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☆ Louis Rees-Zammit: Could this be the ‘the most marketable athlete of all time’ if he succeeds in the NFL?
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce said rookie Louis Rees-Zammit has the potential to be “the most marketable player of all time” should he succeed in the NFL. Rees-Zammit, 23, quit rugby union in January after a hugely successful international career with Wales and club career in the English top division. In March, he signed a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs having impressed on the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program. So he’s gonna be able to pick up the offense eventually. “But it’s gonna be a tough few months for him here while he’s getting acclimated to the NFL.

Persons: Jason Kelce, Louis Rees, Zammit, Rees, Travis Kelce, “, ” Travis Kelce, ‘ It’s, ”, acclimated, “ We’ve, ” Travis, ” Jason Kelce ‘, Rob McElhenney, Kelce, McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds Organizations: CNN, Former Philadelphia Eagles, NFL, Wales, Kansas City Chiefs, Chiefs, Wrexham, Welsh, Hollywood Locations: Zammit, American, Philadelphia, Wales

☆ Billy Guyton: First New Zealand professional rugby union player confirmed to have died with CTE
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-18 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —A former professional rugby union player, who who died in 2023 at the age of 33, has become the first in New Zealand to be formally diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) – the neurogenerative disease associated with repeated head trauma. Billy Guyton died of a suspected suicide last year, CNN affiliate Radio New Zealand (RNZ) reported, and his family subsequently donated his brain to Auckland’s Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank which made the CTE diagnosis. CNN has contacted New Zealand Rugby for comment. Around the world, players are grappling to deal with the impact of head injuries sustained during their rugby careers. In the UK, some 450 current and former rugby players have now joined lawsuits to take legal action against global governing body World Rugby and the national governing bodies of England and Wales, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), Rugby Football League Limited, International Rugby League Limited and British Amateur Rugby League Association.

Persons: CNN —, Billy Guyton, Maurice Curtis, John, RNZ, “, ”, Billy, That’s, Australia – Guyton, ” John Guyton, Michael Buckland, Curtis Organizations: CNN, rugby, Radio New Zealand, Neurological, Brain, Auckland Brain Bank, Super Rugby, Australia, Nelson Weekly, New Zealand Rugby, Australian Sports Brain Bank, World Rugby, Rugby Football Union, RFU, Welsh Rugby Union, WRU, Rugby Football League Limited, International Rugby League Limited, British Amateur Rugby League Association . Lawyers, University of Glasgow, Boston University, University of Sydney, Prevention, Befrienders Locations: New Zealand, Auckland, England, Wales

☆ Why Australia's National Rugby League could help curb China's Pacific influence
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( George Glover | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Australia's National Rugby League could help stop China from gaining more influence in the South Pacific. AdvertisementThe US appears to be courting an unlikely ally to help stop China from building its political and economic influence in the Pacific: Australia's National Rugby League. The Australian Financial Review reported that the White House will support those plans, which policymakers believe could help counter China's efforts to assert itself in the South Pacific. The South Pacific has emerged as a key battleground between Beijing and Washington in recent years. It's popular in Australia, New Zealand, northern England, France, and across the Pacific Islands and has slightly different rules to rugby union.

Persons: Joe Biden, —, Peter V'landys, Biden, Kamala Harris, Spencer Leniu, Ezra Mam Organizations: Australia's National Rugby League, Service, Financial, Biden, NRL, Sydney Morning Herald, Kiribati . Rugby, The Sydney Roosters, Brisbane Broncos, Roosters, Broncos Locations: China, South, Papua New Guinea, New South Wales, Queensland, United States, Australia, Washington , DC, Beijing, Washington, Solomon, Fiji, Tonga, Kiribati, New Zealand, England, France, Las Vegas

Learn moreAmbitions of winning the Six Nations trophy take a backseat today as the Calcutta Cup is up for grabs, so let us show you how to watch a free Scotland vs. England live stream. The BBC has you covered with today's free Scotland vs. England live stream. BBC1 is showing the Scotland vs. England live stream today and will host one of the three games each weekend. How to watch Scotland vs. England live stream in the USANBC is the exclusive broadcast partner for the Six Nations in the United States. How to watch Scotland vs. England live stream in the UKITV and the BBC share the official broadcasts for the Six Nations 2024 edition in the UK.

