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The Strangest Football Shirt Sponsorships Worldwide

Football sponsorships are a controversial topic due to their ties to gambling companies, but most football clubs worldwide have made agreements with companies for shirt sponsorships. Some of these shirt sponsorships were struck to promote well-known firms, but there have been some strange sponsorships that just don’t make sense. Read all about them here. 

Wet Wet Wet and Clydebank FC (1995)

Wet Wet Wet is a rock band that was founded in 1982 in Clydebank, Scotland. The band are best known for their cover of ‘Love Is All Around’, which was used in the soundtrack for Four Weddings And A Funeral. However, the group raised eyebrows in 1995 when they became the shirt sponsors of their hometown football club. Although it isn’t strange for the group to sponsor the football club of their hometown, seeing the band name on kits was strange, and it’s rare to see a rock band or any musician sponsor a football club. In the early 2000s, the football club was bought out and moved to Airdrie, where it was renamed Airdrie United to replace the town’s previous club. 

Angry Birds and Everton (2017)

Angry Birds is one of the biggest mobile games of all time. Despite that, parent company Rovio struck a sponsorship agreement with Everton in 2017 to display the Angry Birds logo on the left sleeve of the football club’s shirt. Reports claim the sponsorship was worth more than £1 million per season, but the agreement between the club and Rovio ended when talks for an extension collapsed in 2020. The club’s primary sponsor from 2020 onwards has been British online car retailer Cazoo.

Burger King and Getafe (2009)

In 2009, Spanish club Getafe struck an agreement with fast-food chain Burger King for the company’s famous branding to appear on the club’s shirts for the 2009/10 season. The front of the shirt featured the Burger King logo and the company added a picture of the King to the inside of the club’s football shirts too. The agreement is widely regarded as one of the worst and strangest football shirt sponsorships of all time for several reasons. Firstly, Burger King is large enough to not need to sponsor football clubs, the design was awful, and it wasn’t right to see professional footballers promote fast food. Getafe displayed Burger King’s branding for three years before the club struck an agreement with Confremar, a frozen foods manufacturer. 

Columbia Pictures and Atletico Madrid (2003)

Back in 2003, Atletico Madrid signed a sponsorship agreement with Columbia Pictures, a film production and distribution company. Rather than displaying the logo of Columbia Pictures, the sponsorship saw Atletic Madrid change the logo of their shirts several times to promote Columbia Pictures’ new film releases. Some of the logos displayed on the team’s shirts included Spider-Man, Peter Pan, Hell Boy, Resident Evil, White Chicks, Bad Boys, and numerous others. The sponsorship was incredibly unique, but the agreement came to an end in 2005. 

Football Sponsorships Now

As you can see, all of the strange football sponsorships we’ve mentioned above were agreed upon before the start of the 2020s. Today, the majority of football clubs are sponsored by casinos and their popular sister sites, particularly in the United Kingdom. This has sparked a huge backlash across the nation as many believe these sponsorships push youths and vulnerable people into gambling. A review of the Gambling Act 2005 may see the UK Government ban gambling shirt sponsorships, which means we may see fewer gambling brands and more of the strange sponsorships we mentioned above. Wouldn’t that be fun?

Punchestown Sunday Preview: Envoi Allen turns up the heat

A crisp winter day will turn to boiling point at Punchestown shortly before 2 pm on Sunday as the biggest field since 2007, and arguably the best ever goes to post for the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase.

The ten-runner contest is headed by odds-on favourite Envoi Allen, who returns to Grade 1 company for trainer Henry de Bromhead and the darling of Irish racing Rachael Blackmore, but the popular seven-year-old will face his toughest ever assignment on this occasion.

De Bromhead’s Aintree Grand National hero Minella Times will make his first public appearance of the season and is a plum spare ride for amateur Derek O’Connor.

The history-making Waterford trainer said of Minella Times: “He gets his season started and we’ll see how we go. He seems in great form and is ready to run.

“He’s been back in since August so we’re looking forward to getting him going now, with the obvious aim being a return to Aintree to defend his crown.”

While in the same colours as de Bromhead’s Envoi Allen, Cheveley Park’s emphatic Ryanair Chase winner Allaho will take aim with last year’s winning jockey Patrick Mullins aboard for his father Willie, who saddles seven.

2019 Punchestown Gold Cup winner Kemboy is the mount of Danny Mullins, while the Gold Cup-winning colours of the Donnelly family will be carried by Asterion Forlonge (Bryan Cooper) and Melon (Brian Hayes).

The champion trainer also gives Franco De Port, Janidil and Tornado Flyer their seasonal bows in Sunday’s feature, with Britain’s most successful female jockey, Bryony Frost an eye-catching booking for the former.

Fit and well from his Clonmel Oil Chase romp last month, Fakir D’oudairies adds heightened intrigue to the race in the first colours of owner JP McManus for Joseph O’Brien and Mark Walsh in what must be the race of the season so far for jump enthusiasts.

It could be another day to remember for red-hot jockey Bryan Cooper, who is looking to augment what has already been a memorable campaign with top-tier success on Asterion Forlonge.

