AFL community gathers for funeral of Adam Selwood
Some of the biggest names in Australian football have gathered to farewell premiership Eagle Adam Selwood.
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Perth Now
43 minutes ago
- Perth Now
Knockout blow for contentious bare-knuckle boxing event
A bare-knuckle boxing event described as a "blood sport" has been canned following backlash from political leaders and health authorities. In a decision handed down on Thursday, Western Australia's Combat Sports Commission blocked the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship's application to hold an event at Perth's RAC Arena in July. "The board was not satisfied the event met the required criteria," a spokesperson said. Tickets to the Australian-first event - including $6000 'Notorious Access' packages featuring a meet and greet with celebrity fighter Conor McGregor - had already been on sale before it was rejected by the commission's board. The event's promotion had sparked a political brawl, with medical professionals raising serious concerns about the health and safety of fighters and the message the event sent to the community. The downsides of the sport were "so obvious they barely needed repeating", Australian Medical Association WA branch president Michael Page said in a statement before the commission's decision. "We are in the grip of a domestic violence crisis and an epidemic of drug- and alcohol-fuelled street violence," Dr Page said. "Turning the act of bare-knuckle fighting into a 'sport' sets an incredibly bad example for children and adults alike. "The physical health of the fighters involved is also of concern." Dr Page described the event as "blood sport", while state opposition spokesperson Peter Rundle labelled it "state-sanctioned violence". WA Sports Minister Rita Saffioti told reporters Perth had hosted dozens of combat sports events, with fans having flocked to UFC mixed martial arts bouts. "It's very hard to differentiate this type of event, compared to mixed martial arts and UFC," she said prior to the decision. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had expressed concern about the event. "I think one of the things that might be relevant here is the concern that's there about concussion in general," he told Perth radio 6PR on Tuesday. "It's not really my responsibility as PM, but I do think that we need to be really cognisant about health advice when it comes to these issues because they are really prevalent." In 2021, fighter Justin Thornton reportedly died weeks after he suffered an injury following a knockout at a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship event in the United States. The Perth event had been scheduled to take place at RAC Arena on July 19.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Enhanced Games' Aussie boss flags aquatics legal action
World Aquatics' ban on anyone involved in Enhanced Games is "downright disgusting behaviour" and likely illegal, the Australian founder of the drug-friendly games says. Melbourne-born entrepreneur Aron D'Souza is flagging legal action against swimming's global governing body and its new by-law. "We are assessing our legal options and look forward to pursuing all remedies that are available to us," D'Souza told AAP. "It is clearly restraint of trade." World Aquatics enacted a fresh by-law on Wednesday giving it powers to ban anyone involved in Enhanced Games, a multi-sports event with no drug testing. The by-law covers "any individual who supports, endorses or participates in sporting events that embrace the use of scientific advancements or other practices that may include prohibited substances and/or prohibited methods". "(They) will not be eligible to hold positions with World Aquatics or to participate in any World Aquatics competitions, events or other activities," World Aquatics said. The move didn't surprise D'Souza, a lawyer who is president of Enhanced Games. "I always expected that the governing bodies or the International Olympic Committee would take such a step," he said. "The legal case law is not supportive of their position. "This is exactly what they did against the International Swimming League and this is what the PGA Tour did against LIV Golf. "And European courts, American courts, have routinely ruled that this is an abuse of monopoly power. "World Aquatics' move is designed to impoverish the greatest athletes in the world and that is such inappropriate and downright disgusting behaviour." The aquatics governing body stated in its fresh by-law that any appeal against a ban could only be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). "Let's be clear, the Court of Arbitration for Sport is not a court," D'Souza said. "And the use of the term court, I have always felt, is an abuse of that term and certainly possibly unconstitutional in the United States. "That tribunal is an internal organisation of the International Olympic Committee, it hasn't been constituted by statute in any country nor has it been constituted by a treaty. "And so it's legal standing to be the ultimate arbitration body for sport is only on a contractual level between parties. "If they think that matters related to the Enhanced Games can somehow be decided in CAS, it's a farce because we're not a participant in that system nor do they have any legal authority." World Aquatics' ban on anyone involved in Enhanced Games is "downright disgusting behaviour" and likely illegal, the Australian founder of the drug-friendly games says. Melbourne-born entrepreneur Aron D'Souza is flagging legal action against swimming's global governing body and its new by-law. "We are assessing our legal options and look forward to pursuing all remedies that are available to us," D'Souza told AAP. "It is clearly restraint of trade." World Aquatics enacted a fresh by-law on Wednesday giving it powers to ban anyone involved in Enhanced Games, a multi-sports event with no drug testing. The by-law covers "any individual who supports, endorses or participates in sporting events that embrace the use of scientific advancements or other practices that may include prohibited substances and/or prohibited methods". "(They) will not be eligible to hold positions with World Aquatics or to participate in any World Aquatics competitions, events or other activities," World Aquatics said. The move didn't surprise D'Souza, a lawyer who is