Persons: ExpressVPN, Stan Organizations: Business, Nations, Calcutta, Rugby Union, ITV1, BBC1, BBC, Scotland, England, Six Nations, ITV, USA NBC, Six, Australia Australian, Sports Locations: England, Scotland, Ireland, France, USA, United States

☆ Dementia and sport: These rugby players represented their country in their 20s, by their 40s, they had early onset dementia
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Amy Woodyatt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

Popham’s wife, Mel, would have a conversation with her husband and an hour later he would have “no recollection,” he tells CNN Sport. Richard Boardman, the lawyer representing the claimants, told CNN Sport that this is causing an “existential threat” to the game. “As far as the brain is concerned, it doesn’t matter what sport is played,” Michael Grey, a neuroscientist at the University of East Anglia, told CNN Sport. Nowinski, a WWE wrestler turned neuroscientist, told CNN Sport that head injury protocols need to go beyond treating concussion. The paper, which looked at 412 Scottish former international male rugby players aged 30 and above and 1,236 members of the public who had been matched for age, sex and socioeconomic status, found that the rugby players’ risk of a dementia diagnosis over time was just over twice as high.

Persons: Alix Popham, Mel, ”, Popham, ” Popham, I’ve, Alix Popham of Wales, Pat Riordan of, Stu Forster, Lenny Woodard, Woodard, “, “ I’d, I’d, ” Woodard, Brook Joyner, Richard Boardman, ” Michael Grey, Chris Nowinski, Scott McIntyre, Nowinski, ” Ann McKee, ” Boardman, Roger Goodell, University of East Anglia Boardman, Grey, –, ” Steve Borthwick of, Alun Wyn Jones, Paul Harding, ” Grey, McKee, it’s, aren’t, we’re, shouldn’t, weren’t, ” Alix Popham Organizations: CNN, CNN Sport, rugby, Rugby, Alix Popham of Wales offloads, Pat Riordan of Canada, Wales, Getty, World Rugby, Rugby Football Union, RFU, Welsh Rugby Union, WRU, Springer, University of East, National Football League Players, Wrestling Entertainment, WWE, Washington Post, Boston University CTE Center, British Medical, Exercise, NFL, NFL.com, University of East Anglia, RBS, Nations, University of Glasgow, Boston University, University of Sydney, Scottish, ’, “ Rugby, England Rugby, Boston University’s CTE, CTE Locations: France, Wales, England, Canada, Nantes, Europe, University of East Anglia, American, Woodward, Boston

☆ Louis Rees-Zammit: Getting a foothold in the NFL is almost impossible – even if you’re a professional athlete
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-21 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

‘Big NFL fan’Rees-Zammit is a Welsh international rugby union player and one of the sport’s biggest talents. Gray recalls being amazed when he first learned of the off-field work NFL players and coaches were doing. He imitates holding a chunky playbook – staggered by the sheer number of plays that NFL players need to become fluent in. According to the NFL, 37 international players have joined teams – allocated, drafted or signed as a free agent – since the IPP’s inception. “He’s a big NFL fan, he’s young … he’s right at the beginning of his journey.

Persons: you’ve, Louis Rees, Zammit, Rees, ‘, ’ Rees, ”, “, ” Rees, Warren Little, Ben Kay, CNN’s Don Riddell, ” Peter O’Reilly, Richie Gray –, –, ” Gray, Gray, there’s, Zammits, Damien Meyer, “ Rees, Warren Gatland, haven’t, Scot applauds, he’s, Frederic Dides, Jordan Mailata, Jakob Johnson, Efe Obada, Sammis Reyes, David Bada, Mailata, Mailata’s, Philadelphia . Gray, Jeff Stoutland –, Andy Lewis, Christian Wade, ” Wade, Wade, Will Rees, Kay, …, let’s, he’ll Organizations: CNN, NFL, National Football League, Welsh, rugby, Wales, Gloucester, British & Irish Lions, Lions, Lion, Gloucester Rugby, Six Nations, England rugby, TNT Sports, Netflix, IMG Academy, Rugby, CNN Sport, Toulon –, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, NCAA, Dolphins, “, Getty, Zammit’s Wales, American, –, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington, IPP, 233rd, Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Racing Locations: Britain, Ireland, Bradenton , Florida, Scottish, Zammit’s, Zammit, Australia, Philadelphia ., ”, France

