Lambourn Leads Epsom Trio into Curragh Classic Clash

The Curragh Racecourse is braced for a spectacular showdown in the 160th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby this Sunday, with a rematch on the cards between the top three finishers from this year’s Epsom Derby.

Aidan O’Brien’s unbeaten colt Lambourn, a son of 2014 Irish Derby hero Australia, headlines the 10-strong field. After a dominant Epsom victory, Ryan Moore’s mount is set to face his closest challengers once again: Lazy Griff for Charlie Johnston and Tennessee Stud for Joseph O’Brien.

Joseph O’Brien, who won this race both as a jockey and trainer, is quietly optimistic: “We were very proud of Tennessee Stud’s run in Epsom. He came home strongly and is open to plenty of improvement. We’d love him to run another career best at the Curragh.”

Ralph Beckett will field two contenders: Pride Of Arras, winner of the Dante Stakes, and Sir Dinadan. Meanwhile, Jessica Harrington saddles Green Impact, who bounced back from a gutsy Guineas run to win at Leopardstown.

Lambourn’s stablemates Puppet Master, Shackleton and Thrice round out the possible Derby runners.

Festival Highlights and Feature Races

Ireland’s most prestigious flat race headlines a stacked nine-race card that includes seven contests worth €100,000 and the €50,000 Dubai Duty Free Irish EBF Stayers Handicap.

The sprinting elite are also in action with the Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Dash Stakes, where defending champion My Mate Alfie could return for Ger Lyons. Meanwhile, Lord Massusus may line up in the Colm McLoughlin Celebration Stakes for Joe Murphy.

The three-day Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival begins on Friday with an eight-race card. On Saturday, Group 1 action arrives with a hot renewal of the Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes, featuring Aidan O’Brien’s Oaks runner-up Whirl, and Wemightakedlongway for Joseph O’Brien.

Pretty Polly Set for International Showdown

Andrew Balding’s Group 1 winner Kalpana returns after placing in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, while French trainer Nicolas Clement could send Survie, a Group 1 runner-up.

Paddy Twomey – winner in 2022 with La Petite Coco – has a strong hand with six entries, including One Look and Purple Lily, both Classic-placed fillies.

Saturday’s racing also pays tribute to the late Kevin Prendergast, with the Group 3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai International Stakes run in his memory. Malih Al Basti praised the legendary trainer’s contribution to racing: “Kevin was a dear friend and his legacy lives on through the generations he influenced.”

Dermot Weld’s Elizabeth Jane could feature in the race, having last won the Trigo Stakes at Leopardstown.

More Group Action on Super Saturday

The Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes could see unbeaten filly Lady Iman stretch her winning streak for Ger Lyons.

Aidan O’Brien’s Brussels and Flushing Meadows top the field for the Group 3 Jebel Ali Racecourse Anglesey Stakes, with Suzie Songs among the challengers for Lyons again.

And in a storybook subplot, Pat O’Donnell and daughter Sylvia could renew their Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes Ladies Derby fairytale with Hemight, aiming to replicate their memorable 2022 triumph.

All-Ireland Football Quarter-Finals – Fixtures, Betting & Previews

🏐 All-Ireland Football 2025 Quarter-Finals – Betting Preview & Tips

The Championship is heating up! Four group winners — Armagh, Meath, Monaghan and Tyrone — go head-to-head with four battle-hardened prelim winners: Galway, Kerry, Donegal and Dublin.

📍 Meath vs Galway – Sunday 1:45pm

Meath: 13/5
Draw: 9/1
Galway: 2/5

Galway’s inside line looks razor-sharp after tearing Down apart. Shane Walsh will hopefully be fully fit. Meath have had a great campaign, beating Kerry in a dead rubber and knocking Dublin out of the Leinster championship — but this is a step up in class and they did fail to beat Louth in the provincial final.

✅ Tip: Galway to win (2/5)
🎯 Value: Galway -4 handicap

📍 Monaghan vs Donegal – Saturday 4pm

Monaghan: 11/4
Draw: 10/1
Donegal: 1/3

Donegal made a huge statement hammering Louth. Michael Murphy is flying, while Monaghan may struggle to match their pace.

✅ Tip: Donegal to win (1/3)
🔥 Angle: Donegal by 4–6 points

📍 Tyrone vs Dublin – Saturday 6:15pm

Tyrone: 11/10
Draw: 8/1
Dublin: 10/11

Hard to call. Tyrone have built momentum and topped their group, but Dublin showed signs of their old self in beating Cork. Could go the distance.

