Cardiff Devils earn overtime win at Coventry Blaze
Cole Sanford struck in overtime as Cardiff Devils edged Coventry Blaze in a tense Elite League encounter.Ryan Barrow opened the scoring for the visitors, but Blaze were soon level as Chase Gresock found the target.Devils seized the initiative as Kohen Olischefski struck as the end of the first period loomed and Sean Duggan added their third.But the hosts fought back with Alessio Luciani cutting the deficit before Kim Tallberg equalised. However, Devils had the final word as Sanford earned victory as they stayed fourth in the table. They are next in action on Sunday, 9 March in the Welsh capital against third-placed Nottingham Panthers.
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Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Tomos Williams gets rave reviews from British and Irish media as everyone says the same thing
Tomos Williams gets rave reviews from British and Irish media as everyone says the same thing Tomos Williams started very well but was forced from the field with an injury. British and Irish Lions' player Tomos Williams (L) dives to score a try (Image: Getty Images ) Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams has received rave reviews from the British and Irish media after his performance against Western Force, leaving everyone hoping his injury doesn't rule him out of action. The British and Irish Lions played the Super Rugby side in the first touring match on Australian soil, with Williams the starting scrum-half. Despite Force starting well against the Lions, aided by a number of high quality internationals like Nic White and Ben Donaldson, Andy Farrell's outfit were ultimately too strong for them. The Lions scored eight tries, with former Cardiff Rugby man Williams grabbing two of them. Williams was the sole Welshman in the match day squad, with Farrell switching up selection for the second game of the 2025 tour, as Jac Morgan dropped out of the game day collective. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. The Gloucester Rugby number nine certainly flew the flag for Wales, producing a superb performance in Lions red. However, he clutched his hamstring following the second score, which led to him being withdrawn from the field. England international Jack van Poortvliet previously trained with the Lions after Jamison Gibson-Park's injury with Leinster, and is currently with England in Argentina for their summer tour, so is an option for Farrell. Reports this morning, however, suggest Scotland's Ben White is on standby. Despite only playing just over half the match, he has earned some positive reviews from the media Article continues below an Irish publication, gave Williams a 9/10 for his performance. A wayward box-kick was recognised, but his game as a whole outweighed the negatives for them. "Nice support line got him a try, on 16 minutes," they wrote. "Teamed up with Lowe, up the right wing, for a brilliant second try." MailOnline gave him a 7/10 and described him as a "Test contender if fit". "His injury scare will worry the Lions coaches. Scored two tries, tidy box-kicking and maintained attacking tempo," read the MailOnline rating. Sir Clive Woodward, the 2005 Lions coach, also hopes the injury isn't as bad as feared. "I was really impressed by Williams," he said in the Mail. "So I hope the fact he limped off after his second try with a hamstring problem isn't a serious injury." The Daily Express also noted how Williams added tempo to the Lions, giving him an 8/10. The Telegraph handed out another 7/10 for his efforts, while recognising the Welshman's box-kicking "wasn't always on the money". "Everyone will be hoping the apparent hamstring injury is not too serious because Williams is electric as he showed with his two excellent tries," wrote The Telegraph. Planet Rugby praised Finn Russell and Williams as a half-back partnership. "Russell and Williams treated us to an inspirational display of playing off both nine and ten, the same system that Bath thrive upon and one that changes the point of attack and the phase continuity to confuse the very best blitz defences," they wrote. They added: "The Lions yanked him off after his try as the Welshman showed a tight hamstring, but he laid down a serious marker for Test selection." Ireland lock Joe McCarthy had a stormer against Force and his contributions have been acknowledge by the press. The Telegraph gave him a big 9/10, stating he has taken a "massive step towards the Test team". The Times went on to state McCarthy had "locked down his Test spot" following a performance epitomised by his physicality and threat at the breakdown. Article continues below "Joe McCarthy delivered from first to last. In the final quarter of the game he was still stealing lineouts, still picking and carrying, still popping up at breakdowns as the first scrum half, skilfully maintaining the late momentum," wrote The Times. Finn Russell, James Lowe and Henry Pollock also received positive reviews from the press. Speaking about Pollock, Planet Rugby wrote: "His chip, chase and regather was a real high of his game while he kept the Force defence honest with his running lines and aggressive carries. He was busy defensively too. The bolter has really laid down a marker for the Test squad in his first two games. An outrageous performance."