president of Enhanced Games. "I always expected that the governing bodies or the International Olympic Committee would take such a step," he said. "The legal case law is not supportive of their position. "This is exactly what they did against the International Swimming League and this is what the PGA Tour did against LIV Golf. "And European courts, American courts, have routinely ruled that this is an abuse of monopoly power. "World Aquatics' move is designed to impoverish the greatest athletes in the world and that is such inappropriate and downright disgusting behaviour." The aquatics governing body stated in its fresh by-law that any appeal against a ban could only be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). "Let's be clear, the Court of Arbitration for Sport is not a court," D'Souza said. "And the use of the term court, I have always felt, is an abuse of that term and certainly possibly unconstitutional in the United States. "That tribunal is an internal organisation of the International Olympic Committee, it hasn't been constituted by statute in any country nor has it been constituted by a treaty. "And so it's legal standing to be the ultimate arbitration body for sport is only on a contractual level between parties. "If they think that matters related to the Enhanced Games can somehow be decided in CAS, it's a farce because we're not a participant in that system nor do they have any legal authority." World Aquatics' ban on anyone involved in Enhanced Games is "downright disgusting behaviour" and likely illegal, the Australian founder of the drug-friendly games says. Melbourne-born entrepreneur Aron D'Souza is flagging legal action against swimming's global governing body and its new by-law. "We are assessing our legal options and look forward to pursuing all remedies that are available to us," D'Souza told AAP. "It is clearly restraint of trade." World Aquatics enacted a fresh by-law on Wednesday giving it powers to ban anyone involved in Enhanced Games, a multi-sports event with no drug testing. The by-law covers "any individual who supports, endorses or participates in sporting events that embrace the use of scientific advancements or other practices that may include prohibited substances and/or prohibited methods". "(They) will not be eligible to hold positions with World Aquatics or to participate in any World Aquatics competitions, events or other activities," World Aquatics said. The move didn't surprise D'Souza, a lawyer who is president of Enhanced Games. "I always expected that the governing bodies or the International Olympic Committee would take such a step," he said. "The legal case law is not supportive of their position. "This is exactly what they did against the International Swimming League and this is what the PGA Tour did against LIV Golf. "And European courts, American courts, have routinely ruled that this is an abuse of monopoly power. "World Aquatics' move is designed to impoverish the greatest athletes in the world and that is such inappropriate and downright disgusting behaviour." The aquatics governing body stated in its fresh by-law that any appeal against a ban could only be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). "Let's be clear, the Court of Arbitration for Sport is not a court," D'Souza said. "And the use of the term court, I have always felt, is an abuse of that term and certainly possibly unconstitutional in the United States. "That tribunal is an internal organisation of the International Olympic Committee, it hasn't been constituted by statute in any country nor has it been constituted by a treaty. "And so it's legal standing to be the ultimate arbitration body for sport is only on a contractual level between parties. "If they think that matters related to the Enhanced Games can somehow be decided in CAS, it's a farce because we're not a participant in that system nor do they have any legal authority." World Aquatics' ban on anyone involved in Enhanced Games is "downright disgusting behaviour" and likely illegal, the Australian founder of the drug-friendly games says. Melbourne-born entrepreneur Aron D'Souza is flagging legal action against swimming's global governing body and its new by-law. "We are assessing our legal options and look forward to pursuing all remedies that are available to us," D'Souza told AAP. "It is clearly restraint of trade." World Aquatics enacted a fresh by-law on Wednesday giving it powers to ban anyone involved in Enhanced Games, a multi-sports event with no drug testing. The by-law covers "any individual who supports, endorses or participates in sporting events that embrace the use of scientific advancements or other practices that may include prohibited substances and/or prohibited methods". "(They) will not be eligible to hold positions with World Aquatics or to participate in any World Aquatics competitions, events or other activities," World Aquatics said. The move didn't surprise D'Souza, a lawyer who is president of Enhanced Games. "I always expected that the governing bodies or the International Olympic Committee would take such a step," he said. "The legal case law is not supportive of their position. "This is exactly what they did against the International Swimming League and this is what the PGA Tour did against LIV Golf. "And European courts, American courts, have routinely ruled that this is an abuse of monopoly power. "World Aquatics' move is designed to impoverish the greatest athletes in the world and that is such inappropriate and downright disgusting behaviour." The aquatics governing body stated in its fresh by-law that any appeal against a ban could only be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). "Let's be clear, the Court of Arbitration for Sport is not a court," D'Souza said. "And the use of the term court, I have always felt, is an abuse of that term and certainly possibly unconstitutional in the United States. "That tribunal is an internal organisation of the International Olympic Committee, it hasn't been constituted by statute in any country nor has it been constituted by a treaty. "And so it's legal standing to be the ultimate arbitration body for sport is only on a contractual level between parties. "If they think that matters related to the Enhanced Games can somehow be decided in CAS, it's a farce because we're not a participant in that system nor do they have any legal authority."
