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Outgoing chairman says EPCR working on Club World Cup

The outgoing chairman of European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), Simon Halliday has said that the organisation is working on introducing a Club World Cup, which would be held every four years.

The plans will see the Club World Cup replace the Heineken Champions Cup knockout stages in the years it would be held.

Halliday has also said that the EPCR is working to bring South African sides who are currently playing in the United Rugby Championship into the Champions Cup next year.

For now, the EPCR will use a reduced pool stage and more knockout games after deeming last season’s re-jigged format a success.

Clubs are set to play four pool games in a schedule that starts in December, and then there will be a two-legged round-of-16 tie, a quarter-final, a semi-final and a final for those who progress.

“From this new agreement, we are now working on the participation of the South African provinces and building towards a Club World Cup every four years which would replace the latter stages of the Heineken Champions Cup,” he said in a statement.

“Together with our improved formats, reduced pool matches and more knockout rugby, EPCR is in a great position to grow.

“Our newly formed Board is superbly well-equipped and structured to deliver on this growth and I wish them every success.”

Halliday will leave his role as chairman of the sporting body after six-and-a-half years at the helm.

EPCR is searching for a new chief executive after Vincent Gaillard departed earlier this year after six years as their CEO.

Anthony Lepage is currently in charge on an interim basis having previously worked as the administration and finance director.

Zimbabwe v Ireland 2nd ODI – Preview, Teams, Match Info

Ireland will play Zimbabwe in the second one-day international of a four-game series on Thursday, October 7.

Ed Joyce’s side will look to get their first win of the series after Zimbabwe emerged victorious from the first test, winning by four wickets.

Zimbabwean captain Mary-Anne Musonda scored 103 runs for her side to help them chase down Ireland’s target of 253, becoming the first woman from the country to score a century for her national team.

The captain formed healthy partnerships throughout the 50 overs and her teammates contributed positively to the chase, with Precious Marange and Josephine Nkomo posting 27 and 25 runs each during their spells at-bat.

This came after two early wickets had spelled danger for the Zimbabweans, as the Irish held them to 25/2 after just 5.2 overs.

Ireland failed to get going until it was too late when they were at-bat in the morning, racking up a rate of just 3.5 runs per over after 28 overs.

The Irish opening partnership of Leah Paul and Gaby Lewis lasted longer than the Zimbabwean’s starting duo but were much less successful as they only managed 28 runs in 8.2 overs before Paul walked.

Lewis only managed 24 runs off 51 balls before she received her marching orders when Marange removed her, having separated the opening partnership earlier.

Laura Delany was the standout for Ireland on a slow day – the captain racked up 86 in a strong push to reach 253 but she became the side’s sixth wicket in the 46th over.

Ireland added 33 more runs after Delaney’s exit to finish on 253 after 50 overs, having given up eight wickets in the process.

Ireland failed to bowl out the hosts who reached their target in the middle of the 43rd over with four wickets to spare.

Squads

Zimbabwe: Mary-Anne Musonda (C), Ashley Day, Chiedza Dhururu, Precious Marange, Esther Mbofana, Pellagia Mujaji, Modester Mupachikwa, Josephine Nkomo, Loryn Phiri, Nomvelo Sibanda, Loreen Tshuma.

Ireland: Laura Delany (C), Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Gaby Lewis, Sophie McMahon, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Celeste Raack, Rebecca Stokell

Match Info

The match will get underway at 7:30 am GMT and will be played Harare Sports Club in the Zimbabwean capital of the same name. Zimbabwe Cricket is expected to show the game live on YouTube.

Ireland v Malaysia – Preview, Starting Teams, Match Info

The Ireland men’s national hockey team will play Malaysia for the second time in two days on Wednesday, October 6 in Lisnagarvey.

The two teams will play on Comber Road again after Ireland emerged victorious in the first friendly on Tuesday night.

The 3-2 win was the icing on the cake for Mark Tumilty’s side who played their first capped match at home since 2019.

Debutants Conor Empey and Sam Hyland found the net for the home side as they neat the 11th-ranked side in the world.