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Lions put Williams replacement on standby and Warburton raves about emerging star
Today's rugby news as Lions put Williams replacement on standby and Warburton raves about emerging star The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world Tomos Williams of the British & Irish Lions is assisted from the field during their match against the Western Force (Image: AP Photo/Trevor Collens ) These are your rugby headlines on Sunday, June 29. Lions put scrum-half replacement on standby The British and Irish Lions are on standby to call up a replacement scrum-half after Tomos Williams suffered a hamstring injury during the 40-22 win over the Western Force in Perth, according to the Mail. Williams, who scored two tries at Optus Stadium, was forced off in the second half clutching his hamstring and now faces an anxious wait for medical results. Head coach Andy Farrell said a decision on his availability will be made after further assessment. 'Tomos has come off holding his hamstring,' Farrell said post-match. 'We'll only know more in the morning. You've got to let these things settle down and give it some space. We need to assess it properly and make the right call for the group.' The Mail say Scotland's Ben White is the most likely candidate to be called up if Williams is ruled out. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. White is currently on tour with Scotland in New Zealand and could link up with the Lions squad in Brisbane by Sunday night if required. Article continues below There was some relief for Farrell, however, with fellow scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park confirmed as fit to return for Wednesday's clash against the Queensland Reds. Warburton: Pollock can become 'complete player' Sam Warburton believes Henry Pollock is not far way from being a "complete player". Pollock was impressive from the off for the Lions against Western Force on Saturday, playing a key part in their eight-try win in Perth. The youngster's rise has been incredible, with the 20-year-old now playing at the elite level of rugby, despite only being on the international scene for a matter of months. His display against Force wasn't perfect, Warburton admitted, but the former Lions skipper says Pollock has all the raw materials and that he can be coached out of the mistakes. "Pollock showed everything he is brilliant at - that linebreak ability, his energy in attack and defence," two-time Lions captain Warburton told Sky Sports. "The longer the tour goes on, the specialty at playing back row - breakdown, physicality, collision dominance - comes into play more, that is where the likes of Tom Curry have got a little bit of an edge. "I still think the back-row selection is wide open. There isn't a set three, it's still all to play for, but Pollock brings something no one else does. "He has got some good moments, and there was even good news about the yellow card and penalty given against him, because that's easy to coach out. "You cannot give someone pace or the ability to beat a man, but you can coach some of the simple mistakes that every 20-year-old back-rower makes. "If you can get him more measured at breakdown defence then you've got a pretty complete player." Japan endure a hiding a week before Wales clash A Japan XV suffered a heavy 53-20 defeat to the Moari All Blacks in Tokyo. Wales face Japan in Kitakyushu next Saturday in the first of a two-Test series. Matt Sherratt's side will be hoping to end a record run of 17 Test defeats on the bounce against a Japan side coached by Eddie Jones. Japan led 17-15 at half-time but the Maori All Blacks ran in six tries in what was a ruthless second-half performance by Ross Filipo's men. "Let's not connect this game with next week," Japan coach Jones told Rugby "This was Japan XV. Next week is Japan. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. "If we need to give the ball back to Wales we need to do it in a difficult situation." Wales will be confident of coming out on top next week but Japan do have a habit of bouncing back from a heavy defeat. Last year Japan XV lost 36-10 to the Maori All Blacks before beating the same opponent 26-14 a week later. Wates appointed chair of RFU By PA Sport Staff Sir James Wates CBE has been appointed chair of the Rugby Football Union board. He takes over the role from Sir Bill Beaumont, who was named chair on an interim basis in December last year following the resignation of Tom Ilube. Wates is currently a board director of the Wates Group, a privately-owned construction, development and property service company in the UK and served as chairman between 2013 and 2023. A statement from the RFU said: 'Sir James has had a distinguished career in the construction and business sectors, marked by significant leadership roles and contributions to industry standards and charitable causes. 'He brings extensive leadership experience to the RFU alongside a deep love of the game of rugby, stretching back to his early playing days.' Speaking about his new role, Wates said: 'It is a true honour to be named chair of the board of the RFU, and I can't wait to get started. Article continues below 'English Rugby is steeped in legacy and history, and it is a history that the country should be proud of, while also being excited about what is to come. 'Later this year, we have the Women's Rugby World Cup hosted across England and I am looking forward to this happening so soon into my tenure. 'I will do my upmost to maximise the growth of the game, with the support of the RFU board and wider team in the years ahead and engaging as much as possible in the rugby community at all levels across England.'
