Rugby fun, Hoboken, NJ (2025)

07/11/2025

Des faces player revolt, Storm star could be on the move, Ciraldo arcs up over Galvin soap opera
Tensions are boiling over on the Gold Coast as Des Hasler’s grip on the Titans continues to slip, with whispers growing louder that he’s lost the locker room just days before their high-stakes clash against the Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium. Despite his legendary status and nearly 500 games at the helm, the veteran coach finds himself under immense scrutiny, having managed only four wins this season and now facing an 11th defeat that’s left the Titans anchored to the bottom of the NRL ladder. His storied past — two premierships at Manly and a reputation for resilience — seems like a distant memory as internal unrest, communication breakdowns, and confusing last-minute game-day changes have left players disillusioned and frustrated. A clause in Hasler’s contract allows the club to sack him without payout if they fail to reach the finals, and with their playoff hopes virtually extinguished, Sunday’s match might be his last. Meanwhile, in Belmore, young gun Lachlan Galvin continues to ride the wave of intense public and media scrutiny since his mid-season transfer to the Bulldogs. At just 19, Galvin’s transition hasn’t been smooth, but coach Cameron Ciraldo is fiercely defending his protégé, slamming the overblown criticism and urging the team to shield themselves from the noise of “reality TV” punditry. Galvin, who returns to the bench this weekend, is being praised internally for his work ethic and commitment to growth, even as the club navigates shifting line-ups and farewells — including Toby Sexton to Catalans and Reed Mahoney’s pending move to North Queensland. Elsewhere, Fijian prop Tui Kamikamica faces an uncertain future after a move to South Sydney collapsed due to cap issues, potentially opening a door to Super League or another NRL club, while Canberra locks in Zac Hosking but prepares to part ways with Pasami Saulo, who is reportedly heading back to Newcastle. The mid-season churn, coaching pressure, and rising stars under the spotlight have all converged into a volatile stretch of NRL drama that promises more twists in the weeks ahead.

07/11/2025

Saracens' Fergus Burke to make Scotland Test debut against Fiji
In a moment that promises to be both a personal milestone and a potentially transformative chapter for Scottish rugby, Saracens fly-half Fergus Burke is set to make his much-anticipated debut for Scotland on Saturday against Fiji in the vibrant rugby setting of Suva. The 25-year-old, born in New Zealand and eligible to represent England as well, has been on the radar since being called into the squad during this year’s Six Nations, though he didn’t get a cap at the time. Last week, he had a taste of international action against New Zealand Maori in an uncapped fixture, but now he finally earns his shot in a full international jersey. Known for his commanding game management and an impressive physical presence—especially in defence—Burke’s inclusion brings both freshness and intrigue to an otherwise seasoned Scottish side. Head coach Gregor Townsend has sung his praises, highlighting Burke’s maturity, tactical intelligence, and readiness to rise to the challenge. He steps into a backline filled with flair and experience, surrounded by the likes of Darcy Graham, Kyle Steyn, and Cameron Redpath, while the team will be led by the dual vice-captaincy of Grant Gilchrist and Steyn, with Rory Darge holding the captain’s armband. The squad presents a powerful mix of seasoned campaigners and rising talents, with replacements like Adam Hastings and George Horne ready to add impact from the bench. All eyes now turn to Burke, whose composure and control could be the x-factor Scotland needs as they take on a spirited Fijian side on home soil.