✅ Tip: Dublin to edge it (10/11)
💡 Saver: Draw at 8/1

📍 Armagh vs Kerry – Sunday 4pm

Armagh: 8/11
Draw: 17/2
Kerry: 7/5

Armagh have been superb but lost to Galway when already through. Kerry, likewise, were toppled by Meath but still dangerous. Clifford could be the difference.

✅ Tip: Kerry to win (7/5)
📊 Safer bet: Kerry +2 points handicap

🏆 Outright Winner Odds (Each-Way 1/3, 2 Places)

Team	Odds
Donegal	10/3
Galway	4/1
Armagh	4/1
Kerry	9/2
Tyrone	7/1
Dublin	7/1
Monaghan	20/1
Meath	40/1

💡 Outright Betting Tips:

Kerry (9/2): Value play – could catch fire late
Each-way longshot: Tyrone (7/1)

🎯 Keep an eye on line movements closer to throw-in. With knockout tension building, underdog value could shift quickly.

Which way are you leaning? Let us know your best bets below 👇

Galway Footballers Edge Thriller in Newry as Down Push Them to the Brink

Galway Survive Late Down Surge to Reach Quarter-Finals

All-Ireland SFC Preliminary Quarter-Final Galway 2-26 (2-5-16) Down 3-21 (3-4-13) By Billy Coss at Páirc Esler Galway’s All-Ireland hopes are still alive after a pulsating encounter in Newry, where they overcame a determined Down outfit in front of over 14,000 fans at Páirc Esler. A powerful end to the first half and the brilliance of Shane Walsh, Rob Finnerty and rookie Matthew Thompson saw the Tribesmen through a frantic finish that produced nine goals in total.

🔥 First Half Blitz Gives Galway Control

Down were matching Galway blow for blow early on, with Odhran Murdock and Danny Magill impressing and Murdock setting up John McGeough for the game’s opening goal on 14 minutes. But despite Ronan Burns producing fine saves from Rob Finnerty and Cian Hernon, Galway soon found their rhythm. A slick move saw Shane Walsh net Galway’s first goal on 22 minutes following a pinpoint Thompson pass. The Tribesmen then exploded, landing 1-9 without reply before half-time. Thompson, Finnerty, Walsh and Cillian McDaid (2) all raised white flags from range to give Galway a commanding 1-16 to 1-6 lead at the break.

⚡ Down Fight Back After the Restart

The home side roared into life after the restart. Daniel Guinness and Miceal Rooney both struck quickfire two-pointers, and Pat Havern converted a free to close the gap to five. They nearly grabbed a second goal too, but Conor Flaherty pulled off a vital save to deny Adam Crimmins. Galway responded in kind with points from Thompson, Finnerty and Matthew Tierney to steady the ship, but Down weren’t done. Guinness, Crimmins, Ceilum Doherty and substitute Caolan Mooney (2) helped close the gap to just two, forcing Galway into a reshuffle as pressure mounted on their kickouts.

🧊 Galway Finish Strong Despite Late Drama

Substitutes Peter Cooke and Daniel O’Flaherty made timely contributions before Shane Walsh, shortly before going off injured, landed a vital two-point free to make it 1-24 to 1-19. Cooke was then denied by Burns in what would have been the clincher, but another twist was to come. Murdock netted Down’s second goal on 65 minutes to cut the gap to two, only for Galway sub Tomo Culhane to rifle in his side’s second goal moments later. Ryan Magill struck at the other end to keep it interesting, but a Céin D’Arcy point and a ninth two-pointer of the game from Ryan McEvoy closed out a classic encounter.

📊 What’s Next?

