag Team Match
Natalya, Sasha Banks, and Bayley defeated The Riott Squad
8. WWE Intercontinental Championship – Steel Cage Match
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ANTHONY FOLEY HAS picked New Zealander Tyler Bleyendaal in the 10 shirt for Munster’s opening pre-season fixture against Grenoble at Thomond Park tomorrow evening (KO 19.00).
Bleyendaal at Munster training this week. Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO
The former Kiwi U20 captain joined Munster last season, but his recovery from a neck injury meant he featured only for the province’s A side late in the campaign. Now fully recovered and with a strong pre-season under his belt, Bleyendaal begins his Munster career in earnest.
He partners Cathal Sheridan – another who was injured last season – in the halfbacks for the meeting with Bernard Jackman’s Grenoble, while new signing Matt D’Arcy and the returning Cian Bohane fill the midfield.
South African Gerhard van den Heever is in the back three with former Cork hurler Darren Sweetnam and UL Bohs man David Johnston.
Ireland international Robin Copeland is at the centre of the back row, with Shane Buckley and ex-Leinster man Jordan Coghlan flanking him. In the engine room, Ireland’s Dave Foley and the promising John Madigan link up.
Coghlan is a new signing from Leinster. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Finally, the front row is made up of John Ryan, Niall Scannell and the experienced BJ Botha. An 11-man bench includes Donncha O’Callaghan, the exciting Diarmuid McCarthy and younger players like Ned Hodson and Bill Johnston.
Jackman’s Grenoble, meanwhile, have named a strong starting XV to face Munster, with Irishmen Denis Coulson and Chris Farrell on the bench.
Munster (v Grenoble):
15. David Johnston
14. Darren Sweetnam
13. Cian Bohane
12. Matt D’Arcy
11. Gerhard van den Heever
10. Tyler Bleyendaal
9. Cathal Sheridan
1. John Ryan
2. Niall Scannell
3. BJ Botha
4. John Madigan
5. Dave Foley
6. Shane Buckley
7. Jordan Coghlan
8. Robin Copeland
Replacements:
Kevin O’Bryne
Peter McCabe
Rory Burke
Donncha O’Callaghan
Sean McCarthy
Ryan Foley
Bill Johnston
Diarmuid McCarthy
Conor Oliver
Ned Hodson
Steve McMahon
Grenoble (v Munster):
15. Fabien Gengenbacher
14. Xavier Mignot
13. Fabrice Estebanez
12. Nigel Hunt
11. Daniel Kilioni
10. Jonathan Wisniewski
9. Charl McLeod
1. Fabien Barcella
2. Laurent Bouchet
3. Walter Desmaison
4. Ben Hand
5. James Percival
6. Jonathan Best
7. Mahamadou Diaby
8. Rory Grice
Replacements:
Denis Coulson
Arnaud Héguy
Dayna Edwards
Mathias Marie
Peter Kimlin
Fabien Alexandre
Christophe Loustalot
Clement Gelin
Chris Farrell
Jackson Willison
Armand Batlle
Gio Aplon
Kiwi native Blake to make Scotland debut against Joe Schmidt’s IrelandKane Douglas back in the mix as Australia name side for All Blacks decider
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