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Welsh tennis ace now mega rich with own yacht business after famous win over Wimbledon star
Welsh tennis ace now mega rich with own yacht business after famous win over Wimbledon star Welsh star Ian Flanagan was once hailed as one of the UK's brightest tennis players, yet after injury curtailed his career at just 22 he has built a business that is on its way to being worth £1billion Ian Flanagan beat Mark Philippoussis in 2004 (Image: Getty ) Ian Flanagan, once a rising star in British tennis, is now at the head a burgeoning business with a projected value of £800million. Originating from Graianrhyd, Wales, his potential as a future Grand Slam contender was cut short by injuries at 22. Flanagan has since founded a Manchester-based yacht accounting software firm. His enterprise, Voly, started in 2016 and is renowned as a financial management solution for superyacht owners, but Flanagan's career trajectory could have diverged significantly. He was a junior tennis prodigy at age 15, with his gold medal victory at the Youth Olympics in 1996 cemented his budding status. Yet it was his upset over Wimbledon 2003 finalist, Mark Philippoussis, at Queen's Club in 2004 that truly put the limelight on Flanagan. The now 43-year-old has recently shared insights about his transition from tennis professional to a high-flying business guru, reports the Express. "I got injured and had to stop, but I'd always been somewhat entrepreneurial," he told Insider recently. "Even as a kid, I loved figuring out ways to make money." Today, Voly stands distinct as a robust brand, and what began as an eight-person team has expanded to a workforce of 130, addressing clients globally. Flanagan's current ambition is directed towards propelling Voly to the prestigious £1billion mark. Article continues below He explained the origins of his enterprise, adding: "We recognised a gap in the market to professionalise yacht management, knowing that while captains are experts at navigation, they aren't CFOs or finance directors." Despite beating ex-Romanian star Victor Hanescu, after the huge victory over Philippoussis, Flanagan was sensationally denied a wildcard into Wimbledon in 2004. "It was unbelievable that I didn't get a Wimbledon wildcard. The LTA [Lawn Tennis Association] need to take a good hard look at themselves,' he told the BBC at the time. Flanagan made a splash early on in his tennis career (Image: Getty ) Nevertheless, Flanagan has come to view his past achievements with a sense of fulfillment, acknowledging that he's "been there, done that." Yet he credits the traits honed on the tennis courts as the driving forces behind his current success. "The most important factor that got me here and helped me build the company is a relentless need to win," he added. "I hate losing. I don't even let my kids win when we play football, tennis, cricket, or even Dobble. The day they beat me, they'll know it's because they did it fair and square. Article continues below "That competitive streak has pushed me through setbacks like failed investments and business ventures which haven't worked out. In professional tennis, you don't win every match. You lose, lose, win, win again, lose again, then win. It's a cycle, and business is similar." And he managed to squeeze in a tennis analogy while expressing his ambition to excel in business. "If you sit back and say, 'That's a great business, I'll rest on my laurels,' you end up losing," he added. "Take Carlos Alcaraz this weekend. If he stops training for six to 12 weeks, he's not going to win Wimbledon. He won't be in shape, he won't be ready."