Galway now advance to the All-Ireland quarter-finals, where they will face one of Meath, Monaghan or Tyrone. For Down, it’s the end of the road in what was an encouraging summer under Conor Laverty. Scorers: Galway – S Walsh 1-7 (0-3f, 0-1m), R Finnerty 0-6, M Thompson 0-5, T Culhane 1-0, C McDaid 0-2, M Tierney 0-2, P Cooke 0-1, D O’Flaherty 0-1, C D’Arcy 0-1, E Daly 0-1. Down – O Murdock 1-2, R Magill 1-1, J McGeough 1-0, D Guinness 0-4, C Mooney 0-2, A Crimmins 0-2, P Havern 0-2f, M Rooney 0-2, R McEvoy 0-2, C Doherty 0-1. Attendance: 14,000+ at Páirc Esler

From Fan Huddles to Title Glory – The Story of Damien Duff at Shelbourne

After 151 games in charge, Damien Duff has officially stepped down as manager of Shelbourne FC. His three-and-a-half-year reign at Tolka Park brought with it a Premier Division title, a return to European competition, memorable soundbites, and a deeply personal bond with the club. Here’s a look back at a tenure that transformed Shels on and off the pitch.

🟥 November 2021 – Duff Takes the Leap

Unveiled at the Clayton Hotel near Dublin Airport, Duff’s appointment as Shelbourne manager marked his first senior role in management. Despite initial hesitation, a touching moment with his son Woody wearing a Shels jersey helped seal his decision.

“Am I scared? Absolutely… But I’ve been preaching to kids about courage. For me to say no on Friday, I was lacking that.”

🏆 October 2022 – Cup Final Return & Monday Night Fire

Shels reached their first FAI Cup final since 2011 after beating Waterford, with Duff describing the win as one of the proudest moments of his career. However, he also hit out at the League of Ireland’s “ridiculous” approach to Monday night games.

“F***ing hell, it’s ridiculous. I hate that mentality.”

💔 November 2022 – Cup Final Heartbreak

A 4-0 loss to Derry City at Lansdowne Road was tough to take, but Duff stood firm and praised his team’s spirit throughout the campaign.

💼 June 2023 – Turkish Takeover Arrives

Turkish media mogul Acun Ilicali became majority shareholder, but Duff remained laser-focused on footballing matters and the culture he was building.

🌍 November 2023 – Europe Secured & Ownership Chaos

Shels clinched a return to European football after an 18-year absence. Amid this high, owner Ilicali stepped away, prompting Duff to reaffirm his commitment and sign a new deal.

“Shelbourne FC is a Dublin institution… built on hard work, respect, humility and honesty.”

🎤 April 2024 – Fan in the Huddle

Following a derby win, Duff famously invited fan Ciaran Harmon from the Riverside Stand to address the team post-match – a symbol of his close bond with the supporters.

🇮🇪 May 2024 – Rules Out Ireland Job

Despite rumours linking him to the Ireland senior job, Duff made it clear: international management wasn’t for him.

“No, it would drive me insane… There’s nothing better than being with the players every day.”

⚽ July 2024 – European Nights Return

Shels returned to European competition with a win over St Joseph’s of Gibraltar before falling to FC Zurich. For Duff, it was a career highlight.

“I’m the proudest man in Ireland tonight.”

🏅 November 2024 – League Champions Again

Against all odds, Shelbourne clinched the Premier Division title for the first time since 2006. Jose Mourinho even sent the squad a motivational video before the final-day decider.

“It’s absolutely Hollywood.”

📢 February 2025 – “The FAI is the Problem Child”

In a scathing critique, Duff echoed growing frustration in the League of Ireland towards the FAI’s governance.

“The biggest problem child in Irish sport is the FAI. End of story.”

📸 May 2025 – The Viral Grassy Knoll Moment

With a touchline ban in place, Duff watched from a hill behind the Des Kelly Stand at Dalymount. The photo went viral – and he wasn’t impressed.

“I’m not mortified for myself – I’m mortified for the league.”

🔚 June 2025 – The End of an Era

Following a 1-0 defeat to Derry City and concerns about player motivation, Duff stepped down. The club said it “fully respected” his decision.

“To become champions again, you have to be hungrier. I smelled these issues in pre-season.”

📝 Duff’s Legacy

🏐 Down v Galway – Preview, Teams, TV Info & Result

🏐 Down v Galway – Preview, Teams & TV Info

All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Preliminary Quarter-Final
📍 Páirc Esler, Newry
🕝 Throw-in: 1.45pm, Sunday 22 June
📺 Live on GAA+

Live GAA scores on Irishscores.com

Galway head north as strong favourites, but Páirc Esler is no easy place to come. Down will relish home advantage and the opportunity to test themselves against a side that came within touching distance of All-Ireland glory just 12 months ago.

