It's Owen Farrell's 100th international cap tomorrow, while it's Maro Itoje's 50th for England .. so guess what - Owen being Owen is letting his team mate lead England out. Couldn't think of anything more Farrell, it's never about him
Heartbroken doesn't really do it. 7 days ago Dad lost his wife of 50+yrs, while my sister and I lost our amazing Mum. Still can't believe she's gone. Cancer why don't you just f- off, no one wants you around
This lad is the happiest person in Pallekele right now. He's stood and watched
@englandcricket
net for nearly an hour.
@root66
came out from his session chatted to the lad, then gave him some batting gloves. Utter class.
@Cricket_TS
Everyone who moans about the tackling in the modern game, utter garbage. Let me introduce you to Mr Sam Underhill - every one of them monsters, and more importantly - legal
Let's call this what it is: what Joe Marler did was odd; but if he ends up getting a 12 week ban for it, the World will have gone mad. I've seen horrific tackles (no pun intended)/ dangerous play that's only got 4 or 6 weeks, and there's no way this is twice or 3 times as bad.
Announced by
@ExeterChiefs
their £350k from the Saracens fine is being given to their Foundation. Tony Rowe “As this wasn't budgeted for we feel we don't need to absorb this into the Club. The board felt it should go straight to the Foundation’s Funds to help our local community"
Time for tweet 2,538 on this subject:
* Eng v Aus took 1hr 39mins, and saw the ball in play for just 25mins 43secs
* Scot v SA was better with 32mins 3secs from the 1hr 28mins 46sec game
If you want people to pay several hundred pounds for tickets 25mins of action sounds awful
So many people have suggested it, we have to make it happen: a
@DoddieWeir5
team v a
@Rob7Burrow
team. Name your stadium it'd be full. What about 1 half union, 1 half league? Sounds a winner to me
Shout out to
@Luke_W_Pearce
- reffing the game, AND doing French and English instructions for the players, all while running around. Is there anything he can't do?!
Let's get one thing utterly clear: it's not the job of the ref to keep 15v15, it's their job to apply the laws. If a player does something worthy of being removed from the field that's not the ref's fault. Why does the ref get accused of "ruining the game" yet the player doesn't?
Tappe Henning, the
@Vodacom
United Rugby Championship's head of match officials, says World Rugby needs to be cautious when it comes to finding a compromise between the red card and protecting the integrity of having 15 players against 15.
There are literally dozens and dozens of tv channels. If you want coverage of Prince Phillip you can find it easily enough. How does taking an entire channel off air make sense???
England women’s international against France has been taken off BBC TV tonight after Prince Philip’s death.
They’ll show this holding graphic instead on the channel with BBC 4 programming suspended.
Game is still going to be live on the BBC website
Let's get this absolutely straight if ANY Premier League football club goes to the government for bailout cash, they should be laughed at, full in the face, without a mask on. Multi billion pound industry? Sort yourself out, this isn't meant for you
There's a lot of negativity and sadness in the World right now - it feels like now is the right time to create a thread of tweets: "Dan Cole with hair" .... over to you
Going under the radar somewhat - but what an amazing job
@Sarraelgan
is doing on tour. All the on site interviews for Sky, plus also supplying interviews for the Welsh language broadcasters. That's a pro's pro right there
Looks like Elliot Daly is going for the Iron Man award of this Lions Tour. His selection for Saturday means he'll have appeared in every game in Africa so far. That's a heck of a work load
If I were Gregor Townsend I'd have the proper raging hump. That's not just 6 players, that's basically your core group - the guys who are supposed to set and drive the standards. Added to which, for some of them, it's not their first case. Big games are essential tomorrow
It's still so hard to take in. We won't share a studio or commentary box any more. A broadcasting force of nature, ridiculously talented, able to turn his hand to anything; and, one of the few people in the World who would graciously put up with my terrible golf!
Miss you mate
We’re deeply saddened to tell you that Russell Hargreaves has passed away.