The pair are returning to Punchestown having signed off last term with a 14-length blitzing of what looked a strong line-up in a Grade A novice handicap over the same trip at the end of April and Cooper is relishing the prospect.

“He’s a high-class horse who’s held in high regard in Closutton,” says Cooper. “He didn’t have the rub of the green earlier on in the season last year but things finished off on a high note and he couldn’t have been any more impressive.

“He’s back into Grade 1 company now and I’m looking forward to him. He won at the Punchestown Festival like a graded horse in handicap company so that would have done his confidence a world of good.

“Clearly Punchestown is a track he likes so going back there will suit him. He’s an exciting ride.”

The former Gold Cup-winning pilot also appears to have a good chance of success in the BetVictor Irish Racing Mares’ Novice Hurdle with the Gordon Elliott prepared Humble Glory.

It is clear that he is a man in demand again, having endured a fallow period before knuckling down to rebuild his career in commendable fashion, with 32 victories already this season.

“It was an exciting morning looking at the declarations. I’m trying to keep everybody happy and so grateful to be getting opportunities from everyone – from Gordon, Willie, the Nolans, Noel Meade, everyone. It’s not easy keep everyone happy but it’s a great position to be in.

“It’s great to be getting the opportunities but you have to be seen to be making the most of them as well, so you just keep working hard but it would be very special to win on John Durkan day at Punchestown, better again if we could win the big one.”

Cooper paid tribute to the Paul Nolan-trained Latest Exhibition, who he credited with kickstarting his renaissance as a Grade 1 winner and regular competitor at the highest level before suffering a fatal injury last weekend.

“Latest Exhibition came along at a very important time in my career. He really helped me to get back on the big stage.

“It was sickening what happened to him and we’ll miss him. They’re horses of a lifetime and you don’t come across them every week.”

Racegoers at Punchestown on Sunday will get to see a fascinating renewal of the BetVictor Beginners Chase also, as Grade 1 Champion Bumper winner Ferny Hollow will have his first start since beating Bob Olinger in a maiden hurdle in November 2020 on what is set to be a massive day for the gelding’s owners, Cheveley Park Stud.

The first of an eight race card goes to post at the earlier time of 11.55 am. Racegoers are reminded that gates open at 10.30 am and to allow additional time for the Covid compliance access system.

Leo Cullen: ‘It’s good to see James playing with a smile on his face’

James Lowe answered critics who questioned his qualities with stellar performances in an Ireland shirt during the Autumn Nations Series last month.

Lowe scored tries against Japan and New Zealand, the country of his birth, as he got himself an iron grip on Ireland’s number 11 shirt with all 240 minutes of the games under his belt.

The 29-year-old led the side in metres made throughout the November internationals, with 266 to his name from 37 carries – an average of seven metres per carry – as well as nine offloads, more than any other player (equalled only by Stuart Hogg).

What was most impressive across the three games, however, was the improvement of his defence.

Lowe made eight tackles in the Autumn Internationals and managed five defensive catches in his backfield role.

He had previously been criticised for his defending in his first year as an Irish international and had this to say after the win over New Zealand.

“You bollockses always talk about my [defence], and I got up and I worked Rieko (Ioane), and we got the turnover from it.

“I don’t care about that first try, I don’t care about anything. It was that moment, to do everything I’ve been doing in the last six or seven months in the 70 minutes, that’s what I’m happy about.”

Lowe returns to the starting lineup for his club, Leinster on Friday night after the successful international break.

He will wear number 11 for the province and share the backline with Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan once again as the team take on Connacht in the United Rugby Championship in their second interprovincial clash at the RDS Arena in as many weeks.

Leinster Head Coach Leo Cullen noted that he understands that the criticisms players have to deal with can be hard and that it’s good to see a “larger than life character” like James Lowe enjoying his rugby.

“I don’t know what else was going on inside his mind at that exact moment (the interview) – I’m not so sure,” Cullen said. “But yeah, look, what players have to deal with, criticism and rejection and all the rest, it can be hard, you know, they wanna go out and prove a point…

“…the big thing is [that] it’s good to see James playing with a smile on his face so hopefully he can deliver something for us [Friday] night.”

Henry, Adams, Bergkamp: The Greatest ever Arsenal All-Time XI

Henry, Adams, Bergkamp: The Greatest ever Arsenal All-Time XI

Henry, Adams, Bergkamp: The Greatest ever Arsenal All-Time XI: Along with Manchester United and Liverpool, London giants Arsenal are seen as one of the founding giants in English football. Founded in 1886, Arsenal has the third biggest trophy hauls in English football history with 47 honours to their name. Including 13 League titles and 14 FA Cups

With a lucrative history, comes an abundance of great players throughout their history. Arsenal has found themselves in a rut for close to two decades, with no League titles and no European success.

However, they still possess a whole host of legends in their alumni. From the likes of Ian Wright, David Roadcastle and Charlie George, Arsenal has seen some of the most well-known players in English football history.