☆ Transgender cricketer retires after ICC ruling
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The International Cricket Council (ICC)'s decision, made at a board meeting on Tuesday, follows similar rulings over the last couple of years by the global chiefs of swimming, rugby union, cycling and athletics. "Inclusivity is incredibly important to us as a sport, but our priority was to protect the integrity of the international women's game and the safety of players." Critics of transgender inclusion in women's sport say going through male puberty imbues athletes with a huge musculo-skeletal advantage that transition does not mitigate. The ICC said the ruling, which followed a nine-month consultation process and applies only to international cricket, would be reviewed after two years. Australian-born McGahey, who has played international cricket for Canada for more than a year, said the campaign for transgender inclusion in women's sport would continue.

Persons: Danielle McGahey, McGahey, Nick Mulvenney, Ken Ferris Organizations: International Cricket Council, ICC, Thomson Locations: Canadian, Canada, Sydney

☆ McLennan replaced by Herbert as Rugby Australia chairman in boardroom coup
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

New Australia rugby union coach Eddie Jones poses with Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan and CEO Andy Marinos after his first news conference since his reappointment, which was held at Matraville Sports High School, in Sydney, Australia January 31, 2023. REUTERS/Nick Mulvenney/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSYDNEY, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Hamish McLennan was replaced as chairman of Rugby Australia (RA) by former Wallabies centre Dan Herbert late on Sunday as the fallout from the country's early World Cup exit continued to reverberate. McLennan, a successful businessman who had overseen the hiring of Eddie Jones to run the ill-fated World Cup campaign, immediately resigned from the board. "Australia will host the British and Irish Lions Tour in 2025, the Men's 2027 Rugby World Cup and the Women's 2029 Rugby World Cup and the 2032 Olympic Games," he added. RA paid tribute to McLennan's role in helping the game get through the COVID pandemic, which brought the governing body close to bankruptcy, and in securing the hosting of the men's and women's World Cups.

Persons: Eddie Jones, Hamish McLennan, Andy Marinos, Nick Mulvenney, Dan Herbert, McLennan, Herbert, Jones, Dave Rennie, Phil Waugh, Rugby Australia's, Toby Davis Organizations: New Australia rugby, Rugby Australia, Matraville Sports High School, REUTERS, Rights, Wallabies, Australia, New South Wales Rugby Union, Australian Capital Territory, ACT, Super Rugby, Irish Lions, Rugby, Thomson Locations: Sydney, Australia, England, Queensland

☆ Australia reform drive gets NSW backing, other states sceptical
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The reforms will push Australia closer to the centralised models of New Zealand and Ireland, where provinces answer to the national body on high performance decisions affecting test rugby. On Tuesday, RA said the New South Wales Waratahs and the NSW Rugby Union (NSWRU) had become Australia's first Super Rugby club and member union to formally commit to the integration plan. However, other member unions have pushed back on handing over commercial control. No Australian team has won a Super Rugby title since the Waratahs in 2014. RA have yet to decide who will run the integrated high performance programme or take over the Wallabies from Jones.