Russ was a talented commentator, news reader and reporter for our network.
But he was much more than that. A much loved friend and colleague to so many.
We’re devastated by his passing.
RIP, Russ.
ITV News whoever wrote your sports script needs to have a word with themselves: "Wales were humiliated by England in the 6 Nations".
No they weren't. They were beaten by a World class side. Wales have made huge strides, but their 6Nats isn't determined by their game v England
VERY pointed comment from Joe Root to
@talkSPORT2
about the non declaration and the approach "no one had spent as much time as me on the wicket ......"
Why do rugby teams still put the "Please Respect The Kicker" sign up on the screen when there's no one in the stadium?? I spend hours pondering stuff like this
I just properly laughed out loud at this. Never, ever, take yourself too seriously as a sportsman/ woman - you have the best job in the world, enjoy it
Rob Burrow broke Wigan hearts I don't know how many times, now he's doing it again in a completely different way. This is one of the classiest things I've ever seen. Whoever came up with this idea - take the rest of the day off, you aren't doing any work better than this today
Only my opinion, but I really don't like "hot takes" like this. Did George have his best game ever? No. Does that mean he should be bombed out never to play again? No of course not, he's far too good for that
So the 6 Nats/ CVC deal is finally announced. "The objective of the partnership is to invest to grow and develop the game" - which in English means, "we are going to hawk the broadcast rights around every territory, and try and wring every last penny out of it"
Gavin Hastings said to me at an event recently - if the Lions win this series A-WJ should go down as the greatest Lion ever, bar none. That's some call when you think about it, but it's a tough call to argue with. What an effort, what a leader
One thing that really annoys me about modern broadcasting/ reporting: why do we have to quantify everything? Best this, worst that, greatest whatever of all time - just enjoy things for what they are
The breaking news isn't that Carlisle v Gillingham tonight is off, it's that someone thought a 660 mile round trip midweek was acceptable in the first place.
I know social media can create a lot of problems, but the way the
@WorcsWarriors
players and staff have used it over the last month or so has been outstanding. From an official account going rogue, to organised postings, it's been highly impressive. Fabulous. Don't take the P
Sad indictment on modern cricket. The closest fielder Chris Morris (1m away) says a shot has gone for 6, the umps decide they have to check it - why? It can't be worth more than 6; and if Morris is going to try it on surely he'd say 4 not 6. Why slow the game down??
RFU have announced financial results from 22/23:
* revenues £221.4m up from £189.1m
* investment in rugby £99.4m (£77.4m previously)
* operating profit of £4m (£15m previously)
* All debt from Covid now paid off
* Cash reserves of £123.3m
Thank you for all the incredible messages about the tribute we put together for "The Legend". If you want to hear it again, or you haven't heard it yet and want to, talkSPORT have included on the website, you can listen to it here.
Russell Hargreaves was a devoted husband, loving father of three and everyone’s ‘pal’.
Our tribute to a valued part of the talkSPORT family.
Farewell, mate.
Nothing against Leinster but should they be limited to the number of times they can use the Aviva? They're getting a big stadium for their big games without having to pay for it. Had it last week for Leicester and this week for La Rochelle
I hope people noticed but as Stokes went off after the Super over, some of the Kiwis went over and high fived him. Classy, very classy. Bloody good blokes
Sometimes I cringe at things I hear from commentary teams "I hope the ref puts the whistle away for a bit" - what??!! You want him to stop applying the laws?? You end up with the wild west - how about the players adapt their behaviour instead?
