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Romantic Warrior wins 4th Group 1 Hong Kong Cup

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 15:50:06 +0000

Romantic Warrior turned on the style at Sha Tin on Sunday morning as he claimed an unprecedented fourth straight victory in the HK$40 million Group 1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m).

Hong Kong International Sale graduate Romantic Warrior has now reached a tally of 11 Group 1s in four different jurisdictions, as the James McDonald-ridden seven-year-old ran out a convincing length and three-quarters winner over Bellagio Opera in his latest Group 1 success.

McDonald broke well and sat just behind a steady pace set largely by Joseph O’Brien’s Galen, whose rider Dylan Browne McMonagle tried to get first run on the field as the group of seven turned into the home straight.

Romantic Warrior was travelling well within himself and with 400m remaining, he was in front and was never going to be passed despite the late challenge from Bellagio Opera, with Quisisana sneaking in late for third.

Shum very proud of Romantic Warrior

Winning trainer Danny Shum said of his multiple Group 1 winner:

“I’m very proud of Romantic Warrior and our stable team, they work really hard. It’s a big relief. He always gives me a lot of happiness, not only me but my stable, owners, my family and in Hong Kong, even racing fans or non-racing fans, they all love Romantic Warrior.

“To be honest, there was a lot of pressure. He had his surgery (when a screw was inserted in his left front leg at the end of May), but he is such a good, calm, lovely horse. He’s part of my family, I love him. My son says I love Romantic Warrior more than him!

“He’s very easy to train. He doesn’t need too much work and his body weight will tell you, his appetite will tell you how fit he is.”

It’s FOUR Hong Kong Cups for the brilliant ROMANTIC WARRIOR! @HKJC_Racing | @HongKong_Racing | #HKIR | #HKRacing pic.twitter.com/f2sEElvud7

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 14, 2025

Romantic Warrior is likely to be aimed another another clash with Forever Young, who he pushed all the way to the line in that famous Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) showdown earlier this year.

“He’s so special”

The successful rider, James McDonald, summed up his admiration for Romantic Warrior by stating:

“He’s so special, he’s so special. He’s just a freak. I don’t know what to say. I just love him. I love him.”

Dylan Browne McMonagle, the rider of the Joseph O’Brien-trained Galen, who out-ran his odds of 25/1 to finish fourth, said of the four-year-old son of Gleneagles:

“He’s a very, very tough horse and he wears his heart on his sleeve. We were drawn a little bit wide and he didn’t step as well as he usually does, which meant I had to work a little bit around the first bend. But I got into a nice rhythm and he was tough the whole way to the line.”

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Ka Ying Rising Is Imperious in Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 15:31:25 +0000

Ka Ying Rising, the world’s best sprinter, stretched his consecutive winning streak to 16 with victory in the HK$28 million Group 1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin this morning.

The New Zealand-bred gelding secured his sixth Group 1 victory to enhance his record to 17 wins and two seconds from 19 starts with prize money of HK$122.5 million.

In a powerful display after drawing barrier one for the first time in his career, the Shamexpress gelding produced one of his best victories with a masterful ride from Zac Purton, who steered the champion into the middle of the home straight in search of the best ground.

Ka Ying Rising surged away to beat Raging Blizzard by three-and-three-quarter lengths, with Fast Network third after being eased down by Purton over the closing 150 metres.

“I think we showed everyone what he can do…”@zpurton reacts to Ka Ying Rising’s performance in the Hong Kong Sprint after blowing his rivals away at Sha Tin! @HKJC_Racing | @HongKong_Racing | #HKIR | #HKRacing pic.twitter.com/HPvzjbdLjj

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 14, 2025

“In a league of his own”

Purton said Ka Ying Rising’s performance was what everyone wanted to see.

“His last run showed us that it was on the cards today,” he said. “He drew the right gate, and when the barrier came out, they said, ‘What do you think?’ And I said he would win by further.

“He is just in a league of his own now. And not having to do that extra work into the first corner from a wide gate to try and get forward, probably helped him.”

