Lancaster olive branch for Sale-bound Cipriani March 20, 2012 ENGLAND head coach Stuart Lancaster has left the door ajar for errant fly-half Danny Cipriani to make a sensational return from four years in the international wilderness. However, Lancaster laced his words of encouragement for Cipriani, whose summer move back to the Premiership with ambitious Sale was confirmed yesterday, with a series of stark warnings. [...]
Kean cautious as Blackburn surge six points clear of relegation zone March 20, 2012 BLACKBURN 2 vs SUNDERLAND 0 GOALS from winger Junior Hoilett and striker Yakubu earned relegation-threatened Blackburn a precious win over Sunderland last night and hauled them six points clear of the bottom three. Hoilett opened the scoring with a volley from the edge of the area on 58 minutes, and Yakubu made the points safe [...]
Keep Lancaster, urges Rowntree March 20, 2012 ENGLAND scrum coach Graham Rowntree has strongly urged the Rugby Football Union to hand interim head coach Stuart Lancaster the job on a permanent basis. Lancaster, who took over with the national set-up in crisis following a disastrous World Cup and a series of damaging leaks, faces competition from former Italy and South Africa boss [...]
Irish seek scrum help March 20, 2012 RUGBY UNION: Ireland have advertised for a new scrum guru, just days after their pack was steamrolled by England. But while the timing of the search is unfortunate, the new coach will not work with the senior side, focusing instead on under-age teams from the four provinces. Ireland were comprehensively beaten 30-9 at Twickenham on [...]
Cleverly defence KOd March 20, 2012 BOXING: Governing body the WBO have refused to sanction unbeaten Welshman Nathan Cleverly’s planned light-welterweight world title defence against Serbia’s Robin Krasniqi. The fight would have been the first held at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall for 13 years. The WBO insist Cleverly’s next defence – his fourth – should instead be against Russia’s Dmitry [...]
Synch set for National March 20, 2012 HORSE RACING: Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised is one of 59 horses who remain in contention for next month’s Grand National, but connections have warned the 8-1 favourite is by no means certain to run at Aintree on 14 April. Frank Berry, racing manager for owner JP McManus, said: “We’ll wait until nearer the time [...]
Muamba talks just 48 hours after collapse March 19, 2012 Bolton player moves arms and legs in recovery from cardiac arrest but condition remains critical BOLTON midfielder Fabrice Muamba last night showed the first signs of winning his miraculous fight for life, managing to speak to visitors just 48 hours after his on-field cardiac arrest on Saturday. The Premier League club said Muamba, 23, had [...]
Wales boss closes in on Lions role March 19, 2012 WALES coach Warren Gatland’s second Grand Slam looks set to clinch him the role of British and Irish Lions chief for next year’s tour of Australia. The New Zealander is the overwhelming favourite for the job, with Ireland’s Declan Kidney and under-pressure Scotland coach Andy Robinson also thought to be on a three-man shortlist. Saturday’s [...]
Hartley facing four-year ban after Ireland citing March 19, 2012 ENGLAND hooker Dylan Hartley is facing the prospect of a possible huge four-year ban after he was cited for allegedly biting Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris. Hartley was accused of the offence during England’s 30-9 victory over Ireland in the final round of Six Nations fixtures on Saturday. The Northampton forward faces an anxious wait to [...]
Flower warns England after Swann cheat rant March 19, 2012 ENGLAND coach Andy Flower has warned his players to keep their temperaments in check and not rise to provocation on the current tour of Sri Lanka. Flower spoke out after spinner Graeme Swann accused batsman Dilruwan Perera of cheating during the innings and 15-run victory over a Sri Lanka Board XI on Saturday. “We should [...]