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2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open winner clinches U.S. Open with dramatic birdie birdie finish.

Jon Rahm claims U.S. Open title

Jon Rahm sunk two long putts on the 17th & 18th at Torrey Pines to edge a stroke ahead of Louis Oosthuizen in a drama-filled final round late last night. He then faced an anxious wait as the South African golfer still had four to play. A bogey on the 17th put paid to Oosthuizen’s challenge and Rahm became the 121st winner of the U.S. Open.

In doing so Rahm became the first Spaniard to lift the prestigious trophy and only the fourth to claim a major title.

Rahm is no stranger to final-round drama. He shot a scintillating 62 in the final round at Lahinch in 2019 to come from five shots back to claim his second Dubai Duty-Free Irish Open title. He had previously won the title in 2017 at Portstewart.

The win at Torrey Pines lifts Rahm to the number one spot in the world rankings. Which will serve as a boost to Padraig  Harrington’s European Ryder Cup team also.

Rahm’s win somehow felt pre-ordained. He had led the Memorial by six shots after 54 holes, only to be informed that he had tested positive for Covid on the 18th after his third round two weeks ago. Two negative tests allowed him to exit his self-isolation just in time travel to La Jolla, California in order to compete at the U.S. Open.

Aptly, as the win fell on father’s day, the proud dad was greeted by his wife Kelley and his infant son Kepa as he strolled off the 18th. He cradled his son as he waited for the final holes to finish before his victory was confirmed.

Fantasy Football: Most Expensive Players On Euro 2020 Fantasy Football

Euro 2020 fantasy football will be popular over the next month as the 2020 UEFA European Championship takes place.

In the next part of the Euro 2020 fantasy football guide, we look at the most expensive players.

Take a look at our most recent addition to the guide here. 

It will take place across several host cities and include even more star players.

But who is the most expensive in each position and who should win the tournament and who you can use your euro 2020 betting offers to back the tournament winner. 

All player valuations are available here.

GOALKEEPER

There is a three-way tie for the goalkeeper position.

Hugo Lloris (France) is worth €6m.

Manuel Neuer (Germany) and Thibaut Courtois (Belgium) join him on the high number.

The trio is established figures in their respective national setups.

Additionally, Neuer and Courtois are coming into the tournament off the back of strong seasons

As a result, the trio has earned their shared valuation

DEFENDER

Two defenders are top of the list at €6.5m

Raphael Guerreiro (Portugal) and Lucas Hernandez (France) is the duo who are highly priced.

Both are full-backs with extra responsibilities.

Guerreiro is an extra attacker in Fernando Santos’ Portugal side and offers width.

As a result, Joao Felix and Diogo Jota tend to cut inside to allow this.

Hernandez can also play high up the pitch.

However, he can tuck inside to offer an extra man in defence.

The players’ talents are recognised.

MIDFIELDERS

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) and Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) the most expensive midfielders available.

€10.5m will get you one of the two.

De Bruyne recently won PFA Player of the Year for the 2020/21 Premier League season.

Fernandes won Manchester United’s club award for the same season.

Both are creative threats that can produce moments of magic out of thin air.

FORWARDS

Two players share the top spot for the forward position.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and Kylian Mbappé (France) are worth €12m each.

Forward is the most expensive position in the game and their price tags showcase that.

Ronaldo is a living legend and Mbappé will want to follow that path.

The pair will go head-to-head at the Euros and can shine individually.

However, if you want them to shine on your fantasy team, you will have to part with a hefty amount.

We will see if these valuations are justified by the players’ performances at the tournament.

Yet, one can hope that their fantasy football team will win any league after spending that much money on the players.

Ireland Rugby Sevens qualify for 2020 Olympics

Ireland Rugby Sevens qualify for 2020 Olympics

Ireland 28-5 Hong Kong – semi-final at 3:45

Ireland beat France 6:05 Olympic ticket final

 

Resounding victories over Zimbabwe, Mexico and Tonga ensured Ireland made the perfect start to the weekend at Stade Louis II, with Terry Kennedy and Jordan Conroy standing out by sharing 14 tries between them on the opening day of the tournament.

