Full-back Goode tipped to shine after Brown blow February 25, 2015 ENGLAND coach Andy Farrell expects full-back Alex Goode to thrive in the pressurised environment of his side’s crunch Six Nations clash with Ireland in Dublin on Sunday and offset the loss of Mike Brown, who was ruled out yesterday. Brown had already suffered a setback in his post-concussion recovery after being knocked unconscious against Italy [...]
Fifa refuses clubs World Cup compensation February 25, 2015 WORLD governing body Fifa has stoked its row with European clubs over switching the Qatar 2022 World Cup from summer to winter, insisting they will not be compensated for disruption to their schedules. Confirming that 23 December was the likely date for the final and that the tournament would be reduced in duration from 32 [...]
Luck of the Irish as Joyce let-off helps avoid shock defeat to UAE February 25, 2015 BATSMAN Ed Joyce enjoyed a miraculous escape as Ireland rode their luck to beat the part-timers of the United Arab Emirates at the Cricket World Cup in Brisbane yesterday. Joyce was 16 not out when a delivery struck his off-stump – lighting up the wicket – only for the bails to jitter and fall back [...]
Actor Crowe in Leeds bid hint February 25, 2015 ACTOR Russell Crowe has hinted that he is considering a shock takeover bid for troubled Championship football club Leeds United. Gladiator star Crowe, who has overseen success as co-owner of rugby league side South Sydney Rabbitohs, has been a fan of Leeds, whose ownership future looks uncertain, since childhood. The Oscar winner discussed a possible [...]
Six Nations shows rugby is rucking good for Guinness – Brand Index February 24, 2015 The Six Nations rugby championship reaches its half-way point this weekend, it might be worth Guinness considering the commercial opportunity the tournament offers it. A partner of the championship, Guinness already has a strong association with the Six Nations, and YouGov BrandIndex and Profiles data help to confirm why the relationship is a beneficial one. [...]
Champions League: Suarez leaves City on brink of Euro crash February 24, 2015 MANCHESTER CITY 1 BARCELONA 2 MANCHESTER City boss Manuel Pellegrini refused to accept his side’s Champions League ambitions have been extinguished despite a Luis Suarez-inspired Barcelona seizing the initiative in their second round first-leg tie at the Etihad Stadium last night. Talismanic £75m hitman Suarez fired Barcelona into a two-goal lead with a clinical double [...]
Murray brothers set to join forces in Davis Cup bid February 24, 2015 FORMER Wimbledon champion Andy Murray is set to partner his brother Jamie in Davis Cup doubles after the duo were named in Great Britain’s team to face the United States in Glasgow next month. The selection highlights Great Britain’s determination to win the clash and paves the way for a potential showdown between the Murray’s [...]
Destructive force Gayle hits World Cup double ton February 24, 2015 FEROCIOUS opener Chris Gayle smashed the first double century in World Cup history as West Indies recorded a 73-run Duckworth-Lewis victory over Zimbabwe at Canberra yesterday. The 35-year-old survived a first-over LBW shout before crashing 10 fours and 16 sixes in a knock of 215 from 147 deliveries, eclipsing South Africa batsman Gary Kirsten’s previous [...]
Exeter’s Nowell set for England Six Nations start February 24, 2015 ENGLAND head coach Stuart Lancaster is set to thrust Jack Nowell into his side’s crunch Six Nations clash against Ireland on Sunday after retaining the Exeter wing in a 26-man training squad for the Dublin showdown. Gloucester’s Jonny May started England’s championship victories over Wales at the Millennium Stadium and Italy at Twickenham but was [...]
Leagues hit back as winter in Qatar moves closer February 24, 2015 LEADING European clubs have united in condemnation after governing body Fifa moved a step closer to moving the Qatar 2022 World Cup from its traditional summer slot to winter. A Fifa task-force set up to examine the contentious issue yesterday recommended the tournament be held from late November to late December. It could mean a [...]