Malaysia will be looking to avenge their loss and earn a win for themselves after Empey’s late winner stole the headlines and took the shine off an impressive Malaysian comeback.

The pacey visitors went two goals down in the first quarter but fought their way back into the game and put pressure on the hosts.

Hyland scored with his first international touch with under two minutes on the clock from Ireland’s first chance – the goal was his first for an international side at any level.

Empey made it 2-0 in the eighth minute after coming off the bench as a Shane O’Donoghue surge into the circle saw the ball pop and bounce to the forward who slotted home with glee.

After the swift start, Malaysia – coached by former Irish assistant coach Arul Anthoni – settled and had the greater control in the second quarter.

Three penalty corners were kept out while Irish goalkeeper James Milliken was in control of Abu Kamal Azrai and Azuan Hasan fired shots his way.

Malaysia’s pace caused the hosts problems as they contrived to cough up a perfect chance when Azuan Hasan’s cross was turned in by a foot rather than a stick from point blank range.

The goal did come with mere seconds to go of the third quarter when Azrai raced clear down the left and applied the perfect reverse-stick shot into the bottom corner.

Malaysia were level in contentious fashion when Razie Rahim’s drag-flick hit the backboard, Ireland arguing the ball had never left the attacking circle from the corner injection.

However, Empey saved the day for Tumilty and co., converting a golden opportunity that fell to him with minutes to spare.

Teams In First Friendly

Ireland: J Carr, T Cross, M Nelson, D Walsh, N Glassey, K Marshall, S O’Donoghue, S Murray, J Duncan, B Walker, C Harte

Subs: L Madeley, K O’Dea, P McKibbin, M Robson, C Empey, S Hyland, M Ingram

Malaysia: H Othman, M Jalil, A Hamsani, S Cholan, F Ashari, S Silverius, R Rahim, F Jali, A Hasan, A K Azrai, N Jazlan

Subs: N Hassan, N Sumantri, F Saari, A Zain, A Rozemi, H Abdul, Z P Mizan

Match Info 

The match will be held at Lisnagarvey Hockey Club and kick-off at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available to buy on the Hockey Ireland website.

Italy v Spain – Preview, Betting, Probable Starting Teams, Where to Watch

Euros champions Italy take on a young Spain team this evening in the UEFA Nations League A Championship semi-final

Italy v Spain kicks off at 19:45 tonight, Wednesday, 6th October in the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, Italy. Russian referee Sergei Karasev will take charge of the game.

To watch the match, it will be shown live on Virgin Media Two and Virgin TV Go.

Roberto Mancini’s Italy has become the team to beat in Europe. With 25 unbeaten matches at home, they are a force to be reckoned with. Although, their form in the last international break was not as stellar as usual after drawing with Switzerland and Bulgaria before beating Lithuania.

The national team is still striving to make their team better even by the smallest margins. For this match, Puma has designed a jersey for the Azzuri that only weighs 72 grams. Maybe these tiny details could make the difference.

Spain has had an up-and-down summer. Their very young team surprised many by reaching the Euro 2020 semi-finals after not looking too convincing in the early stages of the competition.

Now, Luis Enrique and his team will want to build. Last month they won two of their three matches, beating off Kosovo and Georgia but falling to Sweden.

This has been a very even affair in recent years. In their last ten meetings, there have been five draws, while Spain was victorious on three occasions, most recently in 2017. Their most recent match was the Euro 2020 semifinal which Italy claimed the win in a penalty shootout.

Italy v Spain Probable Starting Teams

Italy

Formation

4-3-3

Probable Starting 11

Donnarumma (GK), Emerson, Chiellini, Bonucci, Di Lorenzo, Veratti, Jorginho, Insigne, Kean, Chiesa.

Injuries / Suspensions

Pessina (Hamstring injury), Immobile (Muscle injury)

 

Spain

Formation

4-3-3

Probable Starting 11

Simon (GK), Reguilon, Garcia, Laporte, Azpilicueta, Merino, Busquets, Koke, Oyarzabal, Torres, Sarabia.

