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Rugby rules introduction of new high tackle sanction

World Rugby has issued its guidelines in clarifying what constitutes a penalty, yellow card or red card in the instances of shoulder charges and high tackles.

With research demonstrating that 76 per cent of concussions occur in the tackle, with 72 per cent of those to the tackler, and that head injury risk is 4.2 times greater when tacklers are upright, the framework is aimed at changing player behaviour in this priority area, via the promotion of safer technique and builds on the January 2017 edict on tougher sanctioning of high tackles.

“Available as a step-by-step PDF, also supported by an educational video that illustrates what match officials are looking for when determining a sanction.”

World Rugby has also outlined as follows which of these merits a penalty, yellow card or red card.

Red Card

  • Shoulder charge (no arms tackle) direct to the head or neck of the ball carrier, and mitigation is not applied
  • High tackle with any contact between the tackler’s shoulder or head and the Ball Carrier’s head or neck, with high degree of danger, and mitigation is not applied
  • High tackle with first contact from the tackler’s arm, direct to the BC’s head or neck, with high degree of danger, and mitigation is not applied

Yellow Card

  • Any red card offence where mitigation is applied (as per framework)
  • Shoulder charge to the body (no head or neck contact), with high degree of danger
  • High tackle with any contact between the tackler’s shoulder or head and the BC’s head or neck, with low degree of danger, and mitigation is not applied
  • High tackle with first contact from the tackler’s arm, direct to the BC’s head or neck with low degree of danger, and mitigation is not applied
  • High tackle with first contact from the tackler’s arm, which starts elsewhere on the body and then slips or moves up to the BC’s head or neck, with high degree of danger, and mitigation is not applied

Penalty

  • Any yellow card offence where mitigation is applied (as per framework)
  • Shoulder charge to the body (no head or neck contact), with low degree of danger
  • High tackle with first contact from the tackler’s arm, which starts elsewhere on the body and then slips or moves up to the BC’s head or neck, with low degree of danger and no mitigating factors
  • High tackle with first contact above or over the shoulder of the ball carrier, but without contact to the head or neck of the ball carrier during the execution of the tackle (seat belt tackle

 

 

 

 

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Republic of Ireland squad confirmed for Denmark and Gibraltar Euro 2020 qualifiers

Republic of Ireland manager has confirmed his squad for upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Denmark away from home on June 7th and Gibraltar at home on June 10th. McCarthy named a 35 man squad earlier this month but this has now been whittled down to 30 players.

Goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara has been ruled and Kristiansunds BK keeper Sean McDermott had been called up. Harry After, Jack Byrne, James Collins and Aidan O’brien  also all miss out on a place in the squad. English league play-off players Glen Whelan, Richard Keogh, Conor Hourihane and Josh Cullen will all miss the training camp in Quinto Do Logo. However the quartet will join up with squad before the trip to Denmark.

McCarthy has included Luca Connell in his squad. Connell who plays with Bolton Wanderers has obviously impressed McCarthy to warrant a place in the squad. At 18 years of age he brings youth and exuberance. The Liverpool born player has played at U17 and U19 level for Ireland, he played 15 times for the Trotters this season in League 1.  Commenting on this McCarthy said “Luca deserves this opportunity”. He continued “With midfielders Conor Hourihane, Glenn Whelan and Josh Cullen all on play-off duty with their clubs in the coming weeks, this is the perfect chance to get Luca into the squad.”

The squad itself sees Darren Randolph, Mark Travers and Sean McDermott named as the three goalkeepers. The defenders include Seamus Coleman, Kevin Long,  Matt Doherty, Richard Keogh, John Egan, Shane Duffy, Enda Stevens and Greg Cunningham. McCarthy has included Alan Judge, Alan Browne, Glen Whelan, Jeff Hendrick, Conor Hourihane, Luca Connell, Josh Cullen, Robbie Brady, Callum O’Dowda, James McClean, Ronan Curtis. In the forwards, Dave McColdrick, Shane Long, Sean Maguire, Scott Hogan and Callum Robinson.