Kennedy was at his electric best in the heat of Monaco, showcasing his superb footwork and devastating turn of pace throughout Day 1, most notably when scoring a first-half hat-trick against Zimbabwe in Ireland’s Pool A opener on Saturday morning.

Conroy, who was last year’s top try scorer on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, got in on the act too, crossing for a first-half brace during the 31-10 win over the African side. In Ireland’s second outing, Eddy’s men scored 31 unanswered points against Mexico, with Kennedy (2), Conroy and Ian Fitzpatrick (2) on the scoresheet.

Ireland saved their best performance of the day for their third outing as they ran out 43-0 winners over Tonga. Conroy and Kennedy helped themselves to a hat-trick apiece, while Harry McNulty was Ireland’s other try-scorer.

It means Ireland – chasing history and a place in Tokyo – sit second in Pool A behind Samoa, who they face on Sunday at 1.33pm local time/12.33pm Irish time. That final Pool game will determine who finishes first and second, with the top two safely progressing through to the semi-finals.

In Pool B, France lead the way from Chile on points difference

The outright winner of the tournament will secure the final Men’s qualification spot for this summer’s Olympics.

World Rugby Sevens Repechage, Saturday’s Results:

Ireland 31-10 Zimbabwe
Ireland 31-0 Mexico
Ireland 43-0 Tonga.
World Rugby Sevens Repechage, Sunday’s Fixtures:

Pool A: Ireland v Samoa, 1.33pm local time/12.33pm Irish time
Semi-Final 1: 4.23pm local time/3.23pm Irish time
Semi-Final 2: 4.45pm local time/3.45pm Irish time
Final: 7.07pm local time/6.07pm Irish time.
Ireland Men’s Sevens Squad:

Jack Kelly (Dublin University)
Harry McNulty (LA Giltinis)
Foster Horan (Lansdowne)
Ian Fitzpatrick (Lansdowne)
Adam Leavy (Lansdowne)
Billy Dardis (Terenure College)
Sean Cribbin (Suttonians)
Hugo Lennox (Skerries)
Greg O’Shea (Shannon RFC)
Terry Kennedy (St Mary’s College)
Jordan Conroy (Buccaneers)
Aaron Sexton (Malone/Ulster)
Mark Roche (Lansdowne)
Bryan Mollen (Blackrock College).

How many Irish players will make the Lions’ first test matchday squad?

Warren Gatland announced his 37-man squad in early May to face the SpringBoks. Their first test is against Emirates Lions on the 3rd  July, but will we see many Ireland players on the pitch?

There are seven Irish players named in the 37-man Lions squad after a mixed performance at this year’s Six Nations.

Alun Wyn Jones has been named captain of the Welsh and English heavy side. But how do the Irish players stack up on this side?

Backs

Conor Murray is one of Ireland’s biggest hopes for starting as he is still the best option that the Lions have at scrumhalf. He would bring experience to a relatively young, new backline.

Murray’s quick thinking would make him an important part of Gatland’s fast, explosive side.

Robbie Henshaw is another strong shout for the starting team after a good season with Leinster and Ireland.

Henshaw’s fast and tenacious ball carrying will have him as a firm favorite to start second center against Emirates Lions.

Bundee Aki was a surprise to many that he was named in the squad after a disappointing Six Nations finishing with a red card against England.

Although it’s unlikely that he will start, Aki was brought due to the pace and ball-carrying skill he brings in the center. Expect to see him used off the bench in a few of the tests.

 

Forwards

Tadhg Furlong has proven to be one of the British Isles’ best front row with his wide stature and powerful legs.

After another good Six Nations, Furlong appears to be the front runner for starting at number four for the Lions.

Ulster captain, Iain Henderson was a mainstay for Andy Farrell with Ireland and looks to continue that on tour.

Henderson’s style of play would work really well alongside Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones in second row

Munster’s Tadhg Beirne may have to deal with playing most of this tour off the bench or as a replacement.