Persons: Phil Waugh, Waugh, Eddie Jones, Jones, Ian Ransom, Peter Rutherford Organizations: MELBOURNE, Rugby Australia, Wallabies, New South Wales Waratahs, NSW Rugby Union, Super Rugby, Waratahs, Australian Capital Territory Rugby Union, Brumbies, Rugby, Irish Lions, Thomson Locations: New South Wales, NSW, Australia, Zealand, Ireland, Sydney, rugby, France, Melbourne

☆ RA chairman says no shortage of replacements for ex-Wallabies coach Jones
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

FILE PHOTO:New Australia rugby union coach Eddie Jones poses with Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan and CEO Andy Marinos after his first news conference since his reappointment, which was held at Matraville Sports High School, in Sydney, Australia January 31, 2023. McLennan said an Australian coach's knowledge of grass-roots rugby in the country would be of value but added that Rugby Australia (RA) wanted the best person for the job. I can tell you, there’s no shortage of high-quality coaches that want to come and coach the Wallabies." Former ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar, now coaching in England, is seen as among the strongest candidates to replace Jones, along with current Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham. McLennan was instrumental in appointing Jones, who replaced Dave Rennie after the New Zealander was sacked as Wallabies coach in January.

Persons: Eddie Jones, Hamish McLennan, Andy Marinos, Nick Mulvenney, McLennan, Zealander Robbie Deans, Dan McKellar, Jones, Stephen Larkham, Dave Rennie, we’ve, Ian Ransom, Gerry Doyle Organizations: New Australia rugby, Rugby Australia, Matraville Sports High School, REUTERS, Rights MELBOURNE, Wallabies, Sydney Morning Herald, Zealander, Australia, Panasonic Wild Knights, Former ACT Brumbies, Brumbies, New Zealander, Thomson Locations: Sydney, Australia, Australian, Brisbane, England, Melbourne

☆ Kolisi committed to Springboks ahead of Racing 92 move
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - South Africa return home after winning the Rugby World Cup - O.R. Thousands of Springbok fans welcomed the team at the airport following their epic 12-11 final victory over old foes New Zealand on Saturday, which secured them a record fourth World Cup title. Kolisi, 32, will play for French Top 14 club Racing 92 this season and said he still had the hunger to represent the Boks. Head coach Jacques Nienaber will leave for a role at Irish side Leinster, but hinted he could be back in the future. The team embarks on a four-day trophy tour around major centres in South Africa from Thursday.

Persons: Culture Zizi Kodwa, Jacques Nienaber, Kolisi, ‘, Nienaber, Nick Said, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, of Sports , Arts, Culture, Springbok, New Zealand, Racing, Springboks, Irish, Leinster, Thomson Locations: South Africa, Tambo Airport, Johannesburg, JOHANNESBURG, France, New

☆ South Africa Holds Off New Zealand to Win the Rugby World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Joshua Robinson | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

On any given day, whichever 15 men happen to be wearing the jersey of the New Zealand All Blacks can be the most fearsome outfit known to rugby. New Zealand learned that lesson the hard way on Saturday inside the Stade de France, where the first ever red card in a Rugby World Cup final left the All Blacks a man short for nearly three-quarters of the match against South Africa, the No. 1 rugby union team in the world. The Springboks are a grueling enough machine to face when things go right. But when things go wrong against them from the opening minutes, you end up losing the World Cup.

Organizations: New Zealand, Blacks, Stade de France, Rugby, South, team, Springboks Locations: New Zealand, South Africa

☆ Ardie Savea named best rugby player of the year
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Final - New Zealand v South Africa - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 28, 2023 New Zealand's Ardie Savea in action with South Africa's Jean Kleyn REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier Acquire Licensing RightsPARIS, Oct 29 (Reuters) - New Zealand loose forward Ardie Savea was named World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year on Sunday, despite ending up on the losing side in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final. Savea was chosen ahead of Irish centre Bundee Aki, South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth and France captain Antoine Dupont, who won the award two years ago. Savea is the 11th All Black to win the award, which was first introduced in 2001. His award comes after a stellar season in which he helped New Zealand to win the Rugby Championship and a place in the World Cup final, which they lost 12-11 to the Springboks on Saturday. Ireland’s Andy Farrell was chosen as World Rugby Coach of the Year while All Blacks winger Mark Tele'a won the award for Breakthrough Player of the Year.