The full squad as follows: 

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Mark Travers (Bournemouth), Sean McDermott (Kristiansund BK)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), John Egan (Sheffield United), Kevin Long (Burnley), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Greg Cunningham (Cardiff City)

Midfielders: Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Glenn Whelan (Aston Villa), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Luca Connell (Bolton Wanderers), Josh Cullen (Charlton Athletic*), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth)

Forwards: David McGoldrick (Sheffield United), Shane Long (Southampton), Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Scott Hogan (Aston Villa), Callum Robinson (Preston North End)

 

More Soccer News

Andy Farrell to become Ireland Rugby Coach after World Cup

It was no surprise that Joe Schmidt announced he was leaving his post as Irish coach after the 2019 Rugby World Cup. This is bad news for Ireland but hopefully, it’s not too disruptive as Andy Farrell to become Ireland Rugby Coach after World Cup.

Joe Schmidt commented “I have decided to finish coaching and will prioritise family commitments after the RWC in 2019.

I feel that Irish rugby is in good hands. The management and players have been incredible to work with and the tremendous support we have had, particularly at home in the Aviva, but where ever we have travelled has been uplifting.

Thank you to the IRFU for their support and patience and thanks also to so many people who have adopted my family and me, making us feel part of the community here in Ireland.

There are some inspiring challenges over the next 11 months so there’s plenty of motivation for me to continue working hard, alongside the other management staff, so that the team can be as competitive as possible.”

Andy Farrell commented, “It is a privilege to be considered for such a prestigious role. I have learned a lot from Joe over the past few seasons and I will continue to learn from him over the next year as the coaching group and players focus on competing in two huge tournaments in 2019.”

Joe Schmidt commented,”The coaches have been fantastic to work with and Andy has made a big impact since coming into the group. His ability to lead and his understanding of the game will ensure that the group will continue to move forward.”

2019 All-Ireland Football Championship Betting Odds

The 2019 All-Ireland football championship betting odds are being released and the tension is rising to see who will make it to the finals and take home the Sam Maguire Cup. Will we see another clash between Dublin and Tyrone?

All-Ireland Championship Games and Gaelic Football Odds

The next All-Ireland championship match kicks off on Saturday 11th May with the Leinster Senior Football round 1 where the Little Whites will take on Wicklow. The Munster Senior football quarter-finals are also taking place with Tipperary v Limerick and Clare v Waterford. The Ulster MFC round two will see Tyrone take on Monaghan and Derry v Cavan. The Ulster MFC round two qualifiers will see Donegal take on either Armagh or Antrim and Fermanagh take on down. The Leinster SHC round 1 will pit Kilkenny against the champions Dublin and this can be watched live on Sky Sports.

There are matches taking place every Saturday and Sunday right up until the big All Ireland SFC Final which takes place on Sunday 1st September 2019. The 2019 All-Ireland Football Championship odds so far have Dublin as favourites with odds of 8/11 followed by Kerry at 11/2, and Mayo in third place at 11/1. Last year’s beaten finalists Tyrone are fourth favourites to take this year’s title at odds of 10/1. Kildare is down at 8th position with odds of up to 100/1 on some of the Gaelic football odds sites. If you’re looking for an outsider Meath is at 200/1, Down, Derry, Fermanagh and Westmeath are 500/1, and Limerick and Wicklow have odds of 5000/1.

RTE have also released their All-Ireland football predictions and have asked a number of people what they think will happen. Sporting names such as Alan Dillon, Martin McHugh, Rena Buckley, Michael Lyster, Colm Cooper and Barry Cahill have all given their predictions on the team they think will lift the Sam Maguire, who the Super 8 will be, Footballer of the Year, Young Footballer of the Year, Surprise Packages, and the talking point of the season. You can get all the latest 2019 All-Ireland football odds on all of these predictions and if you place your bets earlier you will get the best prices. All the latest betting odds have been released by the online sports betting sites and they’re looking great for those who want to back their favourite team. There are plenty to choose from so be sure to look out for special promotions and free bets on Gaelic football odds at the top comparison sites that are not just for Irish visitors. You’ll find exclusive promotional offers to sites offering the latest odds for the 2019 Leinster, Munster, Ulster, and Connacht All Ireland football fixtures with excellent in play Gaelic football odds too.