With that in mind, here is a look at Arsenal All-Time XI:

Henry, Adams, Bergkamp: The Greatest ever Arsenal All-Time XI

David Seaman

Once considered the best goalkeeper to ever grace English football, Seaman was truly a magnificent player in his day. Spending over 13 years at Arsenal from 1990 to 2003, Seaman won almost everything there is to win with the London club.

He won numerous trophies under five different managers. From George Graham, Stewart Houston (twice) Bruce Rioch, Pat Rice and most notably Arsene Wenger. The English international won two Premier League titles and the First Division title in 1991, along with four FA Cup’s, a League Cup and a single European Cup Winner’s Cup in 1994.

Known for his cat-like reflexes, Seaman earned praise for his performances throughout the 1990s. A tall keeper with an imposing frame between the sticks, he was strong in the air, known for his bravery when going up for corners and exceptional agility. His save against Sheffield United in the 2003 FA Cup semi-final is still regarded as one the greatest saves ever made.

During his 13 years in North London, he made 512 appearances, with a total of 215 clean sheets to his name.

Ashley Cole

He will go down as the greatest left-back in Premier League history, Ashley Cole was a legendary left-back for Arsenal under Arsene Wenger before controversially signing for London rivals Chelsea in 2006.

An Arsenal fan as a child, Cole made his professional debut for the club at the age of 18 in the fourth round of the League Cup in 1999.

Spending 7 years at Arsenal, Cole was part of some of the best Arsenal sides of the past century. Winning the double in 2001/02 before winning the league title as an invincible with the Gunners in 2003/04.

He made the move from North to West London in 2006, in a controversial move that saw him spend eight seasons at Chelsea. Winning eight major honours at Stamford Bridge including another double winning-season in 2010 before a historic Champions League win in 2012.

Tony Adams

A player who can only be referred to as ‘Mr Arsenal’, Tony Adams encapsulated what Arsenal was in the 1990s and early 2000s, strong-willed, ferocious, and hard to beat. Adams Made over 669 appearances for the club and spent 14 years as captain,

He did manage to win two successive First Division titles from 1989 to 1991 with the Gunners before the Premier League era began, but his game improved massively with the arrival of Arsene Wenger in 1996.

Spending a decade in the Premier League, Adams won two league titles, one League Cup and three FA Cups along with European success with the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.

While he did possess numerous qualities on the pitch it was his leadership that was ultimately his greatest attribute. Easily Arsenal’s greatest ever captain and defender, Adam’s was truly a special player back in his era.

Sol Campbell

Starting out from boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur, Sol Campbell became a legend and hero for many Spurs fans in the 1990s and the early 2000s with his performances earning him the captaincy prior to Spur’s League Cup success in 1999.

Come 2001, Campbell was one of the hottest commodities in world football, a world-class defender in the prime years of his career. He would shockingly sign for Tottenham’s most hated rivals Arsenal in a free transfer that summer.

The move paid off as Campbell won two Premier League titles with the Gunners, including an invincible season, along with three FA Cups.

During his five years at Arsenal, Campbell made 211 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals in the process, leaving in 2006 to join Portsmouth where he captained Harry Redknapp’s side to an unlikely FA Cup triumph in 2008. He would re-join Arsenal in 2010 at the age of 36 before retiring a year later with Newcastle United

Regarded as one of the best centre backs of his generation, Campbell was a strong defender with excellent awareness and positioning, physically imposing and a strong tackler, he will go down as an Arsenal and Premier League legend at the annoyance of Spurs fans.

Lee Dixon

A one-club man, right-back Lee Dixon was a typical no-nonsense defender during the 1990s and a key figure in Arsenal’s sturdy defence during that era. Spending over 14 years during the Highbury years from 1988 to 2002, Dixon made over 557 appearances for the club, contributing to 40 goals in that time.

His greatest period as a player came under Arsene Wenger, where he won a total of 11 honours, including four league titles (two of where First Division titles), along with three FA Cups, three Community Shields and the European Cup Winner’s Cup in 1994.

Patrick Vieira

One of the greatest ever defensive midfielders of his era, French midfielder Patrick Vieira proved to be one of Arsene Wenger’s most important signings during his 20-year stint in London.

Acting as the backbone behind Arsenal’s success in the late 1990s to early 2000s, being the destroyer in the middle of the pitch, winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups, while captaining the side to an Invincible season before departing for Juventus in 2005.

Making over 397 club appearances during his nine years in North London, he returned to England in 2010 for a season with newly rich Manchester City before retiring as a player.

Best known for his battles with Roy Keane, Vieira was a no-nonsense player at the heart of Arsenal’s success. The best thing one can say about Vieria is that since his departure 16 years ago, Arsenal have yet to replace him.

Liam Brady

It’s hard to include a player on this list when you never rightfully watched him during his best years, but in terms of Arsenal legends, Irish midfielder Liam Brady has to be included for numerous reasons.

Mostly known for his professionalism on and off the pitch, Brady was a technically superb talent during his seven years at Arsenal, From 1973 to 1980 Brady was on top of his game with world-class passing, vision, dribbling and close control he became an Arsenal great and found respect after he was long retired.