Persons: Denis, Africa's Jean Kleyn REUTERS, Sarah Meyssonnier, Savea, Bundee Aki, Eben Etzebeth, Antoine Dupont, Black, Ireland’s Andy Farrell, Mark Tele'a, Mark Gleeson, Clare Fallon Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, Stade de France, Saint, Africa's, Rights, Saturday’s Rugby, New Zealand, Rugby Championship, Springboks, All Blacks, Thomson Locations: Zealand, South Africa, France, Saturday’s, New

☆ Uncertainty now for Springboks as winning era ends
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

First to be settled is what happens with Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus, who is seen as the maverick genius behind the country's successive World Cup triumphs. He was coach in 2019 when they won in Japan but tweaked his role thereafter, relinquished the coaching post to his long-time lieutenant Jacques Nienaber. Both have been lauded for the analytical work and attention to detail and are likely to be sorely missed. None of the winning squad have spoken of quitting, either the game overall or their international careers, but the intensity of the World Cup campaign takes a toll as the 31-year-old centre Damian de Allende explained when asked whether he would continue with the Boks. "I would love to say yes but at the moment I have to take it year by year,” he said after Saturday’s victory.

Persons: Denis, Webb Ellis, Stephanie Lecocq, Rugby Rassie Erasmus, Jacques Nienaber, Felix Jones, Steve Borthwick, Duane Vermeulen, Damian de Allende, ”, “ I’m Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, Stade de France, Saint, Rights, Irish, Leinster, South, England, Ireland, Twickenham, Thomson Locations: Zealand, South Africa, France, Japan, Africa, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Europe

☆ Fittingly fraught finale for fantastic World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

World Rugby addressed that with a major overhaul of the calendar they described as "the most significant development in the sport since the game went professional" but those long-suffering countries are going to have to suffer for a few years yet before they start to feel the benefits. Elsewhere, England overcame a terrible build-up to win all their pool games and Fiji shocked Australia to go through alongside Wales. FABULOUS BRANDFiji's final pool game against Portugal was one of the best seen at a World Cup, with the Portuguese playing a fabulous brand of all-court rugby reminiscent of France at their pomp. Amid emotional scenes and roared on by neutrals the world over, they secured their first-ever World Cup victory in the last minute, with Fiji scraping through via their losing bonus point. Wales will forever rue their missed chances in the first of them against Argentina before Ireland and New Zealand produced an absolute classic.

Persons: Denis, Mbonambi, Webb Ellis, Sarah Meyssonnier, agonising, England's, Owen Farrell's, Antoine Dupont, Handre, Sam Cane, Mitch Phillips, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, Stade de France, Saint, Rights, Two Nations, New Zealand, Ireland, South, Fiji, Wales, Portugal, Argentina, England, Pumas, Springboks, Thomson Locations: Zealand, South Africa, France, Portugal, England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, Portuguese, Fiji, Marseille, Paris, New Zealand, Argentina, New

☆ South Africans call for holiday as they revel in World Cup success
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Nick Said | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/4] Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Final - South Africa fans watch New Zealand v South Africa - Cape Town, South Africa - October 28, 2023 Fans celebrate in Cape Town after South Africa win the world cup final REUTERS/Esa Alexander TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Acquire Licensing RightsCAPE TOWN, Oct 29 (Reuters) - South Africans woke up in a jubilant mood and with some sore heads on Sunday, basking in the glory of back-to-back Rugby World Cup wins following their nail-biting 12-11 victory over old foes New Zealand in the 2023 final in Paris. Their record fourth World Cup victory from the eight tournaments they have played was won the hard way, and with no shortage of good fortune. "I think in the last World Cup (in 2019) we were quite ignorant about the game but this time we are all united. I think South Africa obviously had the power over New Zealand in the game." "Siya Kolisi and the 2023 World Cup champions have gifted us an extraordinary and inspiring national achievement that lifts our hearts and hoists our flag even higher."