While Galway bring big-game pedigree and match-winners like Shane Walsh—who kicked 0-9 against Armagh—and the returning Paul Conroy, Down continue to make strides under Conor Laverty. The Mourne men impressed in the group stage with convincing wins over Clare and Louth, and despite losing narrowly to Monaghan, they showed grit and attacking flair.

Laverty’s team will again rely on the sharp shooting of Pat Havern, who landed 12 points last weekend, and the driving runs of Ryan McEvoy and Odhran Murdock. Their youthful, energetic style will be tested by Galway’s more structured and composed play.

The Tribesmen make two changes: Cian Hernon starts in defence while Paul Conroy returns to midfield. Damien Comer is named on the bench and could have a key role to play if called upon.

Prediction: Galway by 4

✅ Teams

DOWN:
Ronan Burns; Patrick McCarthy, Peter Fegan, Ceilum Doherty; Ryan Magill, Pierce Laverty, Miceal Rooney; Daniel Guinness, Ryan McEvoy; Danny Magill, Odhran Murdock, Eugene Branagan; James Guinness, Pat Havern, John McGeough.
Subs: John O’Hare, Ruairi McCormack, Aaron McClements, Donal Scullion, Eoin McCrickard, Adam Crimmins, Oisin Savage, Caolan Mooney, Finn Murdock, Patrick Brooks, Conor McCrickard.

GALWAY:
Conor Flaherty; Johnny McGrath, Sean Fitzgerald, Liam Silke; Dylan McHugh, Sean Kelly, Cian Hernon; Paul Conroy, John Maher; Cein Darcy, Matthew Tierney, Cillian McDaid; Rob Finnerty, Shane Walsh, Matthew Thompson.
Subs: Connor Gleeson, Jack Glynn, Cathal Sweeney, Sean O Maoilchiarain, Daniel O’Flaherty, John Daly, Peter Cooke, Kieran Molloy, Tomo Culhane, Johnny Heaney, Damien Comer.

Irish Gaming Regulations Shape Licensed Online Casino Industry Development

Ireland’s gambling laws are undergoing significant changes with innovative systems that revolutionize the creation and operation of licensed online casinos.

The enactment of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is a critical development for the Irish betting market.

Setting up Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) was established in March 2025 as the legal entity to regulate all gambling activities in Ireland except for the National Lottery.

This represented a new legislative frontier aimed at promoting responsible gambling while fostering the industry. The GRAI regulates and enforces rules by issuing licenses to online and offline gambling businesses.

The authority’s scope will extend to all forms of gambling, including betting, gaming, and lotteries. It must provide for a robust regulatory framework that must apply in both the physical and digital worlds.

The introduction of the proposed new regulatory system shall be phased over several years, and online gaming licenses (comprising online casino licenses) will be up for grabs in early 2026, with the first concentration being on betting licenses in late 2025.

GRAI Licensing and Industry Modernization

This modernizes the industry and positions Ireland as a progressive leader in European gambling regulation. The establishment of GRAI reflects the government’s commitment to making the environment safer and more transparent for operators as well as players.

Broadly-based, the GRAI has set out rigorous licensing conditions that will ensure only acceptable operators provide gambling services in Ireland. Licensing of an operator will require adherence to these conditions, which will also be applied to charitable and philanthropic gaming activities.

License applicants shall pay the fees as determined by the tiered structure based on their annual turnover, for a remote (online) license or an onsite license. The three-year license will require operators to pay an annual contribution to the Social Impact Fund, which will be earmarked for facilitating responsible gambling and supporting social programs.

Player Protection and Regulatory Measures

Player protection is a key component of the new Irish gaming regulations, and it is being asserted through various regulatory measures. The major changes in the Irish gambling laws pertain to advertising restrictions, which are extremely important.

From now onward, there shall be a restriction on gambling advertisements with specific time slots, and there will be a 5:30 am to 9:00 pm watershed period. This will ensure that all sensitive groups, particularly young children, do not get exposed to promotions related to gambling at inappropriate times.

Besides advertising rules, the laws bring in a countrywide gambling opt-out list, which will let people exclude themselves from certain businesses or all betting actions for fixed times. This is a key help in shielding those who could be in danger of forming betting issues, making sure that they get the resources and backing needed to take a break from betting.

New Compliance Standards and Market Impact

New technical and compliance standards for operators. Truly, this means having very solid systems in player account management, data protection, responsible gambling tools—anything related to compliance because GRAI will conduct continuous compliance checks and has discretionary enforcement powers, hence able to respond quickly to any emerging risk and make sure that the operator is meeting required standards.

