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HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2022 calendar released

The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series calendar for the 2022 season has been released and will see the men’s teams play 10 rounds and the women’s teams play seven.

These tournaments will take place over the course of six months, kicking off with a pair of combined men’s and women’s events in Dubai, United Arab Emirates at the end of November.

The Emirates Dubai Sevens will host a behind-closed-doors round on 26-27 November, 2021, followed by a second event a week later on 3-4 December with fans in attendance at The Sevens Stadium.

Great Britain will represent three unions in the first two events but will split into England, Scotland and Wales in the men’s and England will take part in the women’s series following the Dubai tournaments.

The 16 men’s core teams after the Dubai events are Argentina, Australia, Canada, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, USA and Wales.

South Africa will look to defend the title they won in the shortened 2021 season.

Japan will join the men’s Series as a core team following their promotion as HSBC World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series champions in 2020.

The 11 core women’s teams after the Dubai events are Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Russia, Spain and the USA.

New Zealand’s Black Ferns Sevens will be aiming to defend their title after being crowned champions in 2020.

There will be a similar double-header in Spain for rounds three and four with events taking place in Malaga and Seville on 21-23 and 28-30 January, 2022 respectively.

The new venues in Spain temporarily replace traditional Series hosts Sydney, Australia, and Hamilton, New Zealand, who were unable to host in 2022 due to the logistical challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in their region.

The men’s Series continues with  North American rounds in Vancouver on 26-27 February and Los Angeles on 5-6 March before moving to Asia.

Hong Kong returns to host a combined men’s and women’s event on 1-3 April, followed by a men’s event in Singapore on 9-10 April.

A women’s standalone event will take place in Langford, Canada, on 30 April-1 May before both men’s and women’s teams travel to a new Series venue in Toulouse, France, on 20-22 May where the women’s Series champions will be crowned.

The men’s Series concludes with the final event in London on 28-29 May.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin spoke about the release of the 2022 schedule: “Following an outstandingly competitive and highly impactful Olympic Games competition it is fantastic to announce a full schedule for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2022 today.

“Alongside popular and traditional rugby sevens venues it will be exciting to take the Series to new venues in Spain and France as the game continues to expand and captivate new audiences around the world with its fast, skilful and thrilling format.

“Rugby sevens is a key driver of global growth for our sport, particularly in emerging nations, and it firmly remains a top priority for our organisation.

“A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to ensure we can announce a full Series schedule today and we thank HSBC, the host organisations, unions, commercial and broadcast partners for their unwavering support and spirit of collaboration as we navigate the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic together.

“We now look ahead to the return of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series at full throttle ahead of what promises to be a very busy and exciting year for sevens with the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town following the Series.

“As ever, the health and welfare of players, fans and wider society continues to be our primary concern and we will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the safe delivery of the Series.

HSBC Group Head of Brand and Brand Partnerships Jonathan Castleman said: “Like everyone involved we are incredibly excited that the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series is back and this is truly a testament to all of the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes.

“With new venues in both Spain and France, it opens up further opportunities to attract even more players, fans and communities to the spectacle of rugby sevens and as the long-term partner of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series we cannot wait to watch the teams competing at the highest levels again and where possible with full stadiums.”

Sexton among those being monitored by Leinster this week.

Leinster boss Leo Cullen has issued an injury update ahead of the Round 5 United Rugby Championship clash with Glasgow Warriors on Friday at Scotstoun Stadium (KO 7.35 pm – live on TG4, Premier Sports and URC TV).

Friday’s game will be the final game in the current block of games before the break for the Autumn Internationals.

The latest update from Leinster is a positive one as several players will return to this week but will need to be further assessed before they are deemed match fit.

Caelan Doris (calf) and Ciarán Frawley (dead leg) both came through the win over Scarlets with no issues and will train as normal this week.

Jack Dunne (ankle) and Scott Penny (dead leg) have both returned to full training, with Dunne lining out at the weekend with Dublin University in the Energia All-Ireland League.

Harry Byrne and Dave Kearney are back in training this week after hip and ankle injuries respectively while Johnny Sexton will be monitored throughout the week after his hip injury.

Jimmy O’Brien missed out last week through illness and will be further assessed this week before a decision is made, as will Rory O’Loughlin (shoulder).

James Ryan has entered the Graduated Return to Play Protocols while Robbie Henshaw will be unavailable for selection this week but in positive news, he will take some part in training this week as the medics continue to monitor his progress.

There are no further updates on Michael Milne (calf), Will Connors (knee) and Thomas Clarkson (hamstring).