The Lions team is very strong in second-row options but Beirne can also fill in at six if needed.

Jack Conan is another great Leinster player part of the Lions setup. Unlucky for him is that he is competing with Taulupe Faletau and Tom Curry for a starting shirt.

Conan’s surprising speed in the wide channels will make him a great option later in the tour when players start to tire.

Ronan Kelleher has trained with the squad in Jersey but is only a standby in case of injury to the other front-row options.

The last chance for the players to impress the head coach will be their last challenge against Japan on Saturday 26th June.

The 37-man squad for the British and Irish Lions 2021:

Backs:

Josh Adams (Wales), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Dan Biggar (Wales), Elliot Daly (England), Gareth Davies (Wales), Owen Farrell (England), Chris Harris (Scotland), Robbie Henshaw (Ireland), Stuart Hogg (Scotland), Conor Murray (Ireland), Ali Price (Scotland), Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales), Finn Russell (Scotland), Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland), Anthony Watson (England), Liam Williams (Wales)

Forwards:

Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), Jack Conan (Ireland), Luke Cowan-Dickie (England), Tom Curry (England), Zander Fagerson (Scotland), Taulupe Faletau (Wales), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Jamie George (England), Iain Henderson (Ireland), Jonny Hill (England), Maro Itoje (England), Alun Wyn Jones (Wales), Wyn Jones (Wales), Courtney Lawes (England), Ken Owens (Wales), Sam Simmonds (England), Kyle Sinckler (England), Rory Sutherland (Scotland), Justin Tipuric (Wales), Mako Vunipola (England), Hamish Watson (Scotland)

 

 

Key Facts & Figures about the Irish Derby

Every year, in June and July, the racing world is gripped by Derby fever, with the French, English, and Irish Derbies all held in quick succession. Winning both the English and Irish editions is considered one of the most prestigious milestones in flat racing and the 18 horses that have achieved the feat since 1866 are legendary. If you are new to racing or would like to know more about the Irish Derby, we’ve got some key facts and figures to bring you up to speed.

The Race

The Irish Derby is a Group 1 flat race open to three-year-olds and is run over one mile and four furlongs (2,414 metres). Colts in the race carry nine stones in weight, while fillies get a three-pound weight allowance. The race takes place at the end of June or the beginning of July at the Curragh racecourse. The race is usually held three weeks after the UK equivalent.

Winners

2021 Hurricane Lane 4/1 for Trainer Charlie Appleby and Jockey William Buick , givin the first win in the Irish Derby for both Jockey and trainer

Long Eagle for Martin Meath written by Franki Dettori was second, with the Aiden O’Brien trained Wadsworth ridden by Shamie Heffernan coming third.

The 2020 edition was won by Santiago, ridden by Seamie Heffernan, and trained by Aidan O’Brien who also claimed second, third, and fourth places. The 2/1 winner prevailed by a head from Tiger Moth. It was the fourth win for Heffernan and a record 14th for O’Brien who trained his first winner (Desert King) back in 1997. It was also a record 15th win for owner Michael Tabor who also got his first triumph with Desert King.

The first horse to win the English and Irish Derby double was the Fred McCabe-trained Irish runner Orby back in 1907. Since then, another 17 horses have achieved the feat, the most recent being Harzand in 2016.

 

Fastest Horse

The fastest winning time was recorded by the American bred, Irish-trained St Jovite who defeated Dr Devious by 12 lengths to set a new Curragh record of 2:25.60 back in 1992. He was ridden by jockey Christy Roche and trained by Jim Bolger.

How the Favourites Fare

Half of the last 21 races have been won by the favourites. However, there have been some big-priced winners over the years including the Aidan O’Brien-trained Sovereign who triumphed at 33/1 under Padraig Beggy in 2019. The longest-priced winner was Zarathustra who came home at 50/1 in 1954.