One of the toughest things I've ever had to do. At Twickenham, 10mins to kick off ready to commentate, you're ramping it up, and you have to announce sonething so horrible. Stadium PA broke the news at HT, it actually stopped people going to the bar. That's what you meant Doddie
And so my
@lionsofficial
tour starts. Edinburgh bound. You can't see it but there's a broad grin on my face. Let's get this underway!! Every game exclusively live on
@talkSPORT
or
@talkSPORT2
Can't but help thinking people are completely missing the point with Karius story. He played on with possible concussion, and only got checked out on holiday as he felt ill. Forget excuses for goals, we're talking about someone's health here. Very serious for all concerned
Said this the other day, feels even more important given no citings from the RWC this weekend yet: World Rugby MUST publish the unseen footage/ angles. There appeared to be 3 similar incidents, and we've got 3 different outcomes - explain to the wider world how this can happen
Right rugby, we need to press the pause button. Jack Nowell has been charged for his tweet post Ollie Woodburn's red card on Sunday. As with refereeing surely a quiet word is better here. He didn't rant and rave, or swear - simply said he was shocked. I think lots of us were
Yesterday's commentary between Chiefs and Quins was incredible but it meant a bit more than usual. Last weekend my sister and I lost our amazing Dad. The man who gave us so much, including our love of rugby. What he'd have made of that game who knows! That one was for you Dad xxx
You want to know how well regarded
@simonrug
is in Welsh rugby? Well, they allowed him a week back at work, to get his feet back under the table, after serious illness before launching a World Record attempt at self implosion. Welcome back to work mate!
One reason you can't really have club games at the same time as the 6 Nats - Leicester have today lost their two first choice 9's and tight heads. In a salary cap sport that's pretty brutal
I'm not for a second saying they won't be good partners, or that it can't work; however there's only 1 reason investment companies put their cash into things: to make more cash! It's not altruism
There have been a few stories about the apparent "shock" that the tv rights for the Autumn 8 team tournament could be sold to Amazon. That's no shock at all. Money is pouring out of the game, the rights will go to the highest bidder - and who had a better lockdown than Amazon??
This is just a brilliant story, however it's the last 4 words that take it onto an even higher level for me. No spoliers, read it, but I bet you weren't expecting "and a ....."
Matt Proudfoot asked about Mako Vunipola's non call up for England tells the press conference "he needs to play regularly". Mako has started 5 of Sarries 7 Prem games this season. He literally couldn't do that much more
Now that it's all official I'm delighted to say I've been asked to commentate on Wales v NZ, and then the 3 England matches against Tonga, Australia, and South Africa. It's going to be fun
Rugby union: making life as complicated as possible since 1873
* one type of place kick you can charge down, the other you can't
* one type of place kick gets 90secs to take, the other gets 60secs
Well done chaps let's make it as complicated as possible for people to follow!
Dear EPCR, you have 2 French teams competing in the European Cup final - do the sensible thing and appoint a French ref for the match. Or at the very worst, a fluent French speaker. It just makes sense
2 significant announcements from
@lionsofficial
: 1 the game v Japan will kick off at 3pm on Sat 26 June; and 2, there'll be a crowd of 16,500 at Murrayfield for it
Mohamed Haouas has been given a 4 game ban for his red card v Scotland. Started at 6 but down to 4 due to "the lack of intent and premeditation, and clearly expressed remorse" .. is that the same player who left the field with his arms outstretched clearly saying "why?"??? OK...
You know what's made me really angry about the announcement? It was leaked/ briefed this afternoon to certain media, yet the head teacher of my daughters school found out the details watching the tv at 8pm! How the hell are they supposed to plan when they're treated like this?
Think I'm right in saying the B&I Lions committee are still deciding whether to give the match against Japan in Edinburgh test status or not. Here's the clincher: NZ are awarding full caps and status to Saturdays hundred point scoreline v the USA. Japan's 1st team must be a test!
If you work in sport and Geraint Thomas isn't top of your running order/ agenda/ social media today - have a word with yourself. It's really that simple
One final thing on Herbst-gate. I was told by someone who was near the benches yesterday that the Bath players/ staff were going crackers. I'm really surprised therefore the match didn't get stopped, so the officials could get together and say "have we got a problem here?".