Atletico Madrid v Liverpool – Preview, Team News, Odds, Where To Watch

Liverpool have travelled to the Spanish capital to take on Atletico Madrid in the third game of the UEFA Champions League group stage on Tuesday night.

Liverpool sit top of Group B with two wins from two and eight goals to their name while Atletico are two points behind after a last-gasp win over AC Milan in their most recent Champions League match.

Jurgen Klopp’s redmen will be looking to avenge their 2019/20 Round of 16 loss to the Spanish side, who entered the competition this year as Spanish champions.

Los Rojiblancos have had more ball-dominant showings in their recent European games than is usually expected of them but they will face a tough test if they choose to continue to play progressively against the 2019 Champions League winners.

However, the side have already committed 25 fouls in their first two games and may frustrate Liverpool through the use of some tactical takedowns.

Both games have seen their opposition reduced to 10 men – Liverpool will want to avoid adding to that trend.

Brazilians Alisson and Fabinho will be in contention for tonight’s team after missing the Watford fixture at the weekend.

Curtis Jones has not made the trip to Madrid with the rest of the squad, the midfielder instead remaining on Merseyside to build up his fitness after missing out at the weekend with a minor injury.

Thiago Alcantara has missed Liverpool’s last five games with a calf issue and is expected not to be in the squad but Roberto Firmino could make his 300th appearance for the club in all competitions.

Jose Gimenez, Marcos Llorente and Matheus Cunha are available again, following a brief spell on the sidelines for the trio.

Giminez and Llorente were part of the side that took down the defending champions in 2019/20, with Llorente’s substitution being a key moment in Atletico’s victory last March.

Atletico were granted the weekend off by La Liga to prepare for the fixture.

Teams

Atletico Madrid (5-3-2): Oblak; Trippier, Felipe, Kondogbia, Hermoso, Carrasco; Koke, Lemar, De Paul; Felix, Griezmann.

Subs: Lecomte, Giminez, Lodi, Vrsaljko, Llorente, Herrera, Suarez, Correa, Cunha.

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Milner, Keita; Mane, Salah, Firmino.

Subs: Adrian, Kelleher, Fabinho, Konate, Gomez, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Minamino, Jota, Tsimikas, Origi, Phillips, Williams.

Odds

Atletico Madrid 23/10

Draw 11/5

Liverpool 6/5

Where To Watch

The game will kick-off at 8 pm and will be available to watch live on RTÉ 2 and the RTÉ Player from 7:30 pm.

Tipperary SHC semi-final draw announced

The Tipperary championship has reached the business end of the season as only the four best teams are left standing in the SHC semi-final

The Tipperary GAA council announced the SHC semi-final draw yesterday. This has led to some interesting fixtures having been set up for the next few weeks.

There will be a repeat of the 2016 senior final as Kiladangan takes on the legendary Thurles Sarsfields. Thurles is now hoping to end their drought of four years without a senior title.

The other semi-final is made up of the 2019 champions Borrisoleigh and last year’s runners-up Loughmore Castleiney.

The Senior ‘B’ championship has also reached the semi-final stages. Two south teams in St Mary’s of Clonmel and Killenaule meet in the first game. The other match will see Cashel King Cormacs take on Templederry Kenyons.

Lastly, the intermediate championship is down to four teams as well. Moneygall will take on Kilsheelan-Kilcash while Moyne-Templetuohy will challenge Knockavilla-Donaskeigh.

All semi-final fixtures will be played the weekend of 19th-31st October.

 

Tipperary SHC semi-final draw

Kiladangan v Thurles Sarsfields

Borrisoleigh v Loughmore Castleiney

 

Seamus O’Riain semi-final draw

St Mary’s v Killenaule

Cashel King Cormacs v Templederry Kenyons

 

Tipperary IHC semi-final draw

Moneygall v Kilsheelan-Kilcash

Moyne-Templetuohy v Konockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams

 

To read more in-depth and up-to-date Tipperary and intercounty club GAA news, click here.