 

Picking a Winner

You can study the past form of the entries and look at historical results to get an idea of which horse might go well in this event. Alternatively, there are plenty of free horse racing tips from betting tools and industry experts as well as resources, such as reviews of past races, out there to help you make your decision. But a very basic overview of the current opinion is that because Aidan O’Brien has trained 11 of the last 16 winners, his entries are always worth keeping an eye on. Although he has been known to have five or six runners, so picking between them may be tricky!

The Irish Derby brings one of the most exciting few weeks of flat racing to a conclusion. Like the French and English equivalents, Derby Day at the Curragh brings fashion, glamour, and celebrity to Irish racing but it also showcases some of the best talent that Ireland has to offer.

Ireland U20s’ Richie Murphy and Alex Kendellen on 6 Nations Opener

Ireland U20s Head Coach Richie Murphy and Captain Alex Kendellen spoke ahead of the sides’ 2021 U20 Six Nations Championship opener against Scotland.

The match will kick-off at 2 pm and will be available on RTÉ One from 1:40 pm.

The pair talked about a range of topics from selection to the game plan to what they know about Scotland.

Head Coach Richie Murphy spoke first about the squad selection for Saturday’s game against Scotland.

Some issues the head coach encountered during the selection was the lack of game time the squad had and the injuries the side suffered.

“Obviously, we picked up a few injuries along the way which is disappointing for those boys and the group but with where we are at and knowing that we are playing against Scotland, knowing the strength they have, we feel that we picked the right team for this week,” said Murphy.

Joe Schmidt sent his former colleague a text wishing him the best of luck on Saturday.

On a question about possible similarities in coaching, Murphy stated that every coach must have something unique to them.

“I think with every coach you work with; you still have to have your own beliefs. You can’t copy anyone.”

Kendellen feels that the best 15 were chosen to start at the weekend but added that all players in the squad are expected to be used during the Six Nations.

Both came across as confident ahead of Saturday’s game.

However, Murphy revealed that he was nervous ahead of his first competitive game in charge of the Ireland U20s side.

The coach is very happy with the pool of players he has at his disposal but noted their lack of fixtures before the tournament as a reason for his nerves.

The side only played twice – against Leinster and Munster’s development squads.

“I feel that we’ve prepared well in the time that we have had.”

The side will be on live TV on Saturday as RTÉ One will broadcast the game.

The spotlight on the U20s is a welcome one, according to Murphy, especially at a time when their championship is isolated from the senior Six Nations.

“I think it is going to be a massive spotlight…[The six-day turnarounds] will give people the opportunity to sit in and watch the games.”

That six-day turnaround exists to give players time to recover from their previous game.

Murphy added that the lack of recent competitive experience and player safety were factors of the decision.

Kendellen spoke of the team’s complete focus on their own game plan as they were unable to study this Scotland side.

The captain added that the side will adapt to what they learn about Scotland’s game plan in-game, but the focus will be on implementing their own.

The side will want to dominate proceedings in that way.

He looks forward to playing U20 rugby for the national team.

“It’s still a huge opportunity…to even get to play rugby is huge,” said Kendellen.

Fly-half James Humphries will wear the number 10 shirt for the U20s on Saturday.

There is interest in his selection as he is the son of David Humphreys and nephew of Ian Humphreys.

However, his head coach believes he can carve his own path on Saturday and expects him to play his own game.

“It’s a difficult one for him because, obviously, he’s got an uncle and father who have gone before him (Ian and David), but I think James is very much his own man.

He’s come into the group and has applied himself really well, he’s been diligent, and he is not too dissimilar to his father – his looks, how he carries himself, how he kicks the ball…but he is very much his own man.”

Experience could be a big factor in this upcoming U20 Six Nations Championship due to the lack of game time.

Murphy believes that it is a visible factor in training but that all players in the squad show a similar hunger.

Kendellen does not feel the need to step up for the side as he is more experienced than others because of the talent within the squad.

A lot of the experience the players have had is with their clubs and their schools, showcasing the growth of rugby at that level in Ireland.

“There’s always things that we can do better in Irish Rugby…it is good to see those guys getting picked up [Craig Casey and Daniel Okeke] that are outside the traditional schools. There’s a good representation [from various schools in the squad],” said Murphy.

