English and French wait on Celtic clubs’ call – for now October 21, 2013 But plans put in place should they have to go it alone ENGLISH and French clubs are refusing to set their Celtic counterparts an ultimatum to join a breakaway competition but have already started planning next season’s European club rugby without them. Premiership and Top14 chiefs have ruled out taking part in a tournament under [...]
Saracens do their bit to quell Euro tensions October 21, 2013 SARACENS have urged Heineken to stay involved in European rugby following a trip to its Amsterdam brewery. Plans for a breakaway tournament means the role of title sponsor of Europe’s top club competition is up for grabs, with rivals Guinness reported to have held talks. Sarries hooker Schalk Brits, who made the trip with his [...]
Collingwood wants to defend title before hanging up whites October 21, 2013 FORMER England star Paul Collingwood is planning to retire at the end of next season and is weighing up whether to pursue coaching or punditry. The 37-year-old all-rounder captained Durham to County Championship glory this year and wants a shot at defending the title before bowing out. “I am enjoying myself,” said Collingwood, who won [...]
Phillips in hot water at Bayonne October 21, 2013 RUGBY UNION: Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips has been summoned by Bayonne chiefs amid reports he arrived at a club meeting under the influence of alcohol. Phillips, 31, was suspended by the club last year for what they called “unacceptable off-field behaviour”. The French side said he was among several players called to explain themselves to [...]
England boss: Italy loss can help us October 21, 2013 RUGBY LEAGUE: England coach Steve McNamara believes the shock warm-up defeat to Italy at the weekend can help them win the World Cup. McNamara believes losing 15-14 to the 500-1 tournament outsiders helped “blow away cobwebs”. He added: “We came up with a performance that wasn’t great but that hopefully will put us in a [...]
Rams acquire Wisdom from Reds October 21, 2013 FOOTBALL: Liverpool have allowed England Under-21 defender Andre Wisdom to join Derby on loan for the rest of the season. It follows the return to fitness of Martin Kelly, who was sidelined for a year with a cruciate ligament injury.
Premier League: First win in three has Villas-Boas jumping for joy October 20, 2013 ASTON VILLA 0 vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2 TRIUMPHANT Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas was delighted to see his side back among the Premier League pacesetters after their victory at Villa Park yesterday. Spurs had failed to win their previous two league matches, both at White Hart Lane, following a draw with Chelsea and defeat to West [...]
Two arrests after flare hits official October 20, 2013 TWO MEN were yesterday arrested after assistant referee David Bryan was hit by a flare during Tottenham’s 2-0 victory at Aston Villa, and manager Andre Villas-Boas believes such incidents have no place inside football grounds. After in-form winger Andros Townsend gave Tottenham a first-half lead a flare was thrown from among the celebrating visiting supporters, [...]
Cech insists referee was correct to allow controversial equaliser October 20, 2013 CHELSEA goalkeeper Petr Cech has insisted that the Blues’ controversial equaliser against Cardiff City on the weekend was valid, despite complaints that referee Anthony Taylor should have disallowed the goal. With the visitors leading 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, Samuel Eto’o stole the ball from David Marshall as the goalkeeper was bouncing it. The resulting goal [...]
Jol denies poor morale ahead of Palace trip October 20, 2013 FULHAM manager Martin Jol has assured the club’s fans that there is no problem with team spirit in the Cottagers’ camp, ahead of tonight’s clash with fellow strugglers Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The west Londoners won their last game at home to Stoke to ease pressure on under-fire boss Jol, yet the team still [...]