The new regulatory regime should affect the Irish gambling market a lot. The principles of legal clarity and equal treatment will probably attract more remote (online) operators since they now have a clear and reliable framework under which to operate. Modernization is set up to drive growth and innovation for the sector, in turn driving reputable international operators into the Irish Market.

Transition to GRAI and Social Impact Fund

For existing operators, the change to full GRAI will be slow, with permits given by the Revenue Commissioners staying valid until new rules take complete effect. This old system will eventually have to make way for the new system, leading to much more simplified and standardized operations across the board.

Also, the annual sums to the Social Impact Fund will be used to assist gambling education, research, and care for problem gambling. This shows a strong commitment to social responsibility and highlights Ireland’s efforts to balance the growth of the gambling industry with its duty to protect vulnerable people.

The new rules were communicated in clear time steps. GRAI kicked off operations in March 2025, opening the 1st tranche of applications for betting licenses towards the end of 2025. Licenses for online gaming — meaning online casinos — will come in 2026. By 2027, all categories of licenses will be fully implemented; regulated betting gets a clean slate in Ireland.

Wrapping up

The coming of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and setting up the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is a big move for the Irish betting field. These laws are meant to make things open and take current steps in keeping players safe as well as bringing the field into modern times. This will make Ireland, by giving clear and detailed rules, a center for allowed online casinos and betting companies.

Rugby betting roster 2025: 5 events to look forward to the rest of the year

There’s never a dull moment in rugby, and 2025 is no different.

Although we’re already down half the year, there’s still a lot of fun, nail-biting action to expect from the world of scrums and tackles. This means there’s still more action for rugby betting enthusiasts to bet on. Below, we look at five places where this action will be for the rest of 2025.

2025 Asia Rugby Championship

The 9th season of the Asia Rugby tournament is scheduled for June 13th to July 5th 2025. Bringing together the UAE, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and South Korea, the event will dominate rugby betting platforms in Asia for at least 2 weeks. You can access the betting markets outside of Asia when you download Betway or other international sportsbook apps. And although all eyes are on five-time winners Hong Kong, anything can happen in the Asia Rugby tournament.

2025 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup

The PNC launched a new tournament format in 2024, and this will be exciting to see. This year, the finale is being held in the US, which means you can take advantage of sports betting’s legality there to join the action through platforms like Betway. The teams competing are Fiji, Canada, Samoa, Japan, Tonga, and the US. If that wasn’t exciting enough, this year’s edition is also the World Cup qualifier event for the Pacific region. All teams except Japan and Fiji, who have already secured their spot, will be battling for a seat at the 2027 international event.

2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup

Everyone is betting on women’s sports right now, including rugby bettors. In 2025, you can wager on the biggest international tournament in women’s rugby, the World Cup. The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup is scheduled for 22nd to 27th August and takes place in England. It features 16 teams, up 4 from the normal 12, and is the first tournament to be branded the Women’s Rugby World Cup. If you like favorites, all eyes are on defending champions New Zealand.

2025 World Rugby U20 Championship

The U20 Championship is back for its 15th edition, and this time, it’s called Italia 2025. From June 29th to July 19th, 12 teams will battle it out in cities across Italy to dethrone England and win the cup. These teams include Argentina, South Africa, Australia, Ireland, Wales, and 2024 U20 Trophy champions, Scotland, among others.

2025 British & Irish Lions Australia Tour

Lastly, starting June 28th, the British and Irish Lions team tours Australia as part of their 2025 international rugby union schedule. The most exciting part of this series of matches is that the British & Irish Lions feature a host of the best players from Britain, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. This makes it a great game to test out your player knowledge and predict how the team performs away from home against the best Australia has to offer.

Wrapping up

And there you have it. Over the next six months, the best teams and players rugby has to offer will deliver enough games and events to keep you glued to your screen in 2025. Top betting providers like Betway will also broadcast the action, offering live betting options among other rugby betting markets. As you wait, update your rugby betting strategy and set up a betting account with a trusted sportsbook in your country.

The European Stronghold: Betting on Familiar Faces in the Club World Cup

The football world is gearing up for an unprecedented spectacle: the first-ever expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Set to kick off on June 15 in the United States, this reimagined tournament will feature 32 teams from across the globe vying for substantial prize money and ultimate glory.