Kendellen spoke of his time at Presentation Brothers College in Cork all the way to Munster.

The Ireland U20 captain sees the experience he earned so far in his career as valuable.

He said: “You can’t not look at those experiences and back yourself in these moments.”

 

 

 

Champions Cup 2021/22 Schedule Released

The Heineken Champions Cup matchday dates for the 2021/22 season have been announced.

24 clubs, including eight each across the Top 14, Gallagher Premiership and Pro 14, will compete in this season’s instalment.

All four Irish provinces will begin their 2021/22 seasons in the Champions Cup.

The sides are ranked as the top four sides from the Pro 14 as the qualification is based on the 2020/21 Pro 14 season.

The 2020/21 Pro 14 Rainbow Cup standings do not affect the European qualification process.

The competition will once again begin with four rounds of the pool stage.

The format will likely be the same as last season’s controversial setup which had two pools of 12 with teams facing off against two sides from other leagues.

These teams are expected to face each other twice and the top eight in each pool will progress to the round of 16.

The round of 16 will be a two-legged round and will take place over two weekends.

However, the quarter-finals and semi-finals will remain as a one-and-done fixture.

Both finals will be held in Marseille’s Stade Velodrome in the south of France.

The 2020/21 finals were originally scheduled to be held at the venue.

2021/22 EPCR Weekends

Round 1 – 10/11/12 December

Round 2 – 17/18/19 December

Round 3 – 14/15/16 January 2022

Round 4 – 21/22/23 January 2022

Round of 16 (first leg) – 8/9/10 April 2022

Round of 16 (second leg) – 15/16/17 April 2022

Quarter-finals – 6/7/8 May 2022

Semi-finals – 13/14/15 May 2022

Challenge Cup Final – 27 May 2022

Champions Cup Final – 28 May 2022

 

Premier League 2021/2022 Fixtures and Schedule released – Liverpool

AUGUST

14/08/2021 – Norwich (a)

21/08/2021 – Burnley (h)

28/08/2021 – Chelsea (h)

 

SEPTEMBER

11/09/2021 – Leeds United (a) 

18/09/2021 – Crystal Palace (h)

25/09/2021 – Brentford (a)

 

OCTOBER

02/10/2021 – Man City (h)

16/10/2021 – Watford (a)

23/10/2021 – Man United (a)

30/10/2021 – Brighton (h)

 

NOVEMBER

06/11/2021 – West Ham United (a)

20/11/2021 – Arsenal (h)

27/11/2021 – Southampton (h)

30/11/2021 – Everton (a)

 

DECEMBER

04/12/2021 – Wolves (a)

11/12/2021 – Aston Villa (h)

15/12/2021 – Newcastle United (h)

18/12/2021 – Tottenham (a)

26/12/2021 – Leeds United (h)

28/12/2021 – Leicester City (a)

 

JANUARY

01/01/2022 – Chelsea (a)

15/01/2022 – Brentford (h)

22/01/2022 – Crystal Palace (a)

 

FEBRUARY

09/02/2022 – Leicester City (h)

12/02/2022 – Burnley (a)

19/02/2022 – Norwich City (h)

26/02/2022 – Arsenal (a)

 

MARCH

05/03/2022 – West Ham United (h)

12/03/2022 – Brighton (a)

19/03/2021 – Man United (h)

 

APRIL

02/04/2022 – Watford (a)

09/04/2022 – Man City (h)

16/04/2022 – Aston Villa (a)

23/04/2022 – Everton (h)

30/04/2022 – Newcastle United (a)

 

MAY

07/05/2022 – Tottenham (h)

15/05/2022 – Southampton (a) 

22/05/2022 – Wolves (h)

Premier League 2021/2022 Fixtures and Schedule released – Manchester United

 AUGUST

14/08/2021 – Leeds United (h)

21’08/2021 – Southampton (a)

28/08/2021 – Wolves (a)

 

SEPTEMBER

11/09/2021 – Newcastle (h) 