@thepaulwilliams
Can you remember a few years ago when people kept claiming the Lions were losing their relevance and were an anachronism?? They are the best thing we have in our game, and should be loved and cherished accordingly (supporters and administrators alike)
* Perhaps the most significant line - revenue from tickets £48.4m from £33.7m. Stated that the World record Red Roses’ Six Nations game against France contributed around £1m ON IT'S OWN .... but no one cares about womens' rugby!!!
I'm sure
@gloucesterrugby
fans know this already, but what a gent
@markatkinson_
is. On
@EnglandRugby
media duty today, thoroughly engaging and entertaining - makes you hope that things keep working out for him.
It's probably worth reminding you
@premrugby
tie breaker order for teams level on points is:
* wins
* points difference
* points scored
* points between sides who are level
* rock, paper, scissors
* GCSE results of the TH Prop
* cup speed stacking
* best haircut
Is it right that we won't find out the result of the World Rugby Chairman vote for about a month?? It's 51 votes not the live final of BGT or Strictly, how's it take that long?
Oh my God, classic Tipping Point moment
"In his poems Homer refereed to nectar as the drink of the gods, what was their food?"
Answer given: ..... donuts
Er, I don't think it's that Homer mate!!!
I've wondered this for a while but how can the Barbarians put together a coherent attack in 3-4 days (2 of them normally on the pop)? While a group who've spent 9 weeks, 4 warm ups, and a 1st group game together look so much more disjointed?
Yesterday goes down as one of the toughest ever, however thanks to my brilliant sister, our amazing family, some of the kindest people you'd ever meet, and
@_royaloak
; he got a heck of a send off. Huge thanks to you all from us, he'd have loved it xxx
20yrs ago I went on my first date with the woman who would become my wife and mother of my children. How am I celebrating this? By being 6,000 miles away and having dinner with a man called Sal! How/why she puts up with this I don't know, but it's what make her so special
Anyone need a freelance broadcaster/ voice/ host? I have just 1 days work booked in for this month, so if you have anything you think I might be able to help you with, then get in touch.
Doesn't have to be sport related - I'm open to all requests.
Please share if you can.
Andrew
I know there is massive political anger right now but please listen to the doctors, nurses, and the medical profession. If we all just go rogue we've got no chance of defeating this thing. Think about your friends, family, and neighbours. Be a good person
There aren't many of us left in the stadium, a day when England got very little right. In truth though my overriding emotion is of numbness - I still can't quite believe the news about Doddie. One of life's good guys through and through
Anyone understand how this makes sense? Yes he might be nearer the end of this whistling than the start, but ditching someone with this experience and quality? Also how do you have games without officials?
You are of course entitled to your own opinion, but if you don't think Owen Farrell is the best player in the world, I reckon you're in an increasingly small group
I think we have just seen the best ever example of why you don't let players decide whether they have concussion issues or not. It's the medics job, their area of expertise - they wouldn't tell you how to scrum. Well done Warriors staff
Aggghhhh NZ continues the narrative! Tate McDermott is red carded for a swinging arm to the head, and the commentary praises the 20min law for not "ruining the game"! How do you change player behaviour like that?! Idiots
Just got round the reading
@TheRugbyPaper
report of the Exeter v Sale game on Saturday ... while I know what Brendan Gallagher is saying, I'll be honest and I say I wasn't expecting to read it in print quite that bluntly!!!
Some day some of the greatest minds on the planet will get together and decide just what it is that Alex Goode doesn't have. Can't be many sides in international rugby who could turn their back on that much talent
This was never fishing for sympathy, just an explanation of why the silence from me on here; however it's fair to say I/we are stunned by the reaction and support. Thank you all so much. You've had me in tears so many times today, which when you're on the radio is tricky! XXX
Heartbroken doesn't really do it. 7 days ago Dad lost his wife of 50+yrs, while my sister and I lost our amazing Mum. Still can't believe she's gone. Cancer why don't you just f- off, no one wants you around