With its new format, mirroring a summer-long festival of football, the competition promises unpredictability. However, as online bookmakers reveal their favorites, a consistent theme emerges: European powerhouses are overwhelmingly backed to dominate.

This article delves into why familiar European clubs are the top contenders, exploring their strengths, recent performances, and what makes them a strong wager in this groundbreaking event.

Tournament Overview and European Dominance

The revitalized FIFA Club World Cup signifies a significant shift, moving from an annual event to a larger, less frequent tournament held every four years. The expanded format, with 32 global teams participating, features a group stage followed by knockout rounds.

Amidst the excitement for this new structure, there is a clear consensus among oddsmakers: European clubs are the front-runners. The market for the Club World Cup winner is considered highly competitive, yet Real Madrid leads the way in betting odds.

For example, FanDuel soccer odds currently place Real Madrid and Manchester City at the top of the list, underscoring bettor confidence in familiar powerhouses.

This strong European favorability reflects a historical pattern of success for clubs from the continent on the international stage.

Real Madrid: A Dynasty Continues

Real Madrid enters the Club World Cup as joint-favorites, with odds of 9/2 and 5.50, a testament to their unparalleled history in similar formats. No other side has secured more Club World Cup titles than this Spanish giant.

Although the club endured a challenging season leading up to the tournament, they are poised for a new era under former favorite Xabi Alonso, as Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly stepped down to manage Brazil. This transition ushers in an exciting period for the club.

Squad Depth and New Leadership

Under previous management, the team built considerable talent across the field. With key players like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr. already anchoring the squad, the potential acquisition of Trent Alexander-Arnold could further solidify their starting lineup as arguably the finest in the competition. New recruit Dean Huijsen, a £50 million signing from Bournemouth, may also make his debut for the team in the United States.

Navigating the Knockout Gauntlet

Real Madrid’s group stage draw appears favorable, pitting them against Al Hilal, Salzburg, and Mexican club Pachuca. On paper, the Spanish side is expected to easily top their group, setting up a potential knockout encounter with the second-place team from Group G.

The club has a proven track record against formidable opponents, having previously defeated fellow Club World Cup participants such as Atletico Madrid, Salzburg, and Borussia Dortmund. They also twice overcame Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Champions League earlier this season.

Manchester City: Seeking Redemption

Manchester City also holds the position of joint-favorites, listed at 9/2 and 4.50, as they aim for their second Club World Cup trophy. The English club qualified following their 2023 Champions League triumph.

They are eager to rebound from a 2024/25 season that ended without domestic silverware. Despite a disappointing league performance and an early exit from the Champions League play-offs, the Citizens are determined to make a significant impression.

Recent Setbacks and Challenges

Manchester City’s recent form against top European sides has raised questions. They were knocked out of the Champions League play-offs, and their domestic league display has been uncharacteristic of their usual high standards.

In the Champions League this season, Juventus secured a 2-0 victory against Guardiola’s team, and Real Madrid have already beaten City twice in the Champions League this season. These results suggest a potentially challenging path ahead for the English side.

The Return of Key Influence

A significant boost for Manchester City comes from the return of influential midfielder Rodri. The Spaniard made his first appearance since September earlier this month, recovering from an ACL injury.

His presence is expected to enhance their chances, particularly as he was awarded the Best Player Award when the Citizens last lifted the Club World Cup trophy in 2023.

Bayern Munich: Bundesliga Might on the Global Stage

Bayern Munich enters the tournament with odds of 13/2 and 6.50, positioning them as strong contenders. The German giants have secured multiple Club World Cup trophies in 2013 and 2020, making them one of only four clubs to achieve this feat.

After reclaiming the Bundesliga title from Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024/25 season and finishing 13 points clear at the summit, Vincent Kompany’s side has demonstrated formidable domestic strength. Harry Kane, who broke his infamous trophy drought this season, also led Germany’s top flight in goals scored.

Paris Saint-Germain: Chasing Historic Quintet

Paris Saint-Germain, listed with 8/1 odds, has enjoyed a remarkable 2024/25 campaign, establishing themselves as one of Europe’s most impressive outfits. The Parisian club has already achieved a domestic treble in France and is set to compete against Inter Milan in the Champions League final.