2019 All-Ireland Football Championship Odds by County

In Connacht we have Galway managed by Kevin Walsh. Their All-Ireland odds stand at 11/1 and their odds of being Connacht champion are 4/5. Players to watch include Damien Comer, Cillian McDaid, and Paul Conroy. Leitrim face Roscommon next but their odds of lifting the Sam Maguire are 5,000/1 and the odds for Connacht are 150/1. Mayo is a favorite with odds of 11/1 to win the championship and 5/4 for Connacht. Roscommon is at 200/1 for the finals with 9/1 odds for Connacht. Sligo doesn’t offer much hope either with odds of 2000/1.

For Leinster we have Carlow with All-Ireland odds of 2000/1 and Leinster champion odds of 150/1. Dublin the current champions are the favorites once again at 8/11 and 1/20 to take the Leinster title. Kildare, the Lillie whites, are at 100/1 and 16/1 for Leinster. Laois is 1000/1 as is Longford and Westmeath. Louth is 2,500/1 as are Offaly and Wexford. Meath is 100/1 and Wicklow has Gaelic football odds of 5000/1.

Munster sees Claire at 1000/1 and Cork at 250/1. Kerry look to be the favorites with 9/2 odds for the 2019 All-Ireland Football Championship and 1/16 to take the Munster title. Limerick is at 5,000/1, Tipperary 500/1, and Waterford 2,500/1.

For Ulster we have Antrim at 2000/1, Armagh at 200/1, Cavan at 300/1 and Derry at 300/1 also. Donegal offers better odds at 22/1 for the Sam Maguire and 3/1 to be crowned Ulster Champions. Down are currently 500/1 as are Fermanagh. Monaghan is placed at 25/1 for the All-Ireland and 5/2 for Ulster. Tyrone managed by Mickey Harte has odds of 12/1.

All Ireland Football Championship 2019 Fixtures

The draws have been made and we now know who will play against who in the Ulster, Munster, Leinster, and Connacht senior football championships 2019. You can read all about it in our 2019 fixtures article. The action kicked off on the 5th May and matches up to the 25th of May have been confirmed. RTE has also announced which games they will be broadcasting for the 2019 football championships and they will be showing the Ulster semi-final on June 8th.

Who is your choice for the Sam Maguire? Are Dublin set to lift the cup again this year or will another team surprise when it comes to the final in Croke Park? Kerry has appeared in the finals 58 times with 37 wins. They last won in 2014. Dublin has been in 41 finals winning 28. They are the current cup holders. Galway has 22 final appearances winning 9, but their last win was back in 2001. Meath has 16 final appearances winning 7 of these. Their last win was back in 1999. Tyrone last won the title in 2008, but they made the semi-finals in 2013, 2015, and 2017.

Ulster Football Championship: Tyrone v Derry, Preview, Team News and live score updates

Tyrone v Derry, Sunday, 4 pm, Omagh

Tyrone and Derry battle it out in the preliminary round of the Ulster senior football championship on Sunday afternoon at Healy Park in Omagh.

Click LoveGAA.ie for live updates

Tyrone finished third in division 1 behind Mayo and Kerry but Mickey Harte would have pleased with his side’s performances. Derry operated in Division 4 this campaign and they won all 8 games. Damian McErlain will be delighted with that but the Oakleafers face a stiff challenge here going on the evidence of the last three meetings between the sides. Tyrone have easily accounted for Derry in the last three championship games. On average they have beaten their neighbours by 10 points.