Persons: Esa Alexander TPX, Johannesburg’s Nelson, Siya Kolisi, Zealand's Richie McCaw, Kolisi, Siya, Tshidiso Mnisi, Cyril Ramaphosa, Hendrick Ngobeni, Ramaphosa, Nick Said, Bhargav Acharya, Rachel Savage, William Mallard Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, New Zealand, South, Rugby World, Springboks, Sandile Ntu, Springbok, Thomson Locations: Africa, New, South Africa, Cape Town , South Africa, Cape Town, Paris, Rugby, Zwide

☆ South Africa hold off 14-man All Blacks to win record fourth World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Nick Mulvenney | Thomson Reuters | Leads Coverage Of Sport Across The Asia-Pacific. Still Reports On The Full Panoply Of Sport. Many Olympics World Cups World Championships Grand Slams Grands Prix | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

No team had ever recovered from a halftime deficit to win a World Cup final and the Springboks came out flying in the second half looking to drive home their advantage. It was the first try South Africa had conceded in four World Cup finals but Mo'unga missed the conversion from wide-out and the Springboks held on to the lead. Kolisi had by now returned to the fray after his card was not upgraded and South Africa brought their famed "bomb squad" off the bench to relieve fatigued forwards. South Africa winger Cheslin Kolbe was the fourth player to be yellow-carded seven minutes from time but New Zealand's Jordie Barrett struck the subsequent 48-metre penalty attempt wide of the posts. New Zealand had also been hoping to win a fourth World Cup and coach Ian Foster thought the way the cards for Cane and Kolisi played out had been a decisive factor.

Persons: Denis, Webb Ellis, Cyril Ramaphosa REUTERS, Gonzalo Fuentes, Cane, Beauden Barrett, NZ Handre Pollard, Sam Cane, Pieter, Steph du Toit, Handre, Siya Kolisi, Black Richie McCaw, Kolisi, Shannon Frizell, Flyhalf Pollard, Richie Mo'unga, Pollard, Cane clattered, Jesse Kriel, Mo'unga, Ardie Savea, New Zealand scrumhalf Aaron Smith, Mark Telea, Cheslin Kolbe, Zealand's Jordie Barrett, Ian Foster, it's, Nick Mulvenney, Ed Osmond Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, Stade de France, Saint, South, NZ, Zealand, Blacks, Springboks, New Zealand, All Blacks, Thomson Locations: Zealand, South Africa, France, Africa, South Africa PARIS, New Zealand, New

☆ Argentina face tough challenge to get back to World Cup heights
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

PARIS, Oct 28 (Reuters) - Argentina finished the Rugby World Cup the way they started it, with a defeat against England, who took the bronze medal and left the Pumas with a major task to get to that stage in the next edition of the competition. "Many boys made their debuts at this World Cup and did so in a spectacular way. Argentina have not determined who will be part of the next cycle, with several players yet to decide their future. "It was a very important game for the team, and I didn't think about personal situations. "When I arrived in 2022, it was clear we were going for two years, for the World Cup.

Persons: Julian Montoya, Tom Curry's, Montoya, Mateo Carreras, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Chocobares, Pedro Rubiolo, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Scrumhalf Tomas Cibelli, Felipe Contepomi, Cheika, Will, Felipe, Julien Pretot, William Mallard Organizations: Rugby, England, Pumas, rugby, Super Rugby, Super Rugby Pacific, Bulls, Sharks, Europe's, Argentine, Superliga Americana, Argentine Rugby Union, Thomson Locations: Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Stormers

☆ All Blacks tweak team with one change for World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

All Blacks coach Ian Foster changed his lock combination again with Brodie Retallick restored to the lineup and Sam Whitelock returning to the list of replacements in the only change to the starting team. New Zealand believe the 35-year-old Whitelock, playing his third World Cup final, is most effective coming off the bench, and could bring an injection of energy at a time when South Africa are refreshing their forwards. Six of New Zealand's matchday squad for the game are previous World Cup winners and the 23-man team has a collective total of 1,387 caps, making it the most experienced All Blacks squad for any of their record five World Cup finals appearances. "We've woken up this week to find ourselves in a World Cup final and we've worked to deal with all the distractions. They (South Africa) are great at their style, we want to be great at ours," added Foster.