18/09/2021 – West Ham (a)

25/09/2021 – Aston Villa (h)

 

OCTOBER

02/10/2021 – Everton (h)

16/10/2021 – Leicester (a)

23/10/2021 – Liverpool (h)

30/10/2021 – Tottenham (a)

 

NOVEMBER

06/11/2021 – Man City (h)

20/11/2021 – Watford (a)

27/11/2021 – Chelsea (a)

30/11/2021 – Arsenal (h)

DECEMBER

04/12/2021 – Crystal Palace (h)

11/12/2021 – Norwich (a)

14/12/2021 – Brentford (a)

18/12/2021 – Brighton (h)

26/12/2021 – Newcastle (a)

28/12/2021 – Burnley (h)

 

JANUARY

01/01/2022 – Wolves (h)

15/01/2022 – Aston Villa (a)

22/01/2022 – West Ham (h)

 

FEBRUARY

08/02/2022 – Burnley (a)

12/02/2022 – Southampton (h)

19/02/2022 – Leeds (a)

26/02/2022 – Watford (h)

 

MARCH

05/03/2022 – Man City (a)

12/03/2022 – Tottenham (h)

19/03/2021 – Liverpool (a)

 

APRIL

02/04/2022 – Leicester (h)

09/04/2022 – Everton (a)

16/04/2022 – Norwich (h)

23/04/2022 – Arsenal (a)

30/04/2022 – Brentford (h)

 

MAY

07/05/2022 – Brighton (a)

15/05/2022 – Chelsea (h) 

22/05/2022 – Crystal Palace (a)

 

Ireland 7s Star Jordan Conroy Excited To Tackle Olympic Qualification Bid

Ireland Sevens star Jordan Conroy is excited to play competitive rugby again as the World Rugby Sevens Repechage begins on Saturday.

Ireland’s record try scorer is looking forward to playing against WSeries rivals in Monaco where the country will look to earn the last qualification spot for the Olympic games.

Conroy said that it is nice to back in a competitive environment once again and that he was focused on the goal ahead.

The changes to the game because of the pandemic have not affected that focus.

“I have tunnel vision and I just [focus on my job on the pitch],” said Conroy.

In this context, his tunnel vision is aimed at Zimbabwe, Ireland’s first opponents in the Repechage.

If Ireland is successful in Monaco, Tokyo awaits.

The 27-year-old said that it would be a huge honour to represent Ireland at the Olympic games, something he once dreamed about when he was interested in athletics.

However, he does not put too much pressure on himself to achieve this, rather choosing to be confident in his ability.

“Hong Kong was a different kind of ball game because it was my first tournament – a lot of things on the line, I was very nervous but then going through all the other World Series tournaments you adjust to that pressure, and it becomes second-nature.”

His mother attended the 2019 Hong Kong Sevens where Conroy dazzled and won Player of the Tournament after topping the scoring charts with 10 tries.

Unfortunately, his mother will not be able to watch him in Tokyo if Ireland is successful.

No foreign fans can attend the sporting event in Japan because of COVID-19.

“It is what it is at the end of the day. I got to have her in Hong Kong which was special. Obviously, not having family or friends over there is a bummer but the time we are in, it is understandable.”

The winger noted that his fitness levels went down during the last year and that it took time until he felt at his best again.

The Tullamore speedster detailed how he thinks that he gained the lockdown pounds.

He said was doing his running in the mornings and spending the rest of the day in his house.

Even though he was eating the same, Conroy feels that this change affected his body in a way he perceived to be negative.

“I was a little bit more physical, but my game is being the speedy guy and it felt off. I wasn’t happy with it.”

However, by the time the side played Great Britain in May, the Tullamore winger felt that he was back at the top of his game.

Conroy noted that it was good for him mentally to get back to a standard that he was happy with.

The 27-year-old added that working with a nutritionist helped him to get back in the saddle.

He now feels ready to help his national team in their bid for the final Olympics spot.

“I’m there to go with the lads and win but also I want to show the world why I was the top try scorer.”

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