The best Hayes has trained

Declaring Ka Ying Rising the best horse he has trained, David Hayes said he was relieved the five-year-old gelding didn’t let the stable or the public’s expectations down.

“He was just superb today,” he said. “The messages he was sending the week of the race suggested he’d do something like that. We are not running fast times today but he did – (running) a lot faster than the other races.”

Hayes said there were horses in the race with Royal Ascot, Dubai and Breeders’ Cup form and they were probably the best sprinters around, and while Ka Ying Rising was making them look ordinary, he said they certainly weren’t.”

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Leinster Senior Cup Rugby – List of games on TV, Squads, Draw, Results & Live score updates

JoeNa Connacht — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 21:16:38 +0000

Leinster Senior Cup and Junior Cup Rugby – List of games on TV Squads, Draw, Results & Live score updates for the 2025 competition.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE SCORES FOR LEINSTER SENIOR CUP RUGBY

Leinster Schools Senior Cup 2026 – Round 1 Draw

The road to glory is officially open. The draw for the 2026 Bank of Ireland Leinster Schools Senior Cup has thrown up a fascinating mix of traditional heavyweights, rising challengers, and the always-dangerous Vinnie Murray Cup qualifiers.

With eight mouth-watering first-round ties, the stage is now set for another unforgettable Cup campaign.

⸻

Full Round 1 Draw – 2026

Blackrock College vs Vinnie Murray Cup Qualifier 1
The holders and perennial favourites begin their title defence against the first VM Cup qualifier. No matter who emerges, Blackrock will be overwhelming favourites — but the Cup has produced shocks before, and the qualifier will arrive battle-hardened.

St Gerard’s vs VMQ4
St Gerard’s have impressed in recent years with their physicality and structure. They’ll fancy their chances against VMQ4, but knockout rugby is unforgiving, and the qualifier will carry real belief.

Gonzaga College vs VMQ2
Gonzaga, now consistently one of the strongest rugby schools in the province, face VMQ2 in what will likely be a high-tempo clash. ‘Zaga’s backline flair makes them contenders again, but the qualifier could cause problems if they turn it into an arm-wrestle.

Belvedere College vs Cistercian College Roscrea
One of the standout fixtures of the round. Two proud rugby schools, two passionate followings, and a history of cup classics. Belvo will feel they have the edge, but Roscrea have a habit of producing big performances when it matters.

VMQ3 vs St Michael’s College
St Michael’s will enter as heavy favourites, but facing an unknown qualifier presents its own challenge. A disciplined, clinical Michael’s side should progress — but the VM Cup has already delivered major statement wins this season.

Terenure College vs Kilkenny College
A true contrast of styles. Terenure’s athleticism and pace meet Kilkenny’s power and structure. This is one of the more intriguing ties, and Kilkenny have shown before that they can trouble the Dublin schools when they get front-foot ball.

Newbridge College vs Wesley College
A superb match-up. Newbridge continue to build momentum as a senior cup force, while Wesley bring a strong, balanced squad. This could be one of the tightest games of the entire round.

Clongowes Wood College vs St Mary’s College
Two storied giants of the competition collide early. Clongowes’ physical edge meets Mary’s trademark grit and backline quality. A huge crowd will be expected — and this is a fixture worthy of a semi-final.

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Overview

The 2026 draw brings a perfect blend of tradition, rivalry, and unpredictability. The presence of four Vinnie Murray Cup qualifiers always adds an exciting wildcard element, while clashes like Belvedere–Roscrea and Clongowes–St Mary’s promise intensity from the very start.

With the tournament edging closer, preparations across Leinster will shift into overdrive. The first round is set to deliver drama, upsets, and breakout performances — everything that makes the Senior Cup so special.

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Kate O’Connor Heptathlon Preview: Full Schedule (Irish Times) & Medal Chances

JoeNa Connacht — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 07:55:04 +0000

Kate O’Connor Heptathlon Preview: Full Schedule (Irish Times) & Medal Chances

The women’s heptathlon promises to be one of the highlights of the championships, and Irish fans have a real reason to watch closely as Kate O’Connor looks to make history. The 23-year-old from Dundalk is aiming to become the first Irish woman to win a global medal in the event.