Persons: Zealand's Brodie Retallick, Paul Childs, Ian Foster, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Whitelock, Retallick, Scott Barrett, Barrett, Nepo Lualua, Fletcher Newell, Foster, Sam Cane, We've, we've, Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Telea, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Shannon Frizell, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Nepo Laulala, Dalton Papalii, Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert, Mark Gleeson, Ken Ferris Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, Groupama, REUTERS, Blacks, Kiwis, Saturday’s Rugby, South, Springboks, Ireland, Argentina, New, Foster . New Zealand, Brown, Thomson Locations: Zealand, Italy, Lyon, France, South Africa, MALMAISON, Foster . New

☆ Springbok focus on final despite Mbonambi controversy
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Rugby Union - Championship - New Zealand All Blacks vs South Africa Springboks - Auckland, New Zealand - September 16, 2017 South Africa's Bongi Mbonambi reacts after their loss to New Zealand. REUTERS/Nigel Marple/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsPRESLES COURCELLES, France, Oct 25 (Reuters) - South Africa have no problem focusing on Saturday's Rugby World Cup final despite the controversy hanging over hooker Bongi Mbonambi and World Rugby's investigation into alleged discriminatory behaviour, assistant coach Felix Jones said. World Rugby are formally reviewing the allegation that Mbonambi directed a racial slur at England's Tom Curry in Saturday's semi-final, where South Africa secured a 16-15 win to set up a final against New Zealand this weekend. "Everyone, as you can expect for a World Cup final, is hugely excited and there is a high level of focus. World Rugby said separately an investigation into the allegations was being conducted by its disciplinary structures but no time line on the process was known.

Persons: Mbonambi, Nigel Marple, Bongi Mbonambi, Felix Jones, Tom Curry, Jones, Curry, Ben O'Keeffe, Malcolm Marx, flyhalf Handre Pollard, Deon Fourie, Marco van Staden, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Rugby Union, Zealand, Blacks, South Africa Springboks, REUTERS, Saturday's Rugby, Rugby, South, New Zealand, Springboks, South Africa Rugby, Stade de France, England, France, Thomson Locations: Auckland , New Zealand, New Zealand, COURCELLES, France, South Africa, Saturday's, England, South, flyhalf

☆ South Africa show England how it's won
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-21 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Semi Final - England v South Africa - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 21, 2023 South Africa's RG Snyman, Deon Fourie and teammates celebrate after the match as South Africa reach the final REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier Acquire Licensing RightsPARIS, Oct 21 (Reuters) - England played a wonderful kicking game against South Africa but their inability to score tries and their inferiority in the scrums eventually proved their undoing in their World Cup semi-final loss on Saturday. South Africa won seven of their eight scrums while England could only won three of their seven, and that eventually gave the defending champions the decisive momentum. England have not scored a try against South Africa at a World Cup since the pool phase in 2003. South Africa are current world champions and world number ones for a reason," Borthwick said. It was the second match in a row that South Africa won by a single point after prevailing 29-28 against hosts France last weekend.

Persons: Denis, Deon Fourie, Sarah Meyssonnier, Steve Borthwick's, Owen Farrell, Handre Pollard, Jacques Nienaber's, Ellis Genge, Borthwick, Farrell, Nienaber, It's, Julien Pretot, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, England, Stade de France, Saint, Snyman, Rights, South, South Africa, Springbok, France, Thomson Locations: South Africa, France, England

[1/2] Voters walk past Vote 'Yes' and Vote 'No' signs at the Old Australian Parliament House, during The Voice referendum in Canberra, Australia, October 14, 2023. REUTERS/Tracey Nearmy Acquire Licensing RightsSYDNEY, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Australian Indigenous leaders called on Sunday for a week of silence and reflection after a referendum to recognise the First Peoples in the constitution was decisively rejected by a majority of the population. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people make up 3.8% of Australia's 26 million population and have inhabited the country for about 60,000 years. The leaders said they would lower the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flag to half-mast for the week and urged others to do the same. 'REFLECT HARD'Prime Minister Anthony Albanese staked significant political capital on the Voice referendum, but his critics say it was his biggest misstep since coming to power in May last year.