Slevin becomes Ireland’s first WGC All-Around finalist

Ireland’s Emma Slevin made history again by becoming the first Irish gymnast to qualify for the coveted All-Around finals of the World Gymnastics Championships – Emma placed 21st with a score of 50.165.
The top 24 gymnasts in the world progress through to the AA final which will take place on Thursday 21st October at 6.30 am Irish time.
Slevin already made history in May of this year by becoming the first Irish gymnast to qualify for All-Around Finals in a European Gymnastics Championships with this competition being the first in her Paris 2024 campaign.
Emma scored 11.466 on Balance Beam, even with an unfortunate fall; 12.466 on Floor; 12.700 on Uneven Bars and finally 13.533 on Vault giving an AA score of 50.165.
Speaking from Japan, Slevin commented: “I’m very happy with my performance today and it was actually a very enjoyable experience as well.
“I felt confident out there and despite a few small mistakes, I’m very proud of how I did. I have a great team around me that support me all the way and helped me prepare for this competition.
“Overall it was a great experience and I’m super excited for the final.”
Gymnastics Ireland’s Women’s National Performance Coach, Sally Batley said: “It has been a fantastic opportunity to compete out here in Japan, it’s one more competition under our belts where we’ve gained great experience on the international field.
“We’re looking forward to the final, we have a few focus points to work on but most importantly we want to absorb this experience, enjoy it and show off Emma’s hard work.
“It’s a great way to finish off the year, I’m incredibly proud of her.”
Sally Johnson, Gymnastics Ireland Performance and Technical Manager said:
“Congratulations to Emma making us all so proud becoming the first Irish gymnast to make a World All-Around final.
“Emma composed herself superbly after beam following an unfortunate fall to finish the other 3 pieces cleanly.
“She has been training extremely well has been incredibly focused with a very positive attitude.
“Emma and her coach devised a well-structured preparation program coming into these World Championships and it is great to see all the hard work pay off! Looking forward to the final!
“A special thanks to Rachel Wyer our physio and our Sport Ireland athlete support team.”
Speaking of Emma’s achievement, Gymnastics Ireland CEO Mr. Ciaran Gallagher said:
“Ireland’s first European All-Around Finalist in May and now our first World Championships All-Around Finalist!
“Emma has broken into coveted Top 24 AA gymnasts in the world – to say we are proud is an understatement!!!
“Huge congratulations to Emma, her coach Sally Batley and our Performance & Technical Manager Sally Johnson.
“Congratulations also to Emma’s family and all at Renmore Gymnastics Club in Galway. What a start to her Paris 2024 campaign…”
Up next is Rhys McClenaghan who also made history for Ireland this year by becoming the first Irish gymnast to compete at an Olympic final.
McClenaghan will compete at the qualifiers on Pommel Horse tomorrow, Wednesday 20th October at 3.10 pm local time, 7.10 am Irish time.

Finals Schedule

Thursday 21st Oct: Women’s All-Around final – from 6.30 pm local time/10.30 am Irish time
Saturday 23rd Oct: Pommel Horse Final at 6 pm local time/10 am Irish time

Kerry forward Tommy Walsh retires from inter-county football

Kerry forward Tommy Walsh has retired from inter-county football with Kerry GAA after two spells with the side lasting eight years in total.

Walsh informed Kerry chiefs of his decision today after the climax of the 2021 season, which saw the county fall to Tyrone in the All-Ireland semi-final after winning the Munster Senior Football Championship – his final appearance for the team.

The 33-year-old won two All-Ireland Senior Football Championships with the Kingdom in the first decade of the 21st century – he began his senior football career on their panel in 2007.

The full-forward played a starring role in the 2009 decider against Cork in which he scored four points to help his side to victory and earn his second Celtic Cross.

Tommy did so under Jack O’Connor but will not return to play for the former Kildare senior football manager.

The Kerins O’Rahilly’s man lined out for his county again in the 2015 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship but left the panel before the 2016 instalment, returning in 2019 to play under Peter Keane as the county reached the final for the first time since 2015.

In his time away from the panel after 2009, Walsh played in the Australian Football League with St. Kilda and the Sydney Swans.

He lined out for the Ireland international rules team in the 2010 International Rules series against Australia, which his native country hosted.

Kerry GAA Chairman Tim Murphy released a statement confirming Walsh’s departure: “Earlier [Monday] Tommy Walsh confirmed his decision to retire from the Kerry Senior Football Panel.

“Tommy began his inter-county career as a Minor and quickly progressed through to U-21 and Senior Ranks.

“In the 2009 All-Ireland Series Tommy produced some memorable performances culminating in the All-Ireland Final win over Cork when he contributed a quarter of Kerry’s Scores on the day.

“In October 2009 Tommy moved to Australia where he played Professional AFL until the end of 2014 and re-joined the Kerry Set up for the 2015/216 seasons.

“Over the past two years in particular Tommy’s leadership on and off the field has helped to encourage, motivate, and successfully integrate many of our younger players onto the panel.

“On behalf of all Kerry supporters, I wish to sincerely thank and acknowledge Tommy for all he has done and wish him the very best in the future.”