While he only won the FA Cup in 1979, he won a slew of individual awards, winning the Arsenal Player of the Year and PFA Team of the Year on three consecutive seasons from 1977 to 1979. While also picking up the PFA Player’s Player of the Year in 1979 to top off his prime years.

He made 69 club appearances for the club, contributing to 15 goals, which for that era was very well received.

 

Freddie Ljungberg

The Swedish maestro joined Arsenal in 1998 during his and the club’s prime years under Arsene Wenger. During his time in the red and white kit, he won two Premier League titles, one of those being an integral part of the 2003/04 Invincible season, along with three FA Cups and a single Charity shield in 1999.

He would go on to make the ESM Team of the Year in 2001/02 and win the Swedish Midfielder of the Year an incredible six times, his first being in 1998 while he would win the award five consecutive ties from 2001 to 2005.

During his nine-year stay in North London, he made 241 Premier League appearances, scoring 48 goals and assisting 29, while he made a total of 327 club appearances for the club where he contributed to 109 goals. A respectable return for a top-class playermaker in his day

Dennis Bergkamp

The Flying Dutchman was simply an exquisite player during his time in England. Signed by then Arsenal manager Bruce Rioch in 1995.

Bergkamp struggled in his first season, with many pundits and fans thinking his style would not suit the rough and tumble style so heavily associated with English football.

How wrong they were.

He went on to be crowned PFA Player’s Player of the Year and a Premier League winner in the 1997/98 season. Scoring the best Premier League hat-trick of all-time at Leicester in the process.

He is fondly remembered by many for his frightening partnership with Thierry Henry, where the pair worked seamlessly together to capture two more league titles, first in 2001/2002 and then their Invincible season in 2003/04.

The player retired in 2006, making over 410 appearances for the red and white, contributing to 206 goals, winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups, with two of those being doubles.

Roberto Pires

Easily one of Arsenal’s most talented on the ball footballers in recent memory, Robert Pires was seen as one of the most prolific and skilful players in the world during his six years at Arsenal under manager Arsene Wenger.

Joining in 2000, Pires made a name for himself in France playing for Marseille. When he joined the Gunners he instantly brought much-needed flair and elegance to that current Arsenal side at the time.

He made 284 appearances for the club, contributing to 145 goals and winning a whole host of major honours. A two-time Premier League winner, an Invincible season and three FA Cups, Pires was truly a world-class player in his prime and secures his spot on this list quite comfortably.

Thierry Henry

The greatest player to ever grace the Premier League, French forward Thierry Henry was well and truly out of this world during his time in England.

Joining the Gunners from Juventus in 1999 for £11 million, Henry became a world-class player during his 9-year stay in London.

Making over 376 appearances for the club, he contributed to a ridiculous 334 goals in his 8 years in North London. In the Premier League, he scored 175 goals and notched up 74 assists in 258 Premier League appearances, winning two Premier League titles in 2001/02 and 2003/04.

He went on to win the Player of the Season twice in 2003 and 2004 while picking up the Football Writer’s award in 2003, 2004 and 2006 along with four Golden Boots from 2001 to 2006.

Scoring 25+ league goals in five consecutive seasons, as well as being the only player to hit 20+ goals in five consecutive league seasons. In four of those five seasons, he was Premier League’s top scorer.

Henry, Adams, Bergkamp: The Greatest ever Arsenal All-Time XI

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Ireland to play Wales in opening match as U20 6N returns in February

The 2022 Under-20 Six Nations Championship will return the competition to its normal window of February – March and the Ireland U20s will kick-off the championship against Wales at Musgrave Park.

The matches will be played from Friday, February 4 to Sunday, March 20, taking place on the same weekends as the Senior Men’s Championship.

Matches will be broadcast in Six Nations territories either on TV, broadcaster streaming platforms or via Six Nations digital channels.

All matches will be available in the UK on BBC iPlayer and Ireland on RTE and Virgin Media, while Sky Italia will broadcast the matches of Italy Under 20s.

It is the first time that broadcasters in Ireland will show the U20 Championship in its entirety.

Richie Murphy‘s team will travel to France in Round 2 on Friday, February 11, before hosting Italy in Cork on Friday, February 25 (Kick-off 8 pm).

In Round 4, England host the boys in green on Saturday, March 12 before Murphy’s charges play Scotland on ‘Super Sunday’, March 12 (Kick-off 5 pm).

Commenting on the announcement, Six Nations CEO, Ben Morel said: “The Under 20s Six Nations Championship is an exciting competition that showcases the next generation of young talent.

“It is an important milestone for all young players striving to represent their country at senior level in future.

“The development of age-grade rugby is a key part of our strategy and we would like to thank our broadcast partners for the increased exposure they will be giving the Championship and its rising stars, bringing young players to the homes of sports fans around all the home nations.

“We look forward to some great rugby.”

Ireland U20 2022 Six Nations Fixtures

Ireland v Wales – Friday, February 4 at 8 pm

France v Ireland – Friday, February 11 at 8 pm

Ireland v Italy – Friday, February 25 at 8 pm

England v Ireland – Saturday, March 12 at 7:15 pm

Ireland v Scotland – Sunday, March 20 at 5 pm

Leo Cullen impressed with Mike Ala’alatoa’s start to life with Leinster

Leinster boss Leo Cullen has praised tighthead prop Michael Ala’alatoa’s start to life with the provincial outfit after joining the team in the summer.