Injuries / Suspensions

None

Betting

Italy 6/5

Draw 19/10

Spain 13/5

 

Score Prediction

It would be next to impossible to bet against the European Champions when they are at home. With the unbelievable record of going 37 matches and counting unbeaten, it seems that they are unstoppable and this inexperienced Spain team will not change that.

Expect this game to end 2-0 to the Italians, setting themselves up for another final this year.

To read more in-depth and up-to-date international and club football news, click here.

 

Ireland beat Malaysia in first capped match at home since 2019

Conor Empey and Sam Hyland both enjoyed dream debuts as they scored for the Ireland men’s national hockey team against Malaysia in a 3-2 win on Tuesday night – It was the side’s first capped match in the country since 2019.

Empey scored twice as Ireland edged out a pacey Malaysian side at Comber Road in front of fans.

The game was the first of two scheduled friendlies, with the second set to be played on Wednesday night at the same venue.

Hyland had opening the scoring with his first international touch two minutes in before Empey got his first of the night soon after.

Malaysia stormed back with Abu Kamal Azrai and Razie Rahim hitting the net but Empey swooped with time running out for a memorable 3-2 success.

Coach Mark Tumilty was delighted to get the win over the 11th ranked Malaysians while also seeing his young guns make an impact.

“It was a very fast game and probably represent quite a bit of what we will face from Russia [in the World Cup qualifiers],” Tumilty said.

“It was good to win against a nation ranked above us so that is a big positive as was coming back after they equalised. Conor and Sam both scoring on their debuts, delighted for them for their hard work and effort.

“We have been trying to grow the number of players and that creates that extra competition for places. It puts a bit of pressure on them to perform but there will be pressure at the World Cup qualifiers so pleased from that point of view.”

Hyland scored with his first international touch with under two minutes on the clock from Ireland’s first chance – the goal was his first for an international side at any level.

After a smart control in the circle, his shot took a deflection off a defender’s foot to deceive goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman.

Empey made it 2-0 in the eighth minute after coming off the bench as a Shane O’Donoghue surge into the circle saw the ball pop and bounce to the forward who slotted home with glee.

After the swift start, Malaysia – coached by former Irish assistant coach Arul Anthoni – settled and had the greater control in the second quarter.

Three penalty corners were kept out while Irish goalkeeper James Milliken was in control of Abu Kamal Azrai and Azuan Hasan fired shots his way.

Ireland had the best of the early phases of the third quarter but without truly stretching the visitors’ defence and adding another goal.

Malaysia’s pace caused the hosts problems as they contrived to cough up a perfect chance when Azuan Hasan’s cross was turned in by a foot rather than a stick from point blank range.

The goal did come with mere seconds to go of the quarter when Azrai raced clear down the left and applied the perfect reverse-stick shot into the bottom corner.

Malaysia were level in contentious fashion when Razie Rahim’s drag-flick hit the backboard, Ireland arguing the ball had never left the attacking circle from the corner injection.

But Ireland finished the stronger, earning their first corners in the last three minutes of the match.

From the second one, Lee Cole’s drag was blocked by Othman but no one moved to clear it and Empey spotted the loose ball, converting the chance from close range.

The two sides meet again on Wednesday evening at Lisnagarvey (7.30pm).

Teams

Ireland: J Milliken, L Madeley, J McKee, K O’Dea, K Marshall, S O’Donoghue, P McKibbin, M Robson, B Walker, L Cole, S Hyland
Subs: D Walsh, S Murray, M McNellis, J Duncan, C Harte, C Empey, J Carr

Malaysia: H Othman, N Sumantri, M Jalil, A Hamsani, S Cholan, F Ashari, R Rahim, F Jali, A Hasan, A K Azrai, N Jazlan
Subs: N Hassan, Z P Mizan, F Saari, A Zain, A Rozemi, S Saabah, H Abdul

Ireland lose to Zimbabwe in first ODI of four-game series

The Ireland women’s national cricket team lost to Zimbabwe by four wickets on Tuesday in the hosts’ first-ever one-day international match since being granted ODI status.

Zimbabwe chased down the target of 253 that Ireland had built up and scored 254 runs with 37 balls to spare to take the lead in the four-game series.