Kerry GAA senior football manager Jack O’Connor said: “It was with sadness that I learned today of Tommy Walsh’s decision to retire from the Kerry Senior football panel.

“I coached Tommy for two years firstly in 2008 with Kerins O’ Rahilly’s when he was instrumental in helping the Club to a County Final and in 2009 with Kerry.

“He gave one of the great exhibitions to the 2009 All Ireland final against Cork when he scored four great points – two from either foot. Like his father Seanie, he was a man for the big occasion and raised his game accordingly.

“I wish him all the best in retirement, and I hope he continues to enjoy a fruitful Club career for many years to come.”

Galway appoint Cian O’Neill to senior football backroom

The Galway senior footballers have brought Cian O’Neill on board as a coach ahead of the 2022 season.

O’Neill joins Padraic Joyce’s Galway backroom after leaving the Cork senior football setup following the end of the 2021 season.

The upcoming season will be Joyce’s third in charge and the team will aim to go one further than the final of the Connacht Senior Football Championship.

They will also hope to return to Division One of the National Football League at the first time of asking.

A statement read: “Galway GAA is delighted to announce the appointment of Cian O’Neill to the Galway senior football backroom team.

“The Kildare man will join Pádraic Joyce next season as a coach.”

The Kildare native left the Cork setup after their Munster Senior Football Championship final collapse led to the departure of manager Ronan McCarthy.

He had previously been in charge of his home county’s senior footballers from 2015 until 2019.

It was a period that saw the Lilywhites reach the Leinster Senior Football Championship final in 2017 and knock All-Ireland finalists Mayo out of the Championship the next year in the ‘Newbridge or Nowhere’ game.

O’Neill made a name for himself as a trainer on Liam Sheedy’s backroom in the manager’s first stint with the Tipperary hurlers.

He was involved with the Kerry senior footballers as part of Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s backroom and has also worked with the Limerick and Mayo footballers.

New Basketball Ireland CEO excited by potential of sport in Ireland

Basketball Ireland announced on Monday morning that former Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan will succeed Bernard O’Brien as CEO of the national governing body for the sport next month.

Bernard O’Byrne vacated the role in July after he mocked the Black Lives Matter movement in a Facebook reply to a BBC News post about the foul on Raheem Sterling that led to England’s winning goal in the Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark.

Feehan spent 16 years as the CEO of the Six Nations and the British & Irish Lions, between 2002 and 2018.

The former chief of the then-Pro12 is excited to step into the role in place of O’Byrne and play a part in growing the sport in the nation.

“Yeah, I suppose there’s a multitude of things really,” Feehan said when asked about his decision to join Basketball Ireland. “I suppose the big one is the potential for growing the sport in Ireland.

“Basketball, as you are probably aware, is the fourth biggest sport in the country – it’s the biggest indoor sport in the country and to some extent, not a lot of people know that.

“And that’s sad in a way, but it’s also a great potential opportunity and also, I think commercially there’s lots of room for improvement.

“It’s going to be one of those ones where so much potential to grow the sport, not just in terms of playing numbers but in terms of levels of interest with the general public and together into the national psyche as a major sport within the country.

“So, yeah, it’s a great challenge.”

Feehan has previously been involved in sponsorship with Irish basketball “about 25 years ago” with Killester Lucozade Sport.

He is looking forward to continuing that relationship with basketball as CEO of the national governing body and promoting its diversity.

“It is so inclusive, it actually effectively allows everybody and anybody within the country to get involved in sport, and to have a natural interest in to show that you know it can work for anybody no matter what background they come from, no matter what gender they are.”

Ireland have had recent success on the international scene with their men’s and women’s teams.

The men’s team won the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries that Ireland hosted in August after four wins from four at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght.

The women’s side came second in Cyprus in July at the same tournament, being denied a first-ever FIBA Small Countries win by Luxembourg – Claire Melia earned an All-Star for her performances.

“I think every sport needs aspirational figures and aspirational teams to go for it.

“If you can’t be inspired by wanting to play for your country to play at the highest level for your country, there’s something wrong.

“Similarly, with all the top clubs, you know, We’ve got to get players below that level to want to play for those top clubs.

“So at the end of the day, the international scene has been very important – it’s your shop window in lots of respects for your sport.

“So we’ve got to make it as important as any other international, any other sport in our [country]. So we’ve got to put the program together to make that happen.”

What’s Next For Tyson Fury?

What’s Next For Tyson Fury?

After his second knock-out victory over former WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder at The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas nine days. Tyson Fury has now cemented himself as the greatest heavyweight of his era for the time being. 