American Anna Hall is the clear favourite for gold at 4/7, followed by defending champion Nafissatou Thiam (9/4) and Britain’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson (11/2). Those three are odds-on for medals, but the battle for bronze could be decided by just a handful of points.

“The one thing about winning medals for these events now is that it does increase the pressure, the expectation levels from people watching on,” O’Connor, who begins her heptathlon challenge on Friday morning.

O’Connor’s 6,487-point haul at the World University Games in Germany is the fifth best of 2025, although Olympic champion Nafi Thiam from Belgium and Great Britain’s world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson have yet to record a score this season.

“I’ve got an idea in my head if things go really, really well, what could happen but I just want to turn up and just enjoy the competition.

“If I could, I would love to string together seven performances that I’m really proud of.”

Kate O’Connor’s Full Schedule (Irish Times)

Day 7 – Friday, 19 September
Kate O’Connor – Heptathlon Events
- 100m Hurdles (Heat 1): 13:44PB – 1059pts
- High Jump (Group A): 10:20 (18:20)
- Shot Put (Group B): 12:30 (20:30)
- 200m (Heat 1): 13:38 (21:38)
Day 8 – Saturday, 20 September
03:30 – Long Jump | 11:00 – Javelin | 13:11 – 800m (final event)

Medal Chances

O’Connor is priced at 9/2 to claim a medal and 50/1 for gold. Her strongest events are the javelin and long jump, where she can claw back points on the leaders. If she stays competitive in the hurdles, high jump and 200m, she could head into the 800m with a real shot at bronze.

Her main rivals for the podium outside the “big three” include Annik Kalin (5/2) of Sweden and Finland’s Saga Vanninen (7/2). Sofie Dokter (NED) and Taliyah Brooks (USA) are also strong competitors.

Prediction

Gold: Likely to be a duel between Hall and Thiam, with Johnson-Thompson a live threat if she produces her best.
Bronze: Wide open – and Kate O’Connor is right in the mix. Expect a thrilling finish with the possibility of an Irish medal on the line in the final 800m.

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Beirne to Captain Lions Against Waratahs – Irish Contingent Strong for Sydney Showdown

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 10:57:07 +0000

Beirne to Captain Lions Against Waratahs – Irish Contingent Strong for Sydney Showdown

Tadhg Beirne will lead the British & Irish Lions into their next Tour match this Saturday as Andy Farrell’s men take on the New South Wales Waratahs at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney (KO 11:00 BST).

The Munster and Ireland talisman steps into the captaincy role as Maro Itoje is rested, with Beirne joined in the second row by James Ryan, forming an all-Irish engine room.

The selection represents a major chance for several Irish players to push their claims for inclusion in the Test squad to face Australia — with many eyes on Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan, Finlay Bealham, and Josh van der Flier.

Big Test for Mack, Fitness Watch for Hugo, Bealham in Test Frame

Mack Hansen gets the nod on the wing and will be eager to show the cutting edge that made him a fan favourite during the 2023 Six Nations. It’s a big opportunity to see if he can transfer his form to the Lions stage.

Hugo Keenan starts at full-back in what will be his Lions debut. The Leinster man is returning from injury and this will be a key outing to assess his match fitness before a potential test role against the Wallabies.

Finlay Bealham continues to press hard. With Tadhg Furlong still finding top gear, another strong performance from Bealham could edge him into the 23 for the First Test. Dan Sheehan and Furlong are also among a powerful Irish bench.

In total, 10 Irish players feature in the matchday squad.

