3 h. ago Sione Tuipulotu: ‘It’s crazy that the Lions can close out the series in my hometown’

Interview: After setting the Lions on their way to first Test victory, Tuipulotu will enjoy an emotional homecoming in a week full of meaning for the Melbourne-born centre

Politics

5 h. ago Tuipulotu believes ‘stars have aligned’ for him as Lions arrive in Melbourne

The Scotland centre has the opportunity to seal a series win against Australia with victory in the second Test in the city where he was bornSione Tuipulotu has to raise his game this week. By his own admission he has not been up to scratch. He has been surprised by just how off the pace he has been, but he is confident he will deliver in the buildup to the second Test between the British & Irish Lions and Australia.Tuipulotu is, of course, referring to his role as the Lions’ tour guide, having grown up in Australia, as Andy Farrell’s players arrive in his home city of Melbourne hoping to wrap up the series. “I haven’t actually been that good at it,” he says. “It’s surprising, I don’t actually know that much about Australia having lived here that long. I know a bit about Melbourne so I’ll point the boys to some good spots.” Continue reading...

Politics

6 h. ago Sione Tuipulotu opens up on Australia rejection, debt to Scottish rugby and rooming with Finn Russell

Glasgow centre fuelled by ‘chip on shoulder’ as he returns to Melbourne

Politics

7 h. ago Sione Tuipulotu fuelled by ‘chip on shoulder’ as he returns to Melbourne

Tuipulotu has touched down in the city where he was born and raised.

Politics

12 h. ago How the Lions’ half backs seized control of Test series against Australia

Half backs Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell controlled proceedings well as the Lions took a first Test lead

Politics

30 h. ago Lions reaction: Finn Russell gives honest assessment as both coaches seek improvement

Scotland stand-off plays big part in first-Test win over Australia

Politics

31 h. 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

36 h. ago Today's rugby news as Scotland come to Wales' aid and Sexton makes Finn Russell admission

The latest rugby news stories from the Lions tour and the rest of the world

Events

56 h. ago Johnny Sexton backs ‘flash’ Finn Russell to produce his best on first Lions start

Assistant coach says No 10 has matured as a player‘He’s won a few trophies and carried that form here’The British & Irish Lions assistant coach Johnny Sexton has insisted that Finn Russell is still “flash” but believes the Scotland playmaker has the temperament to shine on his first Test start for the tourists against Australia on Saturday.Sexton described Russell as a “media darling” and as “flashy” before he was named as one of Andy Farrell’s assistant coaches, making for a potentially awkward reunion with Russell upon his appointment. Continue reading...

Politics

56 h. ago Johnny Sexton reveals how ‘matured’ Finn Russell has surprised him on British and Irish Lions tour

The Scottish fly half has been handed the reins for the first Test against Australia in Brisbane

Politics

56 h. ago Johnny Sexton says Lions playmaker Finn Russell is no flash in the pan

The fly-half will be needed defensively in the first Test against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday.

Politics

65 h. ago Finn Russell’s redemption at the heart of different Scottish Lions story

An all-Scottish midfield will be fielded for the first time in a Lions Test, with Russell taking ownership of the No 10 shirt

Politics

3 d. ago ‘Make it happen when it matters’ – Andy Farrell urges Lions to embrace pressure

Powerful Lions side named to face Australia in first TestTom Curry starts in back row, no Welsh player in 23Andy Farrell has urged his British & Irish Lions players to embrace the pressure of their billing as heavy favourites to beat Australia in the series opener on Saturday.The Lions will go into Saturday’s match as odds-on favourites after Farrell named a powerful side featuring Tom Curry at openside flanker and Sione Tuipulotu at inside-centre to face a Wallabies team missing Will Skelton, Rob Valetini and Taniela Tupou. Continue reading...

Events

3 d. ago Lions team vs Australia: Tom Curry and Sione Tuipulotu picked to start First Test as Owen Farrell misses out

All-Scottish centre partnership outside Finn Russell as Bundee Aki and Marcus Smith named on bench

Politics

3 d. 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

1 week ago Van der Flier caps win as Lions labour to patchy victory over ACT Brumbies

ACT Brumbies 24-36 British & Irish LionsInjury fears after Blair Kinghorn replaced early onWhen they reflect on their night’s work in Canberra the British & Irish Lions will once again have mixed emotions. At their best the touring team look sharp and dangerous but, with the Test series fast approaching, they are still not firing on all cylinders in some key areas. A first-half injury to full-back Blair Kinghorn has also come at a delicate moment ahead of the first Test in Brisbane on Saturday week.Fielding close to their best starting XV, the Lions finished up scoring five tries with Ollie Chessum, James Lowe and Marcus Smith crossing in the first and Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier following suit in the second. The in-form Finn Russell also contributed 11 points with the boot to cap another assured performance. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Write off millions of pounds of council tax debt, say Scottish Greens

The party has tabled an amendment to the housing bill which would reduce the time limit for council tax arrears.

Economics

1 week ago Lions name strong team to face Brumbies as preparations ramp up for first Test

Majority of leading names selected by Andy Farrell for Canberra gameFirst-choice pairing of Finn Russell and Jamison Gibson-Park reunitedAndy Farrell has picked his strongest British & Irish Lions combination so far for his squad’s penultimate fixture before they take on Australia in Brisbane next week. The majority of the Lions’ leading names have been selected to start against the ACT Brumbies in what is clearly being seen as a dress rehearsal ahead of the first Test.The first-choice pairing of Finn Russell and Jamison Gibson-Park are reunited at half back inside an all-Irish centre pairing of Bundee Aki and Gary Ringrose, with Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn at full-back and the Anglo-Irish combination of Tommy Freeman and James Lowe on the wings. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: The British & Irish Lions' Test back line will have a heavily Scottish feel

SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: The centre pairing of Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones was the biggest positive of the British & Irish Lions' latest victory.

Events

2 w. ago Bridge of Allan rugby star makes perfect start in Lions shirt for Aussie tour

Finn Russell has been busy orchestrating the famous select side as they took on a pair of domestic sides in Australia.

Politics