Their participation in the Club World Cup this summer presents an opportunity for a historic quintet of trophies. PSG secured their spot in the tournament as the second-best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking.

Chelsea: Inaugural Tournament Experience

Chelsea enters the competition with odds of 9/1, having qualified due to their 2021 Champions League victory. Following that triumph, the West Londoners secured their first Club World Cup.

Despite what has been described as a fairly unsuccessful domestic league display, Chelsea hopes to add a trophy to their season. Enzo Maresca guided the team to a top-four Premier League finish, and they still have a chance for silverware in the Europa Conference League before heading to the USA.

Navigating the Competitive Landscape

The betting market for the Club World Cup is notably competitive, yet Real Madrid consistently leads the way, a strong endorsement given their squad’s overall strength. While the new format introduces an element of unpredictability, the rich history and current form of Europe’s elite clubs make them compelling contenders.

Their experience in high-stakes knockout competitions, particularly the Champions League, provides a significant advantage. Bettors are largely looking towards these familiar European faces, confident in their proven ability to perform under pressure and secure major silverware.

Scrum-Half Added to Squad and Predicted British Lions Starting Team Against Argentina

Fly-Half Cover Added to British & Irish Lions Squad Amid JGP Injury Concern

England’s Jack van Poortvliet Joins Lions Training in Dublin

Leicester Tigers and England scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet has been called into the British & Irish Lions training squad and will arrive in Dublin this morning as preparations continue for Friday night’s 1888 Cup clash against Argentina.

The 24-year-old is joining the squad as precautionary cover following the late withdrawal of Jamison Gibson-Park, who was ruled out of the URC final for Leinster on Saturday morning. The nature of Gibson-Park’s injury has not been confirmed, but his absence from Leinster’s squad appears to have prompted the Lions’ call-up.

Van Poortvliet, who has earned 15 caps for England since making his debut in Perth against Australia in 2022, was named in Steve Borthwick’s 36-man training group for this weekend’s match against a France XV. His involvement with the Lions may now take precedence, depending on injury updates across both squads.

Predicted Lions Starting XV vs Argentina

With several senior players rested and others tied up in the URC final, the Lions are expected to field a mix of youth and experience on Friday. Here’s a predicted starting XV for the 1888 Cup fixture:

1. Pierre Schoeman – Scotland

2. Luke Cowan-Dickie – England

3. Finlay Bealham – 🇮🇪 Ireland

4. Maro Itoje – England

5. Tadhg Beirne – 🇮🇪 Ireland

6. Tom Curry – England

7. Jac Morgan – Wales

8. Henry Pollock – England

9. Alex Mitchell – England

10. Finn Smith – England

11. Mack Hansen – 🇮🇪 Ireland or Duhan van der Merwe – Scotland

12. Bundee Aki – 🇮🇪 Ireland

13. Elliot Daly – England

14. Tommy Freeman – England

15. Marcus Smith – England

Key Talking Points:

Gibson-Park’s injury creates unexpected reshuffle at scrum-half.
Van Poortvliet could now feature for the Lions despite being in England’s training squad.
Potentially exciting backline combinations with Marcus Smith and Finn Smith both included.
Lions management likely to confirm the matchday 23 in the next 48 hours.

All-Irish podium in RBC Capital Markets Cup in Canada

Jordan Coyle (IRL) & For Gold win RBC Capital Markets Cup 1.50m in the International Ring — Jordan Coyle and For Gold win RBC Capital Markets Cup 1.50m in the International Ring. Credit: Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko.

With many Irish successes over the past week at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Canada, Jordan Coyle got in on the winning act with a victory on Friday night.

The Derry rider and For Gold won the RBC Capital Markets Cup 1.50m class at the ‘National’ CSI5* event.

In a five horse jump-off, there were three Irish combinations and two from Mexico.

The Irish trio took the three spots on the winners’ podium, with Coyle, who was last to compete in the jump-off taking the highest podium step.

The 14-year-old For Gold gave it his all and stopped the timers with a clear round in 35.85 seconds to seal another victory for Ireland.

Conor Swail and My Lady Lavista, who were third in the Recon Metal Cup 1.55m on Thursday night, were runners-up in this class, with a clear in a time of 36.78 seconds.

Darragh Kenny, a winner aboard Eddy Blue in the Recon Metal 1.55m in the International Ring on Thursday, combined with Diaroubet on this occasion to take third place in 37.56 seconds.