RFU warn Johnson: Top two Six Nations finish is a minimum January 23, 2011 RFU chief executive John Steele has warned England manager Martin Johnson that anything other than a top two finish in the upcoming Six Nations tournament would rank as a major disappointment. Johnson’s side have progressed well over the last year, posting impressive back-to-back home and away wins over Australia, and Steele is keen for the [...]
Loan row threatens West Ham Olympic bid January 20, 2011 WEST HAM’S bid to move into the Olympic Stadium was plunged into controversy last night after questions were raised over a £40m loan being arranged by Newham Council. The loan would be at a preferential rate and would provide the cash-strapped club with vital funds for redeveloping the venue, if it is chosen ahead of [...]
Armitage given eight-week ban and will miss Six Nations January 20, 2011 ENGLAND full-back Delon Armitage has been handed an eight-week ban by the Rugby Football Union and is set to miss the entire Six Nations campaign as a result. The London Irish star was found to have pushed and used threatening and / or abusive and obscene language towards a doping control officer by an RFU [...]
Wasps will win but it might not be enough to qualify January 20, 2011 Lawrence Dallaglio, England great and Amlin rugby ambassador, casts his eye over this weekend’s European fixtures involving London clubs using the Amlin Opta Index. To view the full Amlin Opta Index results ahead of this week’s action, head to the news section on ercrugby.com SARACENS V CLERMONT AUVERGNE (TONIGHT, HEINEKEN CUP) Schalk Brits is Saracens’ [...]
Garcia-Lopez test next for Murray January 20, 2011 BRITISH No1 Andy Murray is preparing for his first big test at this year’s Australian Open, when he faces rising star Guillermo Garcia-Lopez tomorrow. Murray set up the clash with a second comfortable win of the tournament, against Ukrainian Illya Marchenko. The Scot hardly broke sweat as he brushed Marchenko aside 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 in [...]
Returning Prior ready to answer England’s opening conundrum January 20, 2011 ENGLAND Ashes hero Matt Prior believes with a weight of extra experience behind him he is now ready to accept the challenge of opening the batting at the upcoming World Cup. The Sussex gloveman was chosen in place of Steven Davies in Andy Flower’s 15-man squad for the tournament which starts next month. Prior, the regular [...]
Cipriani: I had depression January 20, 2011 FORMER Wasps fly-half Danny Cipriani has revealed he underwent counselling in order to cure depression. The 23-year-old, who is embarking on a new challenge in Australia with Melbourne Rebels, said: “I suffered from depression but that was months ago and everything is a lot more positive in my life now. Talking to a counsellor is nothing [...]
Davis Love named USA captain January 20, 2011 GOLF: Davis Love III has been confirmed as the United States’ new Ryder Cup captain. The 46-year-old will spearhead the challenge to retain the trophy, surrendered at Celtic Mannor last September, next year in Chicago. He said: “I am a players’ captain and I’m going to get them what they need to be successful.”
Westwood to skip fifth major January 20, 2011 GOLF: World No1 Lee Westwood has confirmed he will not play in the Players Championship in May – the tournament known as ‘the fifth major’. The Englishman said that the PGA Tour event, which has a £1m winners’ prize, did not fit in with his schedule for 2011.“I’ve said I will support the European Tour, [...]
Robinson denies Bath rumours January 20, 2011 RUGBY UNION: Scotland head coach Andy Robinson has played down suggestions of him returning to Bath. Robinson, a former Bath player and coach, is under contract with the Scotish Rugby Union until 2012. He said: “If there’s an announcement to be made it will be made. Currently there’s nothing to say. I’m contracted to Scotland and [...]