Aussie wing Tuqiri’s deal axed July 1, 2009 RUGBY UNION: Australia have terminated the contract of winger Lote Tuqiri three years ahead of schedule. The Australian Rugby Union refused to elaborate on the reasons, saying only: “It may be the subject of legal proceedings.” Rugby League convert Tuqiri scored Australia’s only try in the 2003 World Cup final defeat to England and was [...]
Injury ends Horsman career July 1, 2009 RUGBY UNION: Wales prop Chris Horsman has been forced to retire by a persistent neck injury. The 32-year-old Worcester player, who has twice battled cancer, was advised to call time on his career by doctors. Worcester director of rugby Mike Ruddock said: “Unfortunately the injury is of the type and magnitude that will prevent him [...]
Cunningham out for four weeks July 1, 2009 RUGBY LEAGUE: St Helens hooker Keiron Cunningham will be out for three to four weeks following knee surgery. The former Great Britain player is having surgery this week after picking up the knock in the Super League leaders’ win over Celtic Crusaders last week. Cunningham hopes to be fit for the Carnegie Cup semi-finals early [...]
Lions coach blasts ‘pathetic’ De Villiers July 1, 2009 BRITISH and Irish Lions assistant coach Graham Rowntree has backed Brian O’Driscoll’s condemnation of South Africa boss Peter de Villiers. The Springboks coach infuriated the Lions by insisting flanker Schalk Burger had not deserved his yellow card for gouging Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald in the eyes during last weekend’s second Test. Burger was later cited [...]
Real gazump United move for Benzema July 1, 2009 REAL MADRID were last night poised to hijack Manchester United’s move for Karim Benzema after having a €35m bid for the striker accepted by Lyon. Highly-rated Benzema was top of Sir Alex Ferguson’s summer wish-list in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo’s £80m move to Real, which was finally completed last night. But now the France [...]
City boss Hughes in no hurry to snare 50m forward duo July 1, 2009 MANCHESTER CITY manager Mark Hughes insists he is prepared to wait if it means pulling off a monumental deal for Barcelona forward Samuel Eto’o. Eto’o’s proposed £25m switch is on ice amid an apparent stand-off between the Cameroon international and the Spanish club. Barcelona are thought to be keen to offload a player who has [...]
Gallas cool on Inter talks as Ramsey signs July 1, 2009 ARSENAL defender William Gallas has distanced himself from reports of interest from Inter Milan by reaffirming his commitment to the Gunners. Gallas, 31, has been tipped to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer after being stripped of the captaincy midway through last season. But he said: “My contract is still valid for a year, so [...]
Murray eases through to last four date with Roddick July 1, 2009 MURRAYMANIA erupted to a whole new level yesterday after Andy Murray remained on course for a historic Wimbledon success by sweeping into the semi-finals for the first time. Not since Bunny Austin in 1938 has a British man reached the final of his home event at the All England Club, but victory over American Andy [...]
Straight set win comes as a relief for Murray July 1, 2009 ANDY MURRAY spoke of his relief at avoiding another nail-biting five-setter after securing his place in the last four for the first time with a straight sets victory over Juan Carlos Ferrero. The third seed took just one hour, 41 minutes to post a 7-5, 6-3, 6-2 victory over the former world No1 – a [...]
Federer makes Karlovic look small to set up Haas meeting July 1, 2009 FIVE-TIME champion Roger Federer admitted his sights were already trained on a sixth title after beating Croatian giant Ivo Karlovic to reach the semi-finals. Federer booked his 21st consecutive Grand Slam last four place with a comfortable 6-3, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) win over the 6ft 10in ace machine. And the world No2, who will meet [...]