Lions XV to Face New South Wales Waratahs

British & Irish Lions v NSW Waratahs
Saturday 6th July 2025 – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 11:00am BST | Live on Sky Sports

Starting XV:

15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) Debut
14. Mack Hansen (Connacht Rugby/ Ireland) #867
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #878
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #863
11. Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse/ Scotland) Debut
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints/ England) #862
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints/ England) #860
1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby/ Scotland) #868
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks/ England) #851
3. Finlay Bealham (Connacht Rugby/ Ireland) #856
4. Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby/ Ireland) #838 (c)
5. James Ryan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #880
6. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints/ England) #865
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #874
8. Ben Earl (Saracens/ England) #857

Replacements:

16. Dan Sheehan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #873
17. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears/ England) #859
18. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #818
19. Joe McCarthy (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #871
20. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #869
21. Jac Morgan (Ospreys/ Wales) #861
22. Ben White (Toulon/ Scotland)
23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins/ England) #855

Squad Update: Daly Out, Farrell In

Elliot Daly has been ruled out of the rest of the Tour after fracturing his forearm against the Queensland Reds. Owen Farrell has been called up as his replacement and will join the squad in Sydney on Friday evening.

Farrell, Lion #780, returns for his fourth Tour after making 18 Lions appearances between 2013 and 2021. The 33-year-old is England’s record points scorer.

Andy Farrell: “It is heartbreaking for the group that Elliot’s Tour is over. He is a Lions legend and has added so much to the group both on and off the field.”

Tour Manager Ieuan Evans: “Elliot is a wonderful Lion and a world-class player who will be sorely missed. We all wish him a speedy recovery.”

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REPORTS: Diogo Jota Tragically Killed in Car Accident in Spain

Garth Kenny — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 08:44:12 +0000

REPORTS: Diogo Jota Tragically Killed in Car Accident in Spain

Liverpool star Diogo Jota has reportedly died following a car crash in northern Spain at the age of 28 — just two weeks after marrying his childhood sweetheart.

The Portuguese international is believed to have been travelling with his younger brother André Jota, aged 26, who is also feared dead. Both were reportedly in the same vehicle at the time of the accident.

Recent Marriage, Family Tribute

Jota had recently married Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children. In an interview released just yesterday, he described himself as “the luckiest man in the world,” reflecting on his young family and new chapter in life.

Crash Details

The crash is said to have occurred on the A-52 motorway in the province of Zamora, a busy route for travellers between northern Portugal and Spain.

Emergency services in the region of Castilla y León released the following statement:

“The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A car was reported to have been involved in an accident and the vehicle was on fire.”

Local authorities, including the Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Centre, responded to the scene.

Official Confirmation

As of now, no official statement has been issued by Liverpool FC or the Portuguese Football Federation. But it has appeared on Sky News and BBC

More to follow as this story develops.

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Galway United Sign Former Spurs Midfielder Axel Piesold

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 08:22:22 +0000

Galway United Sign Former Spurs Midfielder Axel Piesold

Galway United are delighted to announce the signing of 20-year-old English midfielder Axel Piesold ahead of the second half of the 2025 SSE Airtricity League Premier Division campaign.

The former Tottenham Hotspur academy talent arrives at Eamonn Deacy Park following the expiration of his contract at Premier League side Luton Town. He most recently impressed during a loan spell with Cliftonville in the NIFL Premiership, helping the Belfast outfit qualify for the UEFA Conference League preliminary rounds.

From London to Galway

Born in London, Piesold came through the Spurs academy ranks and featured prominently at U18 level before a brief stint with non-league side Dunstable Town. He joined Luton Town in January 2023, where he gained valuable first-team exposure, including several appearances in Premier League matchday squads during the 2023/24 season — against the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur.

“Looking back, that was a great experience. I feel really lucky to have done that, really, and it’s something I’ll remember for a long time,” Piesold told Galway United media.

Time in Ireland: Cliftonville Success

Axel spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Cliftonville in the NIFL Premiership, where he made 24 league appearances and became a firm fan favourite at Solitude.

He scored a vital goal in the European play-off final victory over Coleraine, helping the Reds secure their place in this summer’s UEFA Conference League qualifiers. In March, he also lifted his first senior silverware as Cliftonville won the BetMcLean Cup after defeating Glentoran at Windsor Park.

“Coming to Cliftonville on loan was really good for me because it gave me men’s games and introduced me to what men’s football was really like,” said Piesold.