The hosts’ captain, Mary-Anne Musonda, scored a century to lead her side to victory in the country’s capital of Harare, going unbeaten in the process.

With her final score of 103, Musonda became Zimbabwe’s first-ever woman centurion, capping off a historic day with another milestone for the home side to celebrate.

The captain formed healthy partnerships throughout the 50 overs and her teammates contributed positively to the chase, with Precious Marange and Josephine Nkomo posting 27 and 25 runs each during their spells at-bat.

This came after two early wickets had spelled danger for the Zimbabweans, as the Irish held them to 25/2 after just 5.2 overs.

The Irish opening partnership of Leah Paul and Gaby Lewis lasted longer but were much less successful as they only managed 28 runs in 8.2 overs before Paul walked.

Lewis only managed 24 runs off 51 balls before she received her marching orders when Marange removed her, having separated the opening partnership earlier.

Laura Delany was the standout for Ireland on a slow day – the captain racked up 86 in a strong push to reach 253 after the side had managed a run rate of only 3.5 per over in the first 28.

She fell with only several overs to go and two more wickets followed after hers before the 50 overs came to a close.

Ireland failed to bowl out the hosts who reached their target in the middle of the 43rd over with four wickets to spare.

The two teams will play the second ODI in the four-match series on Thursday, September 7, with the game set to begin at 6 am BST.

Chelsea looking to sign seven-goal Stoke City star

Reports have floated around that the Blues are interested in buying young Stoke City forward Emre Tezgel this season

The Stamford Bridge outfit is looking to improve its youth academy setup. Tezgel currently plies his trade for Stoke City U18s but has already been compared to the England captain, Harry Kane.

According to the Daily Mail, the Championship side will be struggling to hold onto their prized prospect this season as a few Premier League clubs will want his signature.

The report suggests that Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City all want the teenager. Each club is continuing to track the centre forwards progression.

Why does everyone want Emre Tezgel?

The teenage striker only turned 16 in September but has been causing a stir at Stoke for some time.

He scored seven goals in his first five games for the youth team in the Under-18 Premier League. These goals also included a hattrick against Liverpool in recent weeks.

After these performances, the Burton-born forward was called up to the England U17 team. For the Three Lions, he scored four goals in three matches during their September international break.

These statistics surely make Tezgel one of the brightest talents in the English youth leagues. Soon he will have to decide if he thinks Stoke City is the right place to progress his career.

Although not many players get the chance to progress from the youth side to the Premier League first team, some Chelsea players have shown it is possible.

If Tezgel chooses to move to Stamford Bridge then he will hope to follow the paths of Reece James, Billy Gilmour and Mason Mount.

 

To read more in-depth and up-to-date Premier League and international football transfer news, click here.

Tyrone SFC 2021 – Preview, Fixtures, Where To Watch

Tyrone GAA

The 2021 Tyrone Senior Football Championship begins on Thursday, September 7 following the climax of the inter-county season which saw the Red Hand bring home the Anglo-Celt and Sam Maguire Cups.

16 teams will take part in the tournament, all of them looking to get their hands on the prize.

Dromore and Derrylaughan earned the final two spots after two-point wins over Ardboe and Moy Tír na nÓg in the preliminary round.

Some teams, such as Edendork, will include several members of the Tyrone senior football panel that went all the way this year and those players will be hungry for more.

Dungannon Thomas Clarkes are the team to beat after claiming the championship last year for the first time in 64 years.

The side beat 2019 winners Trillick 8-7 on penalties after the two teams were tied at 1-12 each after extra time.

However, they face an uphill battle to retain the O’Neill Cup as no side since 2005 has been able to do so.

Carrickmore, the team with the most championship wins in the county, were the last team to retain the cup but have not won the competition since.

Eight teams have won the championship since the record holders’ last success, with Carrickmore finishing runners-up four times – they last reached the final in 2014.

Edendork are the town rivals to Dungannon Thomas Clarkes and boast Darren McCurry, Conn Kilpatrick and Niall Morgan among their ranks – Morgan plays outfield for the side.

However, the side have never won the Tyrone senior title, having only two intermediate championships to their name.

With several All-Ireland winners in their ranks, this could be the year the side steps up a gear.

