3 d. ago Henry Pollock rewarded with England Elite Player contract after breakout year

Pollock was selected for the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia this summer

Sport

8 d. ago Graham Price: Lions didn't fulfil their potential and duo did not justify selection

The Lions tour was ultimately a success for Andy Farrell's men but they would have been beaten by New Zealand or South Africa, argues Pricey

Politics

3 w. ago Coldplay fans what to expect at Chris Martin gigs after Andy Byron kiss cam scandal

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has issued a warning to fans after a former CEO was seen embracing his co-worker on the kiss cam at one of the band's recent concerts

Politics

3 w. ago Andy Farrell says Lions in ‘a fantastic place’ to clinch Test series with a week to spare

Tourists will be harder to beat in Melbourne, says coachFarrell: ‘We’re delighted – but we can be better again’Andy Farrell believes the Lions can push on and clinch the series with a week to spare after their first Test win over Australia in Brisbane. It is the head coach’s view that the pressure is now firmly on the Wallabies and that his team also have plenty of improvement still in them.While the Lions lost some momentum in the second half of their 27-19 victory at Suncorp Stadium, they were 24-5 ahead after 41 minutes and Farrell says they will be even harder to beat in Melbourne next Saturday. “There is so much more in us,” said Farrell, suggesting the Lions were now in “a fantastic place” in terms of the series. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Andy Farrell sings praises of 'absolutely immense' Lions duo as team selection is justified in Australia win

The British and Irish Lions are 1-0 up in the three-Test series against Australia

Politics

3 w. ago Lions lay down series marker and ease to victory over Australia in first Test

First Test: Australia 19-27 British & Irish LionsOne-sided opener only came alive in the second halfWinning the first Test does not guarantee a series victory but Australia are already hanging on by their fingernails. On the evidence of this contest it is going to take something remarkable to stop the Lions from finishing the job in Melbourne next Saturday and, with thousands of travelling fans cheering them on, Andy Farrell’s side have firm control of their own destiny.There were moments in the first half when the Lions were so dominant it felt akin to watching a juggernaut thundering through the outback, scattering everything in sight like skittles. They were unable to sustain it but the visitors’ dominance in the opening 50 minutes was such that the winning margin should have been wider. From Finn Russell’s insouciant brilliance to Tom Curry’s relentless tackling, the Lions were a cut above in the areas that mattered most. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Ben Curry slams fans criticising his twin's Lions selection following Jac Morgan snub

Tom Curry has been selected to start at openside against the Wallabies in the first Test on Saturday

Politics

4 w. ago Tommy Freeman revels in Lions selection after mother’s injury mishap in Australia

The English wing’s mum has undergone foot surgery after an unfortunate incident following her son on tour

Politics

4 w. ago Fans say the same thing about Andy Farrell's 'criminal' Lions selection

The decision means there won't be a single Welshman in the Lions squad for the opening Test with the Wallabies this weekend

Politics

4 w. ago Tadhg Beirne starts in back row as Owen Farrell misses out on first Lions Test against Australia

No Welshman is selected in a Lions Test squad for the first time since the 1890s

Politics

4 w. ago Marcus Smith defies odds to claim Lions spot for first Wallabies Test

Andy Farrell opts for Smith’s versatility over son Owen Tom Curry to start in back-row with Beirne and ConanMarcus Smith has been named on the bench for the British & Irish Lions’ first Test against Australia with Tom Curry and Sione Tuipulotu selected to start in Brisbane on Saturday.Smith has defied the odds to claim a place in the match-day 23, benefiting from injuries to Blair Kinghorn and Mack Hansen and preferred to Owen Farrell among the replacements. Continue reading...

Politics

4 w. ago The Itoje legacy: Nigerian roots shaped the Lions captain who has inspired a new generation

Maro Itoje’s rise to the very top of his sport brings both pride and idolisation from the British-Nigerian communityIt is 2017 and Maro Itoje has just been selected as the youngest member of the British & Irish Lions squad. He is asked for his favourite Lions memory and his response is illuminating. “Ugo Monye scoring his try in the third Test [against South Africa in 2009]. When you’re young and growing up, you look at players that look like you. And, by that, I don’t mean eyes, ears, nose, I mean who have the same skin colour, who you can identify with. Ugo is one I could identify with, as we’re both of Nigerian descent. To see him score that amazing try resonated with me.”On Saturday, when the Lions begin their series against Australia, Itoje will win his 100th Test cap. He is England captain, the first black captain of the Lions and the country’s most prominent rugby player. And you cannot help but wonder to what extent he himself has passed the torch. For there can be littl...

Politics

last month Coronation Street’s Kirk actor shocks fans with secret talent away from cobbles

Coronation Street favourite Andy Whyment has left fans gobsmacked after he showed off his incredible singing voice away from the cobbles

Events