Ala’alatoa is set to make his fourth start for the club in seven games since arriving from Crusaders in New Zealand – he has racked up 51 minutes as a substitute in two other games also.

The Samoan international was unavailable for selection against Ulster last weekend as he was with the national side, who were meant to play the Barbarians in an ill-fated fixture.

He will make his return to the side on Friday night when they face Connacht in their second interprovincial fixture in as many weeks.

Head Coach Leo Cullen has praised his new tighthead ahead of his sixth appearance for the reigning domestic champions.

“[Ala’alatoa] has been a great character within the group – very, very popular with the lads,” Cullen noted. “In terms of his performance on the field, he’s coming from a very good environment (Crusaders) so he’s added lots of little bits there as well.”

Ala’alatoa joined the side after five years with the Crusaders and was regarded as a “world-class prop” over there by his coach Scott Roberson.

Naturally, he slots into second in the tighthead pecking order at the club, behind Tadhg Furlong and ahead of Vakh Abdeladze and Thomas Clarkson.

His presence in their scrum and in the defensive line has been something that Leinster cherished in the opening weeks, with Furlong resting after being on Lions duty.

On top of this, the 30-year-old has yet to taste defeat playing for Leinster, with a perfect record attached to his name so far.

Cullen is hoping that the Samoan will continue to perform for the side and further prove his worth in the weeks ahead, starting with the United Rugby Championship clash against Connacht.

“So yeah, hopefully, he just goes from strength to strength – that’s the plan. He’s settled in well which is great to see, which is what you want from guys coming in on the outside.”

Ospreys v Ulster – Preview, Teams, Odds, Where To Watch

Ulster travel to Wales to play Ospreys at the Swansea.com Stadium in round seven of the United Rugby Championship, a week after their interprovincial win over Leinster at the RDS Arena.

Ulster bounced back from a heavy defeat to Connacht to take down the Pro 14 champions and swap opponents with the Westerners this week, as Connacht beat Ospreys last week and now face Leinster on Friday night.

Ospreys are hoping to avoid a third loss of the season after the heavy defeat to Andy Friend’s men, just like Ulster did.

Ulster winger Craig Gilroy is set to make his 200th appearance for the side – he will become their eighth double-centurion on the men’s team if he gets minutes from the bench.

Robert Baloucoune and Bradley Roberts have returned to the starting lineup after spending time with Ireland and Wales respectively for the Autumn Nations Series.

Jack McGrath makes his return to the Ulster side after recovering from injury and is named among the replacements.

Although named on the bench last week versus Leinster, Tom Stewart wasn’t called upon, so could make his senior debut on Saturday as he is selected again in the replacements.

Last week’s try-scorer James Hume will miss out.

Ospreys welcome several members of the side back into the squad after injuries and international duty – Alex Cuthbert and Tomas Francis are among those returning.

Michael Collins (not the revolutionary) starts at 13 after a spell on the sidelines.

Captain Rhys Webb and Stephen Myler will aim to impose themselves on their opponents more than they did last week after strong starts to the season.

Dan McFarland’s men sit joint-top of the table – a bonus-point win could help them claim top ahead of Leinster.

Ospreys, on the other hand, can move into the top four with a victory – albeit, ahead of Munster who have only played five games.

Teams

Ulster

(15-9) Mike Lowry, Robert Baloucoune, Angus Curtis, Stuart McCloskey, Ethan McIlroy, Billy Burns, John Cooney;

(1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, Bradley Roberts, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Alan O’Connor (Capt.), Sean Reidy, Nick Timoney, David McCann.

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Jack McGrath, Marty Moore, Mick Kearney, Marcus Rea, Nathan Doak, Stewart Moore, Craig Gilroy.

Ospreys

(15-9) Dan Evans, Alex Cuthbert, Michael Collins, Owen Watkin, Luke Morgan, Stephen Myler, Rhys Webb (C);

(1-8) Gareth Thomas, Sam Parry, Tomas Francis, Rhys Davies, Bradley Davies, Will Griffiths, Jac Morgan, Morgan Morris.

Replacements: Elvis Taione, Nicky Smith, Tom Botha, Jack Regan, Ethan Roots, Reuben Morgan Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler.

Odds

Ospreys 11/5

Draw 19/1

Ulster 4/11

Where To Watch

The match will be available to watch live on Premier Sports 2 and URC TV.

Craig Gilroy set for 200th Ulster appearance v Ospreys

Ulster winger Craig Gilroy is set to become the eighth Ulster man to reach the 200 appearance mark on Saturday at 3 pm, should he be called upon from the bench.

Gilroy makes way for Robert Baloucoune, who starts in the back three alongside Mike Lowry and Ethan McIlroy.

James Hume will not appear for the side after his game-winning interception against Leinster – Angus Curtis replaces him at 13 with McCloskey retaining the number 12 shirt.