Fixtures

Round 1

Thursday, October 7 2021 – Killyclogher v Donaghmore, 7:30 pm – Healy Park

Friday, October 8 2021 – Pomeroy Plunketts v Eglish, 6:45 pm – Healy Park

Friday, October 8 2021 – Trillick v Galbally, 8:30 pm – Healy Park

Saturday, October 9 2021 – Omagh v Carrickmore, 1 pm – Loughpark

Saturday, October 9 2021 – Edendork v Coalisland, 3:30 pm – Galbally

Sunday, October 10 2021 – Derrylaughan v Laughmacroy, 1 pm – Arthur Mallon Park

Sunday, October 10 2021 – Clonoe O’Rahilly’s v Errigal Ciaran, 3 pm – Arthur Mallon Park

Monday, October 11 2021 – Dromore v Dungannon, 7:30 pm – Healy Park.

Where To Watch

All games will be streamed on Tyrone GAA TV. Click here for information

Mo Salah Nominated For PFA Fans’ Player of the Month

Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah has received a nomination for September’s PFA Fans’ Player of the Month award as a result of his performances.

Salah is one of six Premier League players on the shortlist for the monthly award after scoring three goals in the month, reaching a landmark 100 in the competition.

The Egyptian is up against Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea), Ismaila Sarr (Watford), Ivan Toney (Brentford) and Michail Antonio (West Ham United).

Salah scored a goal in all three of Liverpool’s games in the Premier division of English football in September – he scored against Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Brentford.

The 29-year-old has been the star for Jurgen Klopp’s side since arriving at the club and this season has been no different thus far.

The team recently drew with defending Premier League champions Manchester City at Anfield after a pulsating second half.

Mo Salah was the star of the show for Liverpool and the fans named him their Man of the Match when the game ended.

Salah’s goal was a sight to behold as he danced past four defenders and put the ball past Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson to restore Liverpool’s lead, which did not last.

He received the ball several yards from the edge of the City box and escaped a three-man press before entering the box, staring down centre-back Aymeric Laporte.

He opened a space for himself to move beyond Laporte with an eye for a shot and fired one past Ederson to the delight of the 40,000 Liverpool fans in attendance.

It was a move he has done several times before – against Tottenham in 2018 and Napoli in the season Liverpool brought home the Champions League trophy for the first time in 14 years.

Yet, that’s what made it so special.

Fans can vote for Liverpool’s No.11 here and have until 11.59 pm BST on Sunday to do so.

Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips out of England match

England manager has announced that defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips will miss out on their next international qualifier against Andorra

The Three Lions will have to do without the Leeds midfielder due to a calf strain. Phillips suffered the injury in his club’s 1-0 victory over Watford at the weekend.

He has now been replaced with James Ward-Prowse in English training. This will be a great improvement for the Southampton man’s week after he scored and was shown a red card in their 3-1 loss to Chelsea.

Kalvin Phillips is not the only Leeds player that will miss international duty with Patrick Bamford unable for selection with an ankle injury. Roma striker Tammy Abraham has been drafted in as a backup to Harry Kane.

Southgate will still have a very strong squad to play in this international break. They will first face Andorra away at 19:45 on Saturday 9th October. Three days later they will play Hungary at 19:45 in Wembley. Both matches will be shown on Sky Sports.

The Three Lions can cope but this may be more trouble for Bielsa and Leeds

Although England will be strong, this injury will be more of a worry to Leeds United fans. The Whites only claimed their first league win of the season on Sunday and are now without some of their starting players.

Marcelo Bielsa was lucky to have a Bamford replacement with Rodrigo able to play the position but he will not have as many choices for Phillips.

Adam Forshaw has spent much of the last two seasons on the injury table and is currently out for two more weeks with a hamstring strain. Northern Irish player, Stuart Dallas is also suffering from a knock.

If Phillips is not right to play, then the team may need to rely on Mateusz Klich to fill in.

Leeds fans should not worry too much presently with the club having a week’s break. Their next match is away to Southampton at 15:00 on Saturday, 16th October.

To read more in-depth and up-to-date Premier League and international football news, click here.

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