After retaining his WBC Heavyweight title in what was the first official title defence of his astonishing career against long-time rival Deontay Wilder.

Winning the Wilder trilogy in emphatic fashion, the list of opponents the Gypsy King could face next is a mouthwatering one. You can get betting on the fight on one of most popular betting apps on your phone.With a possible undisputed title fight on the horizon with either champion Oleksandr Usyk or Anthony Joshua, that being said anything can happen until then.

Joshua’s loss to Usyk has shaken up the already interesting Heavyweight picture. With Tyson Fury now top dog after defeating Wilder in their trilogy bout, potential fights will be made in the upcoming months.

For Fury, the question remains on where does he go from here and who can take his undefeated record away from him.

Let’s find out.

Dillian Whyte

After Fury ultimately dismantled Wilder in October, calls for an undisputed bout between the winner of the Usyk and Joshua rematch have been overturned after it was confirmed by the WBC sanctioning bodies that Fury must defend his title against interim WBC challenger Dillian Whyte next, if he gets past Otto Wallin later this month that is.

Whyte has been long touted as the main challenger for the WBC belt after waiting over 600 days for a title shot. His wait escalated even further after he got stunningly knocked out by Russian Alexander Povetkin before winning the rematch in deserving fashion.

The pair have got back and forth in recent years, with both fighters admitting they got the best out of each other in sparring sessions from years gone by.

If Whyte can overcome Wallin, he should get his title shot.

Excitement: 7/10

Likelihood of Victory: 9/10

Potential to happen Next: 9/10

Oleksandr Usyk

The newly crowned Heavyweight champion shocked many with his clinical performance against Anthony Joshua to claim all four of the Brit’s belts in September. Since then many pundits and promoters have called for an undisputed bout and for Joshua to step aside.

With Joshua triggering his rematch clause for Spring 2022 in order to try and reclaim his belts, the likelihood of Fury and Usyk squaring off, for the time being, is off the cards.

If Usyk can get past Joshua again, and Fury with Whyte, all roads will lead to the undisputed bout between the pair.

Excitement: 7/10

Likelihood of Victory: 8/10

Potential to happen Next: 7/10

Anthony Joshua

The fight that everyone wanted was so close only a few months ago, but agenda’s and boxing politics cancelled the biggest fight in boxing and a fight the sport badly needed.

Now, Joshua is in danger of potentially being shunned out of the title picture for the foreseeable future after his loss to Usyk in September. However, AJ has recently triggered his rematch clause and will be scheduled to get back in there with Usyk sometime in Spring 2022.

If Joshua can get past Usyk, the fantasy match-up between him and Fury will be back o track, given that there is no mandatory’s, no injuries and no politics.

A fight between Joshua and Fury heavily favours Fury but given that it is Heavyweight boxing and anything can happen on any given night, the fight needs to happen, for boxing’s sake.

Excitement: 10/10

Likelihood of Victory: 9/10

Potential to happen Next: 7/10

What’s Next For Tyson Fury?

For more News and Stories on all things Boxing, click here.

Slevin and McClenaghan to compete at Gymnastics World Championships

Ireland’s Emma Slevin and Olympian Rhys McClenaghan to compete in Gymnastics World Championships in Japan

Gymnastics returns to Japan as the World Championships takes place in Kitakyushu. The competition will go from today, 18th until Sunday, 24th October.

Emma Slevin, who made history this year by becoming the first Irish gymnast to qualify for All-Around Finals in a European Gymnastics Championships, is up first.

Slevin is due to compete on Day 2 of the Women’s qualifiers on Tuesday 19th October at 11:15 Local time, 03:15 Irish time where she will compete on all four women’s apparatus.

The 18-year-old from Galway will want to push on from her recent strong form. She represented Ireland at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games as well as being the first Irish female gymnast to qualify for a senior all-around final at the European Championships this year.

Rhys McClenaghan who also made history for Ireland this year by becoming the first Irish gymnast to compete at an Olympic final will compete at the qualifiers on Pommel Horse on Wednesday 20th October at 15:10 local time, 07:10 Irish time.

This will be a chance for the 22-year-old Antrim man will be looking for silverware after his heartbreak this summer. The gymnast was set for at least a silver in Tokyo until he made a fall from the pommel horse.

The finals are taking place on:

Thursday 21st Oct: Women’s All-Around final – from 18:00 local time (10:30 Irish time)

Saturday 23rd Oct: Pommel Horse Final at 18:00 local time (10:00 Irish time)

To see live scores and to follow how the two Irish gymnasts progress, click this link.

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

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