John Cooney and Billy Burns have been named scrum-half and out-half respectively.

Wales international Bradley Roberts will come in to start at hooker, with Eric O’Sullivan and Tom O’Toole on either side of him in the front row.

Alan O’Connor will captain the team and is named in the second row alongside Kieran Treadwell.

Sean Reidy comes in to start at blindside, with Nick Timoney at openside and David McCann completing the base of the pack.

Jack McGrath makes his return to the Ulster side after recovering from injury and is named among the replacements.

Although named on the bench last week versus Leinster, Tom Stewart wasn’t called upon, so could make his senior debut on Saturday as he is selected again in the replacements.

Gilroy, Nathan Doak and Mick Kearney are among those also on the bench.

Ulster team v Ospreys

(15-9) Mike Lowry, Robert Baloucoune, Angus Curtis, Stuart McCloskey, Ethan McIlroy, Billy Burns, John Cooney;

(1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, Bradley Roberts, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Alan O’Connor (Capt.), Sean Reidy, Nick Timoney, David McCann.

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Jack McGrath, Marty Moore, Mick Kearney, Marcus Rea, Nathan Doak, Stewart Moore, Craig Gilroy.

The 10 Greatest Rivalries in MMA History

The 10 Greatest Rivalries in MMA History

Everyone loves a good old fashioned rivalry, right? Rather it is Batman v the Joker or Coke v Pepsi, people are seemingly drawn to a feud of epic proportions. In MMA, the case in point is no different, with a slew of infamous and iconic conflicts between fighters that have had fans on the edge of their seat and make them go back and enjoy in all their trash talk glory.

For a sport that is relatively still young, MMA is, without doubt, one of the most popular sports around today, with the UFC taking over the combat sports world in recent years. Now there have been many great rivalries in the sport of MMA since the UFC’s inception in 1993 but what rivalries popularized the sport? what rivalry brought the most eyes and what made the most money?

It takes more than animosity to make a great rivalry, this list will be based on entertainment value, how competitive the fights were and their lasting impact on MMA, here are the top 10 greatest rivalries in MMA history.

The 10 Greatest Rivalries in MMA History

10. Brock Lesnar v Frank Mir

After leaving professional wrestling and trying his hand at the NFL, Brock Lesnar decided to compete in mixed martial arts, and from that decision, drama and entertainment unfolded. Starting out in Japan at a K-1 kickboxing promotion in 2007, Lesnar demolished Min-Soo Kim before controversially signing for the UFC in 2008.

His first task, heavyweight title contender Frank Mir. A world-class fighter during his era, many thought it was like sending a pig to slaughter, with Mir far more skilled and experienced in the sport compared to Lesnar.

The pair met at UFC 81, with Lesnar shockingly dominating Mir for much of the round before being caught with a kneebar.

A rematch was scheduled to headline the historic UFC 100 card, their second meeting was the total opposite of was preceded it. With Lesnar now Heavyweight champion and Mir the Interim champion. Lesnar made light work of Mir with ground-and-pound, becoming undisputed heavyweight champion. A trilogy bout was scheduled but broke down due to Lesnar’s medical issues.

Their rivalry was a landmark for the promotion at the time, with the two fights bringing in a combined over 2 million PPV buys, with UFC 100 being the highest-grossing UFC card in history for a decade.

9. Uriah Faber v Dominick Cruz

In MMA terms, the Bantamweight division is rarely spoken about or highlighted as one of the best weight divisions in the sport, but with the meeting between Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber in 2007, things changed.

Meeting under the WEC banner, Urijah ”The California Kid” Faber defeated a young and green Cruz via guillotine choke at WEC 26 for the WEC Featherweight Championship. By the time the pair joined the UFC, Cruz and Faber had moved down a division to Batmanweight, where a heated rivalry ensued.

Winning the inaugural UFC Bantamweight Championship at WEC 53 in 2010, the first defence of his UFC belt was against Faber, who he defeated fairly easily at UFC 132 in 2011.

The pair were chosen to coach The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) prior to what would have been their rubber match at UFC 148, but because of Cruz’s persistent injuries, the bout was cancelled.

It took a further five years to round off the rivalry, with Cruz yet again defending his crown at UFC 199. Defeating Faber yet again by unanimous decision and closing off a heated and highly competitive feud.

8. Chuck Liddell v Randy Couture

If you are looking for a heated rivalry full of hate and venom, this feud had very little. But Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture took part in a legendary trilogy that sure as hell cemented itself in the MMA history books.

Ironically, the first fight was never meant to happen. With a highly anticipated bout between Liddle and Tito Ortiz in the works. But due to contract disputes with Ortiz, the UFC decided to book Liddell and Couture for the interim belt.

The pair went toe-to-toe at UFC 43 with Couture knocking out Liddell and then defeating Ortiz to becoming the undisputed 205-pound champion.

After a disappointing run in the 2003 Pride Middleweight Grand Prix, Liddell made his long-awaited return to the octagon. Knocking out Ortiz and Vernon White before the ”The Iceman” got his chance at Couture at UFC 52.