Looking at Derry, players such as Chrissy McKaigue, Conor McAtamney, Shane McGuigan, Ryan Bell, and Christopher Bradley will be key. Tyrone will look to Tiernan McCann, Padraig Hampsey and Ronan McNamee in defence. In midfield, Colm Cavanagh could return from injury to start at midfield, while Peter Harte, Niall Sludden and Cathal McShane will be all key players in attack.

Last Five Championship Meetings

2017 Tyrone 0-22 Derry 0-11 (Ulster quarter-final)

2016 Tyrone 3-16 Derry 0-12 (Ulster quarter-final)

2009 Tyrone 0-15 Derry 0-09 (Ulster semi-final)

2006 Derry 1-08 Tyrone 0-05 (Ulster quarter-final)

2004 Tyrone 1-17 Derry 1-6 (Ulster preliminary round)

Team News: 

Tyrone:  Niall Morgan,  Padraig Hampsey,  Ronan McNamee, Michael McKernan, Michael Cassidy,  Ben McDonnell,  Tiernan McCann. Richard Donnelly, Brian Kennedy, Matthew Donnelly,  Niall Sludden,  Frank Burns,  Cathal McShane,  Peter Harte,  Conor Meyler.

Derry: Thomas Mallon, Sean Quinn, Brendan Rogers, Karl McKaigue, Paul McNeill, Chrissy McKaigue, Niall Keenan, Padraig Cassidy, Conor McAtamney, Emmet Bradley, Enda Lynn, Ciaran McFaul, Shane McGuigan, Ryan Bell, Chris Bradley

Betting

Tyrone are unbackable at 1/10, Derry are 13/2 to cause an upset. Something which going on previous statistics I cant’ see happening. The draw is 14/1. Peter Harte to score a goal anytime is 9/4 and that looks a good bet to me in a game where I see goals.

Cheltenham supreme novices hurdle 2019 review and finishing order

1 KLASSICAL DREAM (FR), trained by W. P. Mullins, Ireland and owned by Mrs J Coleman
5 11-7  6/1
J: R. Walsh T: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
2 THOMAS DARBY (IRE), trained by Olly Murphy and owned by Mrs Diana L. Whateley 4½
6 11-7 28/1
J: Richard Johnson T: Olly Murphy
3 ITCHY FEET (FR), trained by Olly Murphy and owned by Kate & Andrew Brooks ½
5 11-7 25/1
J: Gavin Sheehan T: Olly Murphy
4 FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES (FR), trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland and owned by Mr John P. McManus 6
4 10-13 9/2
J: J. J. Slevin T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland
5 FELIX DESJY (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, Ireland and owned by Gigginstown House Stud ns
6 11-7 11/1
J: Sean Flanagan T: Gordon Elliott, Ireland
6 ARAMON (GER), trained by W. P. Mullins, Ireland and owned by Supreme Horse Racing Club/Michael Songer hd 6 11-7 8/1
J: P. Townend T: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
7 ANGELS BREATH (IRE), trained by Nicky Henderson and owned by Walters Plant Hire & Ronnie Bartlett 11
5 11-7 6/1
J: Nico de Boinville T: Nicky Henderson
8 MISTER FISHER (IRE), trained by Nicky Henderson and owned by James and Jean Potter 1¼
5 11-7 14/1
J: James Bowen T: Nicky Henderson
9 VISION D’HONNEUR (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, Ireland and owned by Gigginstown House Stud 5
5 11-7 12/1
J: J. W. Kennedy T: Gordon Elliott, Ireland
10 AL DANCER (FR), trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies and owned by Walters Plant Hire Ltd 5
6 11-7 9/2
J: Sam Twiston-Davies T: Nigel Twiston-Davies
11 GRAND SANCY (FR), trained by Paul Nicholls and owned by Martin Broughton Racing Partners 1½
5 11-7 14/1
J: Harry Cobden T: Paul Nicholls
12 THE BIG BITE (IRE), trained by Tom George and owned by Mr N T Griffith & H M Haddock 8
6 11-7 25/1
J: Noel Fehily T: Tom George
13 THE FLYING SOFA (FR), trained by Gary Moore and owned by Galloping On The South Downs Partnership 6 6 11-7 125/1
J: Jamie Moore T: Gary Moore
pu BRANDON CASTLE, trained by Neil King and owned by Mr I. A. Low & Mr J. S. English
7 11-7 25/1
J: Bryony Frost T: Neil King
pu NORMAL NORMAN, trained by John Ryan and owned by Mr Gerry McGladery
5 11-7 100/1
J: Paddy Brennan T: John Ryan
pu BEAUFORT WEST (IRE), trained by Colin Tizzard and owned by Taylor & O’Dwyer
5 11-7 66/1
J: Robbie Power T: Colin Tizzard