Persons: Tracey Nearmy, Lloyd Walker, Walker, Jade Ritchie, it’s, Anthony Albanese, Peter Dutton, Cordelia Hsu, Jill Gralow, Chizu Nomiyama Organizations: Old Australian, House, REUTERS, Rights, Peoples, Aboriginal, First Peoples, national rugby, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Canberra, Australia, Torres, Canada, New Zealand

☆ 'Different' Fiji exit World Cup proud to have fought to the end
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"They've worked so hard since week one, 15 weeks now, and they've showed they belong on the world stage. "This is a different Fiji team and I think it's the start of something special. Sunday's match had echoes of Fiji's last World Cup quarter-final in 2007, when they fought back to level the match at 20-20 only to go down 37-20 to eventual champions South Africa. "The second thing was we needed to be more consistent in preparation, and I think what we've shown this year is that we've grown in that area. I think that's only going to grow as we go forward to the 2027 and 2031 World Cups."

Persons: Simon Raiwalui, Andrew Couldridge, Raiwalui, They've, they've, Josua Tuisova, Sam Matavesi's, Nick Mulvenney, Ken Ferris Organizations: Rugby Union, England, Fiji, Twickenham, Rights, Velodrome, South Africa, Fijian Rugby Union, Josua, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Fiji, Rights MARSEILLE, France, England

☆ Fiji expect Matavesi to face England after father's death
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MARSEILLE, France, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Fiji expect hooker Sam Matavesi to play in Sunday's World Cup quarter-final against England after he travelled back to England, where he lives and plays in the Premiership, after the death of his father, Sireli, earlier this week. Sireli Matavesi moved to Cornwall after touring there in 1987. "It is with heavy hearts that The Fiji Rugby Union, The Flying Fijians Team and Head Coach Simon Raiwalui share the news of our hooker Sam Matavesi and former Flying Fijian Josh Matavesi, who have lost their beloved father, the late Sireli Matavesi," the union said in a statement on Wednesday. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the Matavesi family during this incredibly difficult time. Sam Matavesi travelled to Cornwall to spend time with his family but the Fiji camp say he is expected to be able to play in Marseille on Sunday.

Persons: Sam Matavesi, Sireli, Sireli Matavesi, Simon Raiwalui, Josh Matavesi, Matavesi, Sam, Josh, Josua, Tito, Tuisova, Waisea Nayacalevu, Raiwalui, Mitch Phillips, Ken Ferris Organizations: England, Fiji Rugby Union, The Flying Fijians, Flying, Thomson Locations: MARSEILLE, France, Fiji, England, Cornwall, Marseille

☆ Liverpool VAR: The ‘monumental error’ that put English soccer in crisis mode
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

Marc Atkins/Getty ImagesAt the heart of this is a failure in communication by match officials and a failure to put pragmatism before protocol. There is an acceptance that mistakes will happen, and there have been plenty already this season in the Premier League. The release of the audio of the conversations between the match officials would likely influence what Liverpool does next. In rugby union, fans can listen to discussions between match officials on crucial decisions, making the process clear and open for all. The immediate consequence has been that VAR officials England and Cook have not been selected to feature in this weekend’s Premier League games.

Persons: wasn’t, ”, Mohamed Salah’s, Luis Díaz, Salah, Darren England, Simon Hooper, Hooper, –, Dan Cook, PGMOL, Curtis Jones, Marc Atkins, VARs –, Jurgen Klopp, “, Alan Shearer, Visionhaus, Neil Atkinson, ’, CNN Sport’s Don Riddell, Klopp, Joel Matip, Justin Setterfield, Stephen Taylor Heath, they’ve, ” Taylor Heath, Taylor Heath, Henry Winter, Howard Webb, PGMOL’s, Díaz, Peter Cziborra, Webb, Cook Organizations: CNN, English Premier League, Liverpool, Tottenham, Premier League, Manchester, Spurs, England, Nottingham Forest, Brentford, Sunday, Fulham, Chelsea, Daily Telegraph, BBC, Anfield, JWM Solicitors, CNN Sport, “, Times, Major League Soccer, PA Media, Sky Sports, International Football Association Board Locations: Liverpool, Colombian, England

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