07/11/2025

Ireland set to unleash three debutants on Portugal
A wave of fresh energy is set to sweep through Irish rugby this Saturday evening as Alex Kendellen and Shayne Bolton prepare to make their long-awaited international debuts against Portugal, adding an extra layer of excitement to what promises to be a compelling contest. Kendellen, the dynamic Munster back-rower who captained Emerging Ireland to success in South Africa, will bring his tenacity to the openside flanker role, while Connacht’s lightning-fast winger Bolton steps in for the injured Jacob Stockdale, eager to leave his mark on the left flank. The bench could also see another first-cap moment with Connacht centre Hugh Gavin waiting in the wings, ready for his shot at international rugby. With Jack Crowley replacing Sam Prendergast at fly-half, partnering his Munster teammate and captain Craig Casey, and Cian Prendergast returning from illness to reclaim the number eight jersey, there’s a refreshing mix of youth and experience in this evolving squad. The towering Tom Ahern will get his first international start, building on his debut off the bench in Tbilisi, as Ireland continues to reforge its depth with confidence. Coach Paul O’Connell praised the squad’s commitment and spirit, especially under testing conditions in Georgia, and expressed pride in the newcomers stepping onto the international stage. With Portugal offering an exciting and fast-paced style of rugby, the match promises both physicality and flair, especially with a strong contingent of Irish supporters expected to roar their team on. As the green jersey gets passed into new hands, this game could mark the beginning of unforgettable journeys for Kendellen, Bolton, and Gavin—a proud moment not just for them, but for Irish rugby as a whole.

07/11/2025

Owen Farrell on Lions bench for AUNZ XV as five Scots start
All eyes will be on the Adelaide Oval this Saturday as Owen Farrell, one of the most seasoned names in modern rugby, starts from the bench for the British & Irish Lions’ highly anticipated clash against the AUNZ Invitational XV—a match that not only promises intensity but also hints at key selection dynamics ahead of the first Test. With head coach Andy Farrell opting to blend continuity with experimentation, the starting XV features a noticeable Scottish influence, as five players from north of the border get the nod, including the powerful back three of Duhan van der Merwe, Mack Hansen, and Hugo Keenan. Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne captains the side again, offering steel and leadership in the second row beside James Ryan, while the front row sees Scotland’s Pierre Schoeman joined by England’s Luke Cowan-Dickie and Will Stuart in a compelling trio. Henry Po***ck's start on the blindside and Ben Earl's continued presence at No.8 showcase the Lions' depth in back-row talent, especially with Wales captain Jac Morgan slotting in at seven. In a fresh tactical twist, scrum-half Ben White earns his first start alongside fly-half Fin Smith, forming an all-new half-back partnership, while Glasgow Warriors duo Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones bring cohesion and flair to the midfield. Farrell's bench presence alongside Marcus Smith and Alex Mitchell speaks volumes about the depth and fierce competition for the No.10 shirt, while the forward replacements, headlined by the dynamic Josh van der Flier and a trio of powerful Irish front-rowers, promise impact. Head coach Farrell emphasized that this match is more than a warm-up—it's a final audition for those looking to break into the Test side against the Wallabies. With Les Kiss’s AUNZ squad expected to bring intensity and tactical discipline, this clash could prove to be one of the defining moments of the tour.

07/11/2025

'Hand up for selection': Farrell gets his Lions chance after being named against AUNZ Invitational side
Nearly a week after landing in Australia, Owen Farrell finally gets his moment to silence doubters and remind the world why he remains a force in international rugby, as he prepares to make his first appearance of the British & Irish Lions’ tour in their high-stakes clash against the AUNZ Invitational side in Adelaide. At 33 and following a turbulent season that ended in an abrupt departure from Racing 92, Farrell’s selection stirred debate—some calling it legacy, others labeling it favoritism—but now the stage is set for the seasoned fly-half to let his rugby speak louder than headlines. With Andy Farrell choosing to rest his top XV following a jittery win over the Brumbies, this fixture serves as a last audition for many ahead of the July 19 opener in Brisbane, and with Fin Smith starting and Marcus Smith, Alex Mitchell, and Farrell himself all waiting on the bench, competition for that No.10 shirt couldn’t be fiercer. The starting side boasts a potent Scottish influence in the backline, with Ben White and Fin Smith orchestrating play, Tuipulotu and Huw Jones anchoring the midfield, and van der Merwe bringing his trademark firepower from the wing—while Irish dynamism rounds it out with Keenan and Hansen on the flanks. Up front, the leadership of Tadhg Beirne and the experience of James Ryan anchor a mobile forward pack, while the likes of Po***ck, Jac Morgan, and Ben Earl promise energy across the breakdown. Yet looming large is the challenge of lineout height, something AUNZ coach Les Kiss will be eager to exploit. Farrell, speaking after Wednesday’s win, remained composed, emphasizing the squad’s unity and growth, calling the match an “opportunity” for those chasing a Test jersey. For Owen Farrell, it’s not just a game—it’s a comeback, a redemption arc, a reminder that class may fade but never disappears.