 

click for 2020 cheltemham preview nights

 

 

Slots of Fun for Celtic Fans

Celtic are a club that have won honour after honour in Scottish and European football. This season is again being a popular one with an excellent chance of more silverware heading to Celtic Park. Off the pitch, the great news is that they now have a slot game dedicated to the club and its rich history. With some excellent prizes to be won, it’s a game you just have to play.

The Celtic Football Club slot game has been released by Blueprint Gaming. They have been responsible for popular games such as ‘3 Lions,’ ‘Casper’s Mystery Mirror’ and ‘Count Duckula.’ Now comes Celtic’s own Slot game and it’s one that is going to delight any Celtic fan who plays it.

There are five reels and three rows of symbols with a total of 20 paylines. The game can be played from as little as 20p and the stunning top prize is £250,000. The game does have an RTP (Return to Player) of 91.86 – 95.27% so you might have to wait a while for a big win. Just imagine you’re an Aberdeen or Rangers fan.

The symbols include several that are Celtic related. There’s a famous green and white jersey, the Celtic logo and a 1967 symbol that will bring back wonderful memories of the European Cup triumph. The wild symbol is coloured green, and this can substitute for other symbols to get you wins. Think of it as bringing on a late sub to get the winner. There’s a Bonus symbol and the lower paying symbols are the ten to Ace playing cards. You’ll get a few of those while waiting for the big wins to hopefully come along.

The brilliant aspect of this game is that there are two special features that can bring about those big wins. There’s a Random Wild Feature that can turn up at any time. This turns up to four reels wild and can bring you plenty of wins.

Three bonus symbols on the first, third and fifth reels takes you into Changing Room Bonus game. You’re transported into the home dressing room where there are four shirts to choose from. Each contains a different prize, all of which are worth winning. It could be a Mystery Prize, a trip to the Trophy Room (lots in there), a visit to Celtic Way or some Champions Free Spins. There are some great cash bonuses and multipliers to be won whatever your choice.

You can play this game on your mobile devices, so ideal to have a quick play of before a game or during the half-time break. If you want to try the game out just for fun, it is possible to play a demo version of the game for nothing.

The introduction of the game comes at a successful time in the history of the club. Celtic have won the Scottish Premiership title for the past eight seasons and the 2018/19 season again saw them win the domestic treble. That’s the third season in a row that they have managed that. Hopefully a winning streak like that will come along when playing the Celtic FC Slot game.

This season has had the occasional up and down. Despite all the success in the domestic game, life is still a bit tough when it comes to European football. Sadly, Celtic were unable to reach the group stages of the Champions League.

Celtic gained wins over Sarajevo and Nomme Kalju in the first two Champions League qualifying rounds. That led to a third qualifying round tie against CFR Cluj from Romania. The first leg was played away from home and Celtic fans were pleased to see their team return home with a 1-1 draw. 

Hopes were high of reaching the play-off round, but it was not to be. Celtic lost 4-3 at home. A terrible defeat but one that didn’t take too long to avenge.