It took Liddell one round to knock out Couture, starting off one of the best reigns in UFC history. Couture was back for a rematch after submitting Mike van Arsdale. The pair faced off again with Couture suffering another early knockout loss to Liddell.

A great and intriguing rivalry that was never meant to happen. It is truly a groundbreaking rivalry during the early days of MMA.

The 10 Greatest Rivalries in MMA History

7. Tito Ortiz v Ken Shamrock

Easily one of the most heated rivalries the sport has ever seen, Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock embarked on a vicious feud that catapulted the sport of MMA when it needed it most.

However, Ortiz was overly dominant in all three bouts against Shamrock. While Shamrock may have been one of the pioneers of the sport, he always had a chink in his armour. Showcased by the fact that all three bouts between the pair only lasted one round in their final two fights.

While the trash talk was laughably bad, and the overall competitiveness of their fights was much to be desired, but it’s the lasting legacy of their TUF seasons as coaches and the pure insanity of the press conferences are enough to get on this list.

6. Conor McGregor v Khabib Nurmagomedov

The most-heated, the most vicious and by far the most personal feud in MMA history has to go to the war between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018.

It all started in 2016 after McGregor won the Lightweight title against Eddie Alvarez at Madison Square Garden, a fight originally signed and agreed for Khabib. McGregor went on to become the first-ever double champ in the promotion, with a fight against Khabib highly rumoured.

However, McGregor decided to box Floyd Mayweather in a cross-promotion that saw him take in a reported $100 million dollars. He would then not fight in the octagon for 2 years, leaving the door wide open for Khabib to capitalise on the Irishman’s departure.

Days prior to Khabib’s first title shot at UFC 223, McGregor’s training partner and close friend Artem Lobov called out the Russian, with Khabib along with personnel cornering Lobov in a hotel lobby, leading to a physical confrontation.

That’s when things got ugly, a bus carrying all the fighters on the card along with Khabib was ambushed by a group, led by McGregor. Were windows were smashed and bad blood was spilt.

A fight was scheduled for UFC 229 with the newly crowned champion and unbeaten Russian facing off against ”The Notorious”. The lead up was vicious, with McGregor getting up close and personal with Khabib, leading to an entertaining yet dark press conference.

The fight was anything but competitive, McGregor did manage to take a round of Khabib in the third, the first man to do so. But it was a wrestling clinic from the Russian who submitted McGregor in the fourth to retain his title.

A rematch has long been desired by McGregor, but with Khabib now retired and the Irishman coming off two losses to Dustin Poirier, it is evident that the rivalry is over with.

The 10 Greatest Rivalries in MMA History

5. Anderson Silva v Chael Sonnen

What happens when you pair a respectable and what many would consider the embodiment of what a mixed martial artist should be, against an all American trash talker? Well, a hugely entertaining rivalry for starters.

Never seen as a realistic challenger to Silva’s Middleweight crown, Sonnen went on a three-fight win streak before facing the Brazilian at UFC 117 in 2010.

Sonnen came into their first fight with one thing in mind, to verbally destroy Silva. The brash talking American had fans tuning in, turning the middleweight division into the most entertaining division in the UFC and when it came to the fight, Sonnen did not disappoint.

Putting on a wrestling clinic, Sonnen shockingly dominated Silva for four and a half rounds before Silva outrageously locked in a triangle choke to retain his title. While Sonnen lost the fight, his ability to talk the talk and walk the walk made fans clamour for a rematch.

Unfortunately for Sonnen, he could not perform as close as he did in his original fight with Silva. It all went downhill as soon as Sonnen decided to perform a spinning back-fist, falling to the canvas and suffering a beat down before Silva finished the rivalry for good in the second round.

4. Chuck Liddell v Tito Ortiz

It was a matchup that took forever to put together, but once Chuck Liddell v Tito Ortiz was booked, it turned out to be the most important rivalries in MMA history.

The feud was halted, mostly due to Ortiz’s unwillingness to fight his former friend and teammate. However, Liddell had no problem with fighting ”The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” and went on a tirade, accusing Ortiz of being afraid and ducking him.

The pair finally met at UFC 47 in 2004 with Liddell knocking Ortiz out cold with a PPV buy rate of 105,000. The success of their first fight made the UFC book the second fight at UFC 66 in 2006 where Liddell yet again scored a TKO victory in round three with a massive increase in PPV buys with close to one million.

The pair did face-off in 2018 for the newly formed Golden Boy Promotions with Ortiz knocking out a 48-year-old Liddell in the first round.

The less we talk about this one the better.

3. Conor McGregor v Nate Diaz 

When Conor McGregor arrived in the UFC, it did not take him long to become the biggest star the sport has ever seen and after his 13-second knockout of Featherweight champion Jose Aldo in 2015, he was a global superstar.

Come 2016 the Irishman was scheduled to face Rafael Dos Anjos for the Lightweight title at UFC 196. But a foot injury halted McGregor on his quest to become the first-ever dual-weight world champion the UFC has ever had.