First Words as a Tribesman

Speaking to Galway United media, Axel shared his delight at securing the move:

“I’m glad to get it over the line and really excited to get started. After speaking with the manager and seeing how the club has progressed over the last 18 months, it just felt right. I really wanted to be part of it.”

“I’m a technical midfielder. I like to get on the ball, play forward passes, and carry the ball up the pitch. I enjoy showing my range of passing. Out of possession, I like to press and be aggressive.”

— Axel Piesold, Galway United

What to Expect

Piesold is a creative, hard-working central midfielder with a high football IQ. His background with Tottenham’s youth system and time around top-flight players at Luton have shaped his playing style, combining technical quality with off-the-ball aggression and a strong engine.

Galway United fans can look forward to a midfielder who will drive forward with purpose, link play, and bring added energy and composure to the middle of the park.

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All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Final Preview: Kilkenny v Tipperary

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 07:17:37 +0000

All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final Preview: Kilkenny v Tipperary

A classic rivalry returns to Croke Park this weekend as Leinster champions Kilkenny face off against a rejuvenated Tipperary side in the second All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-final. With 68 titles between them and a legacy of epic battles, Saturday’s showdown is set to deliver another chapter of high drama.

Kilkenny, last crowned champions in 2015, are chasing a return to the final after losing to Limerick last year. Tipperary, All-Ireland winners in 2019, have built momentum through the qualifiers and look like a team peaking at the right time.

Path to the Semi-Final

Kilkenny – P6 W5 L1 (Leinster Champions)

Kilkenny 3-24 Galway 0-21
Kilkenny 2-30 Antrim 2-12
Kilkenny 4-25 Offaly 2-16
Kilkenny 5-19 Dublin 3-21
Wexford 2-19 Kilkenny 1-15
Kilkenny 3-22 Galway 1-20 (Leinster Final)

Tipperary – P6 W4 D1 L1

Tipperary 2-23 Limerick 2-23
Cork 4-27 Tipperary 0-24
Tipperary 4-18 Clare 2-21
Tipperary 1-30 Waterford 1-21
Tipperary 3-32 Laois 0-18 (Prelim QF)
Tipperary 1-28 Galway 2-17 (Quarter-Final)

Top Scorers – Championship 2025

Kilkenny

TJ Reid – 5-26 (0-22 frees, 0-2 ‘65s’)
Martin Keoghan – 6-8
Eoin Cody – 2-18 (1-11 frees)
Billy Ryan – 2-13
Adrian Mullen – 3-6

Tipperary

Jason Forde – 2-38 (0-21 frees, 0-4 s/l, 0-1 ‘65’)
Darragh McCarthy – 0-31 (0-25 frees, 0-1 ‘65’)
John McGrath – 4-12
Andrew Ormond – 2-13
Jake Morris – 0-18

Championship Head-to-Head – Last Five Meetings

2019: Tipperary 3-25 Kilkenny 0-20 (All-Ireland Final)
2016: Tipperary 2-29 Kilkenny 2-20 (All-Ireland Final)
2014: Kilkenny 2-17 Tipperary 2-14 (Final Replay)
2014: Kilkenny 3-22 Tipperary 1-28 (Final – Draw)
2013: Kilkenny 0-20 Tipperary 1-14 (Qualifiers)

Recent edge: Tipperary have won 2 of the last 3 championship meetings, including the 2019 final.

Semi-Final Pedigree – Last Five Appearances

Kilkenny

2024: Lost to Clare
2023: Beat Clare
2022: Beat Clare
2021: Lost to Cork (AET)
2020: Lost to Waterford

Tipperary

2019: Beat Wexford
2017: Lost to Galway
2016: Beat Galway
2015: Lost to Galway
2014: Beat Cork

Note: Kilkenny are in their 7th successive semi-final. Tipp are back at this stage for the first time since 2019.