07/11/2025

Massive ban for abuser as details of Voss death threat revealed, Crows cop fines over metal studsWhat started as a passionate rivalry between clubs has now crossed into deeply troubling territory, as a fan who sent a disturbing threat to embattled Carlton coach Michael Voss has been identified and hit with a heavy five-year ban from all AFL and AFLW events, including those at the MCG. The shocking message, which referenced Voss's 'murder' and a chilling mention of ‘23 missing persons’—a likely jab at Carlton’s entire playing squad after their dismal loss to Collingwood—was sent anonymously via the MCG’s anti-social behavior hotline, only for the sender to be tracked down and revealed as a Collingwood member. In a rare display of united condemnation, both the AFL and the Magpies swiftly responded, with the club echoing the league’s decision and emphasizing that threats of violence are fundamentally at odds with the spirit of the game. Michael Voss, once a fearless leader on the field and now weathering storms as a coach, candidly reflected on his journey—from the boy who fell in love with football by holding his first Sherrin to the man who now endures its darkest undercurrents. While support from figures like Chris Fagan, Craig McRae, and Brad Scott has poured in, each underscoring the emotional toll of coaching in the spotlight, the incident lays bare a bigger issue: the ugly underbelly of fan behavior in modern sport and the real-life consequences when lines are crossed. Meanwhile, off-field drama extended to Adelaide, where players Ben Keays and Josh Rachele were fined for repeatedly ignoring AFL regulations by wearing metal studs—despite multiple warnings. The league’s firm response serves as a reminder that player safety and respect for rules are non-negotiable, especially when the welfare of others is at stake. As Voss’s Blues prepare to face the high-flying Lions and Adelaide deals with both penalties and injuries, this turbulent week leaves fans, clubs, and the AFL confronting where passion ends and accountability must begin.

07/11/2025

All eyes on Edmed as playmaker gets chance to impress Wallabies selectors in AUNZ alongside eight All Blacks
The stage is set for Tane Edmed to rewrite his story under the bright lights of Adelaide Oval, where he will don the coveted No.10 jersey in the final warm-up before the Wallabies face the British & Irish Lions in a historic three-Test series. After his Test debut was cut short against Ireland due to a concussion, Edmed now has the rare opportunity to stake his claim as Australia's next premier flyhalf, especially with Noah Lolesio ruled out after shoulder surgery. It’s a defining moment for the 24-year-old, who battled a turbulent 2025 season with the Waratahs, often shuffled between starts and the bench, yet remained firmly in Joe Schmidt’s plans. The AUNZ Invitational team, a trans-Tasman hybrid featuring Wallabies and All Blacks stars, will serve as Edmed’s ultimate audition, with the likes of Folau Fakatava, Shannon Frizell, Hoskins Sotutu, and David Havili alongside him in a powerhouse lineup. Coached by Les Kiss and captained by the dynamic duo of Havili and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, the side represents a unique brotherhood formed in just days, with fierce pride and cross-country camaraderie fuelling their charge. While this match won’t count in the Lions series tally, it holds weight in Schmidt’s mind, who is set to name his Test squad just hours after the final whistle. With rising talents like Harry McLaughlin-Phillips waiting in the wings, Edmed knows this is more than a game—it’s his shot at redemption, leadership, and perhaps, history. All eyes will be on him as Australia and New Zealand unite once more in what promises to be a thrilling encounter that blends tradition, talent, and the relentless pursuit of Test glory.