The loss saw Celtic move into the Europa League and they successfully got past AIK from Sweden 6-1 on aggregate. That took them into the group stages and the draw proved to be a very interesting one. The Scottish Champions would have to face French side Rennes, Serie A team Lazio and a certain CFR Cluj, who had failed to reach the Champions League group stages.

Celtic had reached the last 32 of the Europa League in their last two attempts. This wasn’t an easy draw but just like hitting the jackpot in their slot game, it’s been a triumphant one for Celtic and a place in the knock-out stages has already been achieved with a game to spare.

They are unbeaten in their first five group games and have beaten Lazio home and away. Celtic have also drawn in Rennes and got that revenge when beating CFR Cluj 2-0 at Celtic Park. If only they’d done that earlier in the season.

As we reach the end of 2019, it’s been another successful year for the club. Not just because they now have their own slot game, but with three major trophies won. Or could it be four because there’s still the Betfred Cup final to play.

2020 already promises a great deal for Celtic. They top the Scottish Premiership ahead of great rivals Rangers. It already looks a two-horse race as it always was in the old days. Celtic have the edge at the moment though and they will be hoping it stays that way and a ninth straight title is won.

Then there’ll be the Scottish Cup and hopefully the Bhoys will lift the trophy for the 40th time and the fourth year in a row. What would give Celtic even more joy than winning the top prize on their slot game? A European success would, that’s for sure.

Celtic still have proud memories of their 1967 European Cup triumph. Going deep into the Europa League would be a fantastic achievement for them. Winning it would be even better with automatic qualification for the group stages of next season’s Champions League. No more trips around Europe weeks before the season is due to officially begin.

2020 promises to be another busy and successful year for Celtic. Hopefully there’ll be a few wins on the slot game too to make it even better.

Forecasts for upcoming season of League one

After the big financial investments of Paris Saint-Germain, the fans from all over the world began to pay attention to the French League one. The level of local football has grown significantly, the teams began to successfully perform in the European competitions.

After the big financial investments of Paris Saint-Germain, the fans from all over the world began to pay attention to the French League one. The level of local football has grown significantly, the teams began to successfully perform in the European competitions.

With the start of the new season, everyone has only one question – who will be able to dethrone the PSG? In recent years, only Monaco has succeeded in it, but they are now not in the best form to challenge the capitol’s club. This was proved by the game of the first round against Lyon, where the Red and Whites were beaten in their home arena with the score of 0:3.

The main fight for gold medals will unfold between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon. During this offseason, the Lions invited a new coach and strengthened the lineup with high-quality performers. This is midfielder Jeff Reine-Adelaide and defender of the Danish national team Joachim Andersen. The fight for the European competitions zone will be held between:

  1. Marseille.
  2. Saint-Etienne.
  3. Nice.
  4. Monaco.

The middle class of the championship, such as Rennes, Montpellier and Bordeaux, can also become successful. We should carefully watch the performance of Lille in the new season. Last year’s silver medalist sold the club’s main star, Nicolas Pepe, who led the club to the Champions League. Now they have to play on two fronts without their leader. A tough fight is expected at the bottom of the League one’s standings, too.

Results of French Super cup on 777score

The official opening of the football season in France happened during the match for the country’s Super cup. It saw the competition between the champion of the League 1 Paris Saint-Germain and the winner of the national cup, Rennes. In order not to miss such events from the world of sports, follow the schedule of upcoming matches on the 777score.com website.

The match was held not at the main arena of the country, Park de Prance, but at the National Stadium in China. This was done to increase the popularity of the French championship in other countries, making profit from ticket sales. Local fans liked this idea. They filled the entire stadium, tickets were sold out before the start of the match.

The confrontation itself turned out to be quite intense and rich in interesting moments. A real treat of the game was the goal of the PSG’s Argentinian midfielder Angel Di Maria. He scored a magnificent free kick at the end of the match and brought victory to his team. The final score of the match was 2:1 in favor of the grand from the capital.

You can get access to the 777score.com website without registering, or depositing money. The presented sports resource is completely free.