Other Notables

Tipperary beat Kilkenny by 2-25 to 1-19 in the 2025 Allianz League
Kilkenny finished with 12 players, Tipp with 14
Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng faced Tipp 4 times as a player, winning 3

Verdict

Kilkenny come in as the more consistent outfit with a Leinster title under their belt, while Tipperary look dangerous and free-scoring since the Munster championship ended. This will come down to discipline and midfield control — and if Tipperary continue their upward trend, they could take a huge scalp.

Prediction: Tipperary to win by 2–4 points in a high-scoring thriller.

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Pat Spillane Jnr Transfers to Sligo’s St Molaoise Gaels

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 06:25:01 +0000

Pat Spillane Jnr Transfers to Sligo’s St Molaoise Gaels

Pat Spillane Jnr, son of Kerry GAA icon Pat Spillane, has made a surprise transfer to Sligo club St Molaoise Gaels, marking the latest chapter in a unique footballing journey.

The 26-year-old joins the Yeats County outfit from St Jude’s in Dublin, with whom he reached the Dublin Senior Football Championship final in 2021, narrowly losing to Kilmacud Crokes.

Third Club, Third County

This will be Spillane’s third club across three counties. He began his football career with his native Templenoe in Kerry, before transferring to Dublin club St Jude’s. Now, having qualified to represent Sligo through his mother Rosarii, Spillane makes the move west.

He became eligible to play for Sligo in 2022, thanks to his maternal roots in the county.

AFL Links

Though Spillane never lined out for Kerry at minor, U20 or senior level, he did catch the eye of international recruiters. In 2015, he was selected to attend an AFL draft combine alongside players such as Cavan’s Thomas Galligan and Kilkenny’s Darragh Joyce — the latter now playing professionally for the Brisbane Lions after an initial stint with St Kilda.

Who Are St Molaoise Gaels?

St Molaoise Gaels are an emerging force in Sligo club football, competing in the Intermediate ranks. The addition of a player of Spillane’s pedigree and experience is seen as a major boost to their ambitions for the 2025 season and beyond.

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Scrum-Half Added to Squad and Predicted British Lions Starting Team Against Argentina

JoeNa Connacht — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:48:16 +0000

Fly-Half Cover Added to British & Irish Lions Squad Amid JGP Injury Concern

England’s Jack van Poortvliet Joins Lions Training in Dublin

Leicester Tigers and England scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet has been called into the British & Irish Lions training squad and will arrive in Dublin this morning as preparations continue for Friday night’s 1888 Cup clash against Argentina.

The 24-year-old is joining the squad as precautionary cover following the late withdrawal of Jamison Gibson-Park, who was ruled out of the URC final for Leinster on Saturday morning. The nature of Gibson-Park’s injury has not been confirmed, but his absence from Leinster’s squad appears to have prompted the Lions’ call-up.

Van Poortvliet, who has earned 15 caps for England since making his debut in Perth against Australia in 2022, was named in Steve Borthwick’s 36-man training group for this weekend’s match against a France XV. His involvement with the Lions may now take precedence, depending on injury updates across both squads.

Predicted Lions Starting XV vs Argentina

With several senior players rested and others tied up in the URC final, the Lions are expected to field a mix of youth and experience on Friday. Here’s a predicted starting XV for the 1888 Cup fixture:

1. Pierre Schoeman – Scotland

2. Luke Cowan-Dickie – England

3. Finlay Bealham – Ireland

4. Maro Itoje – England

5. Tadhg Beirne – Ireland

6. Tom Curry – England

7. Jac Morgan – Wales

8. Henry Pollock – England

9. Alex Mitchell – England

10. Finn Smith – England

11. Mack Hansen – Ireland or Duhan van der Merwe – Scotland

12. Bundee Aki – Ireland

13. Elliot Daly – England

14. Tommy Freeman – England

15. Marcus Smith – England

Key Talking Points:

Gibson-Park’s injury creates unexpected reshuffle at scrum-half.
Van Poortvliet could now feature for the Lions despite being in England’s training squad.
Potentially exciting backline combinations with Marcus Smith and Finn Smith both included.
Lions management likely to confirm the matchday 23 in the next 48 hours.

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