The UFC then announce that Stockton’s own Nate Diaz will face off against McGregor, but at Welterweight, a massive 25-pound jump up for McGregor was seen as a major step up, but he came into the fight as the heavy favourite. The trash-talk and chemistry between the pair was tremendous leading up to the bout, encapsulated by the massive 1.3 million PPV buys.

The fight happened and McGregor threw everything at a resilient Diaz in the opening round. By round two McGregor was noticeably fatigued and would end up losing via submission, ending his 17-fight win streak and making Nate Diaz a household name and a ”needle-mover”.

Their rematch was set for UFC 202 after the cancellation of their scheduled bout at UFC 200. With McGregor winning via majority decision. The fight brought in 1.6 million PPV buys, becoming the biggest UFC event in history until it was beaten by McGregor v Khabib in 2018.

The rubber match is yet to be made, but with both fighters coming into the highlight end of their careers, it will be sooner rather than later before fans see these two back in the octagon together.

2. George St. Pierre v Matt Hughes

When you have one fighter who is in their prime and another fighter who is just coming into his, you have a recipe for greatness, and it is hard to argue that GSP and Matt Hughes did not have a great and impactful rivalry.

Neither were good trash talkers during their career, but it was their talent and competitiveness that made this trilogy great.

Coming into their first encounter, GSP was still a relatively young fighter, while Hughes was seen as the greatest Welterweight and fighter at the time. At UFC 50, it was clear St-Pierre was not up to standards as of yet, with Hughes submitting his rival via armbar.

By the time GSP got his second chance at Hughes, he had won four consecutive fights, and when it came to it, he knocked out Hughes with a head kick in the second round.

The pair faced off for the third time for the interim championship after St-Pierre suffered a shocking loss to Matt Serra. GSP managed to submit Hughes, ending their rivalry and becoming the best Welterweight and fighter in the world in what was a passing of the torch moment for the Canadian.

1. Jon Jones v Daniel Cormier

Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier easily have one of the most heated rivalries the sport has ever seen. Starting out the pair were friendly with one another but after a comment made by Jones to Cormier at an event backstage in 2010, the pair became enemies.

When it came to their first fight at UFC 182, the bad blood had escalated so much that they could not be in the same room as one another. Unlike most rivalries that are for the camera, Jones and DC genuinely wanted to kill each other whenever they were in close contact.

During a media face-off in 2014, the pair were involved in a massive brawl that had to be stopped by numerous security guards and UFC officials, and come 2015, they finally squared off in the octagon with Jones racking up a unanimous decision win.

Later that year Jones was suspended and stripped off his Lightheavyweight title by the UFC for a hit and run incident before being suspended indefinitely again for a doping violation that squandered their rematch for UFC 200.

It wasn’t until 2017 until then-champion Daniel Cormier and Jones would face-off, with Jones finishing DC in the third round, taking back his belt and putting an end to their rivalry….well not entirely.

Jones tested positive yet again for a banned substance and was subsequently stripped of his belt, with the bout being overturned to a no-contest. Cormier was awarded the belt back and then went on to become double champ, capturing the heavyweight title in a first-round finish of Stipe Miocic before retiring.

The 10 Greatest Rivalries in MMA History

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Ireland Women’s Six Nations 2022 Fixtures Announced

The fixtures for the upcoming 2022 Women’s Six Nations have been announced, with Ireland set to face Wales at the RDS in their campaign opener.

The competition begins on Saturday, March 26, 2022, and will end a month later on Saturday, April 30, 2022.

Ireland will have three home games set to be played at three different venues across Ireland – the RDS, Musgrave Park and Kingspan Stadium.

They play Wales, as mentioned before, Italy and Scotland at these venues respectively during the campaign.

The match against Scotland will be the first senior international to be played at the Belfast venue since the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup final.

Commenting on today’s news, IRFU CEO, Philip Browne, said: “We are delighted to announce that it will be even easier for fans around the county to support our women’s team in the 2022 Six Nations as we look at increasing the accessibility, profile, and interest in our women’s rugby team across the country.

“Support for the team has grown strongly as they moved from Ashbourne, to Energia Park and the RDS and we hope that by bringing the team closer to the provincial clubs that are developing women’s and girl’s rugby, we can encourage even more female involvement, at all levels.

“The three provincial venues deliver topflight facilities and playing surfaces that will allow for the best of international women’s rugby, and we are optimistic that our 2022 Six Nations will be one of the best supported campaigns ever.”

Greg McWilliams’ first two away trips as Ireland Women’s Head Coach will see the team and him travel to France and England.

The former national assistant coach will return to the setup to take the reins after Adam Griggs’ stepped down from the role.

Ticket information for Ireland’s three home games in Dublin, Cork and Belfast will be announced soon.

Ireland Women’s Six Nations 2022 Fixtures

Ireland v Wales – Saturday, March 26, 2022 (Kick-off 4:45 pm)

France v Ireland – Saturday, April 2, 2022 (Kick-off 3:15 pm)

Ireland v Italy – Sunday, April 10, 2022 (Kick-off 5 pm)

England v Ireland – Sunday, April 24, 2022 (Kick-off 12 pm)

Ireland v Scotland – Saturday, April 30, 2022 (Kick-off 8 pm)

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