07/10/2025

Yapp unveils second-youngest Wallaroos debutant for Black Ferns battle
At just 17 years and 305 days, Waiaria Ellis is poised to make history as the Wallaroos’ second-youngest Test debutant when she takes the field against New Zealand in Wellington this Saturday, adding yet another remarkable chapter to her already inspiring journey from gymnastics to international rugby. A former junior Australian representative gymnast, Ellis transitioned to rugby only in 2022 with the Blacktown Scorpions and quickly rose through the ranks in both Sevens and XVs formats, showing an innate athleticism and determination that set her apart. Her selection on the wing in coach Jo Yapp’s backline not only reflects her explosive speed and strong skillset but also the Wallaroos’ bold new direction under Yapp’s leadership, which has seen the debut of the three youngest players in team history within a single year. While Ellis narrowly misses Caitlyn Halse’s record for youngest debutant, her inclusion symbolizes a new era of youth and dynamism within the squad. With major names like Charlotte Caslick starting at outside centre, and the return of key players such as Piper Duck, Lydia Kavoa, Sammy Wood, and Annabelle Codey—who marks her comeback after 631 days—this match against the Black Ferns in the O’Reilly Cup is shaping up to be a crucial test not just of skill but of character and team depth. With World Cup preparations intensifying, Yapp praised Ellis for her dedication during previous camps and international tours, noting that her youthful presence is already energizing the team culture. As Tia Hinds takes charge at flyhalf and Faitala Moleka shifts to fullback, the Wallaroos are assembling a well-balanced blend of emerging talent and experienced campaigners in hopes of finally securing that long-awaited first victory over their trans-Tasman rivals.

07/10/2025

'Just horrible to look at' - Farrell must fix three 'emergencies' or Lions series 'will end in tears'
Just days away from their much-anticipated Test series against Australia, the British & Irish Lions find themselves under intense scrutiny after a patchy and often frustrating performance against the ACT Brumbies that failed to deliver the statement win fans and pundits had hoped for. Instead of silencing critics, the Lions only amplified them, as breakdown woes, sloppy handling, and missed opportunities became recurring headlines among the travelling media. Chris Foy’s dire warning in the *Daily Mail* summed it up—Andy Farrell has just ten days to solve emergencies in restarts, handling, and the breakdown, or the series could end in bitter disappointment. Despite boasting a Test-strength lineup, the Lions lacked cohesion, often dominating set-pieces and territory without turning that advantage into scoreboard control. Fullback Blair Kinghorn’s injury only deepened concerns, as did Marcus Smith’s unconvincing stint as his replacement. Analysts like Clive Woodward and Sam Warburton highlighted Australia's likely strategy—targeting the Lions at the breakdown and testing their under-pressure fullback options. Joe Schmidt, grinning in the stands, had every reason to be optimistic, with even friendly observers like Robert Kitson and Alex Lowe calling the Lions’ tour performances underwhelming and inconsistent. Dan Biggar, while acknowledging flashes of promise, pointed to a team struggling to find rhythm and impact. Meanwhile, Rúaidhrí O’Connor noted a growing trend: Farrell increasingly leaning on his Irish core, the only group showing real consistency. With the clock ticking, the Lions head to Queensland not as an unstoppable force but as a talented yet vulnerable squad in desperate need of clarity, clinical edge, and unity before facing an Australian side that smells blood.

07/10/2025

All Blacks pick Fijian fireball for debut against France
As the All Blacks prepare for their high-stakes second Test against France in Wellington, head coach Scott Robertson has rung in three key changes in hopes of igniting a more commanding performance after a shaky 31-27 escape in Dunedin. The spotlight beams on Fijian-born Timoci Tavatavanawai, who may earn his first Test cap from the bench, adding a potential fairy tale twist to an already intense series. In the absence of injured skipper Scott Barrett, the ever-reliable Ardie Savea will lead from the front, supported by Codie Taylor and Jordie Barrett as vice-captains. Patrick Tuipulotu slots into the second row, while Caleb Clarke replaces Sevu Reece on the left wing following a head knock, prompting a positional shuffle with Rieko Ioane moving to the right. Despite Ioane’s unconvincing performance in the first clash—where his mishandled kickoff led to a French try—Robertson has opted for faith over form, sticking with his star-studded but underperforming backline. The team’s tactical kicking woes and lack of breakdown dominance were exposed by a spirited French side missing many of its Six Nations stalwarts, raising alarm bells about the All Blacks’ physical edge and composure under pressure. Robertson’s selection of Clarke and retention of promising new faces like Fabian Holland, Christian Lio-Willie, Ollie Norris, and Du’Plessis Kirifi suggests a blend of trust in youth and hope for greater aerial and breakdown dominance. With both squads now battle-tested, Saturday night promises to be a clash not just of talent but of nerve, ex*****on, and resolve. The All Blacks know exactly where the cracks lie—and with France sniffing blood, there's no room for another rudderless showing.

