Gatland rubbishes Anglo-French alternative plans to Heineken Cup October 17, 2013 WALES coach Warren Gatland has warned an Anglo-French replacement for the Heineken Cup is doomed to failure unless the Celtic nations and Italy can be persuaded to take part. England and France’s top clubs have declared their intention to compete in the Rugby Champions Cup from next season, having served notice to Heineken Cup chiefs [...]
Rugby chiefs warned over risk of NFL-like concussion lawsuit October 17, 2013 RUGBY Union’s governing bodies could face multi-million pound lawsuits unless they step up efforts to minimise the risks of concussion, according to a leading British neuroscientist. American Football’s NFL paid out £476m in a settlement to more than 4,500 former players who blamed dementia, depression and Alzheimers on concussion-related brain injury. The International Rugby Board [...]
Bellew primed for second world title challenge against Stevenson October 17, 2013 MANDATORY challenger Tony Bellew is set for his first world title fight in two years when he takes on light-heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson of Canada in Quebec City next month. The Liverpool boxer will meet Stevenson at the 15,000-capacity Colisee de Quebec. Bellew, a former British and Commonwealth champion, will turn 31 on the night [...]
Rusty McIlroy mounts recovery after slow start at Korea Open October 17, 2013 FORMER world No1 Rory McIlroy admitted his first round at the Kolon Korea Open suffered following four weeks away from the course. The Northern Irishman slumped to two over par after 13 holes, though quickly rattled off three birdies to finish one under at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club. But McIlroy admitted his slow start [...]
Murray delayed on big day at the palace October 17, 2013 WIMBLEDON champion Andy Murray collected his OBE from Buckingham Palace yesterday, though kept Prince William waiting after being asked to take an out-of-competition drug test. Murray, who became the first British male to win the Wimbledon title for 77 years, is currently recovering from an operation on an injury to his lower back.
Liverpool set for slog on the Tyne October 17, 2013 BEN CLEMINSON WITH HIS BEST FOOTBALL BETS AND BILL ESDAILE CASTS HIS EYE OVER THE JUMPS THE PATTERN of unpredictability in the top flight might be pleasing to watch but it is burning a big hole in punters’ pockets. From Arsenal’s home defeat to Aston Villa on the opening weekend, to West Ham winning 3-0 [...]
Balthazar can be crowned King for the third year running October 17, 2013 THE JUMPS season is starting to swing into action and Cheltenham hosts its first meetings today and tomorrow. This afternoon’s card looks trappy, but there are a couple of runners that have caught my eye tomorrow. Emma Lavelle’s yard is on fire at the moment and EASTER METEOR looks set to go very close in [...]
Rod street chief executive British Champions Series October 17, 2013 QIPCO British Champions Day has, in just two short years, become one of the world’s most important race days and we’re delighted with the entries for this year’s showpiece. With the winners of the 2000 Guineas, the Derby, the Oaks, the Ascot Gold Cup and three top-class victors from Arc day set to face the [...]
Olympic Glory to wrap up the trainer’s title for Hannon October 17, 2013 EXCELEBRATION and Frankel are the two latest names etched on the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes’ roll of honour, which sums up perfectly the type of animal you need to win this £1m contest. Godolphin’s extremely talented Dawn Approach is set to go off favourite and Jim Bolger’s stable star looked like one of the greats [...]
Rugby stars dress down for day at Lloyd’s of London October 16, 2013 ENGLAND Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster and backs coach Andy Farrell took to the Lloyd’s of London underwriting floor yesterday to announce the official QBE Internationals England squad in the shadow of the famous Lutine Bell. But it seems the team took the dress code for the Lloyd’s building – clearly stated on the invitation as [...]