07/10/2025

Late penalty sinks Junior Wallabies' world championship ambitions
In a heart-pounding clash that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Junior Wallabies fell just short of a semi-final berth at the U20 World Championship in Italy, losing 36-33 to England after a last-minute penalty shattered their hopes. What started as a frustrating affair—riddled with 27 penalties called by referee Jeremy Rozier—turned into a display of grit and guts from the Australians, who stormed back from a daunting 19-point second-half deficit. The drama peaked in the 80th minute when England flyhalf Benjamin Coen calmly slotted a penalty to sn**ch victory, despite the Wallabies’ late surge. England drew first blood through flanker Connor Treacey before Malakye Enasio and Nicholas Conway responded with flair. But a dominant English first half, capped by ho**er Kepueli Tuipulotu’s double, gave them a 19-7 cushion at the break, and his hat-trick early in the second half only deepened the hole. Down a man after James Martens saw yellow, Australia refused to crumble—Conway's stunning 90m intercept try breathed life into their fightback, though an earlier TMO decision had cruelly denied Cooper Watters a try. England struck again through Jack Bracken to go up 33-14, but in a ten-minute blitz, Australia stunned with three tries from Sharples, King, and Martens—each one sparked by resilience, slick hands, and sheer determination. With five minutes left, they had drawn level at 33-all, but Joey Fowler’s missed conversion would haunt them, especially after a mishandled restart gave England one last chance, which Coen converted into heartbreak for the Wallabies. The Aussies now look ahead to the 5th-8th place playoffs, but their courage, skill, and spirit left an undeniable mark on the tournament.

07/10/2025

‘We let him down’: Daley defiant despite series meltdown as Blues throw support behind under-fire coach
It was a night that began with hope and ended in heartbreak as NSW coach Laurie Daley faced the press with a calm defiance that starkly contrasted with the chaos of the Blues’ 24-12 collapse at Accor Stadium. The Origin decider saw dreams unravel in front of a home crowd, yet when the inevitable question about his coaching future came, Daley didn't flinch—he chuckled, nodded, and answered with conviction, “Most definitely.” His confidence wasn't born out of arrogance but a belief in the long game, in the campaign they’d crafted, and in a team that, while faltering under pressure, had shown signs of genuine growth. Daley spoke like a man not dwelling on the scoreboard but on the foundation being laid beneath it, insisting the campaign was solid, that the players had bought in—they simply missed the moments that matter most. Those moments, as he explained later, aren't always flashy tries but the little wins in the ruck, the fourth tackle pressure plays, the subtle shifts in momentum that Queensland mastered and NSW mishandled. While critics pounced, Daley’s players rose in his defense. Nathan Cleary and Liam Martin each owned the loss, insisting it wasn’t the coach who failed—it was the playing group that came up short. “We let him down,” Martin admitted, a sentiment echoed throughout the squad, from Max King’s quiet frustration to Payne Haas’ blank stare into the turf post-siren. Daley’s decision to keep Hudson Young benched until the 52nd minute sparked questions, but he stood firm, even as Queensland piled on the pressure and sealed the deal. Young’s late burst, like Connor Watson’s, came too late to swing the tide, and while Dylan Edwards and Brian To’o ran their hearts out, others, including a subdued Cleary, struggled to fire. Even groin injuries and battered hands weren’t blamed—Daley refused to lean on excuses. Instead, he acknowledged Queensland’s relentless ability to rise in big moments—a trait that’s haunted NSW for decades. And yet, despite five series losses in six attempts, Daley remains under contract, perhaps even untouchable for now, not because he’s the easy choice but because he's the only one still willing to face the fire with hope in his voice and belief in his squad. Whether that belief will translate to results remains to be seen, but for now, Laurie Daley isn’t walking away—and maybe, just maybe, the Blues still have unfinished business.

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