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Kiss goodbye to doubts about safety of betting on Reds
The statistics make ugly reading for the Queensland Reds, but the Super Rugby Pacific underdogs are hopeful a seed planted a year ago in Christchurch bears them finals fruit. A Crusaders team on a 16-game finals winning streak, dotted with 10 All Blacks in their starting 15, will welcome the Reds on a cold, wet Christchurch Friday night. Losses in 13 of their past 14 games, including a season-worst 43-19 drubbing this campaign, sums up the one-sided rivalry. Rob Penney's side pipped the ACT Brumbies in Canberra in their battle for second place, while the fifth-placed Reds haven't beaten a top-four side all season. "Absolutely formidable," Reds coach Les Kiss summed up ahead of their must-win qualifying final. "We'll have to take a few hits, might be on the ropes, but we just have a belief we can fight back from those moments." The belief comes from victory there last year that ended a 25-year drought - the Crusaders' only loss to an Australian side in their past 21 games - and the Reds' new-found composure behind flyhalf Tom Lynagh since. They were able to turn the tables on the Highlanders this season, resorting to their trusty scrum to engineer a comeback win. Named at No.8, Harry Wilson's availability after an injury scare on Saturday was a huge mid-week boost. And super-boot Lynagh's competition-best 87 per cent conversion rate could also prove crucial in tough conditions, while the ruck and lineout will be a battle against a Crusaders team stacked with high-calibre Test talent. "It does plant a seed for us, hopefully plants a seed of doubt for them," Kiss said of victory in Christchurch last year. "It's a challenge; he (Lynagh) is up for it and hasn't failed a challenge yet, from what I've seen. "There's been a lot said about what the Crusaders are good at over there and we respect that, but I'll back Tommy to stand up and direct us around the park. "Let's go see what happens." Wilson's combination with flanker Fraser McReight, who is fourth in the competition with 17 turnovers from 12 games, will also be a pivotal one. McReight's influence was curbed in a 31-27 loss to the Hurricanes two weeks ago that dropped them out of the top four. Hurricanes captain and opposing flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi managed that contest superbly. Kiss has urged the Reds to avoid a repeat on Friday against a back row featuring Ethan Blackadder and Tom Christie. "Control the errors and ensure the breakdown is not left up to the ref to decide," Kiss said. "Do our job there to get the kind of ball we want." Former Reds playmaker James O'Connor will come off the bench for the Crusaders as the 34-year-old strengthens his case for a Wallabies recall. He has played just 328 minutes this year - Lynagh has logged 703 - but been impactful at the late stages with his kicking and decision-making. "He's been brilliant there, hasn't he," Kiss said of O'Connor, who left Ballymore after an injury-riddled 2024. "I can only say good things about James. He was good here ... gone over there and done a similar job. "Good luck to him, just not too much on Friday night." HISTORY AGAINST THE REDS * Lost 13 of past 14 games against Crusaders * Crusaders on a record 16-game finals winning streak dating back to 2016 * Reds' 2024 win the Crusaders' only home loss to Australian opponents in their past 21 games. * Three straight quarter-final losses for Reds and only one score of 25+ points in club's 13 finals appearances The statistics make ugly reading for the Queensland Reds, but the Super Rugby Pacific underdogs are hopeful a seed planted a year ago in Christchurch bears them finals fruit. A Crusaders team on a 16-game finals winning streak, dotted with 10 All Blacks in their starting 15, will welcome the Reds on a cold, wet Christchurch Friday night. Losses in 13 of their past 14 games, including a season-worst 43-19 drubbing this campaign, sums up the one-sided rivalry. Rob Penney's side pipped the ACT Brumbies in Canberra in their battle for second place, while the fifth-placed Reds haven't beaten a top-four side all season. "Absolutely formidable," Reds coach Les Kiss summed up ahead of their must-win qualifying final. "We'll have to take a few hits, might be on the ropes, but we just have a belief we can fight back from those moments." The belief comes from victory there last year that ended a 25-year drought - the Crusaders' only loss to an Australian side in their past 21 games - and the Reds' new-found composure behind flyhalf Tom Lynagh since. They were able to turn the tables on the Highlanders this season, resorting to their trusty scrum to engineer a comeback win. Named at No.8, Harry Wilson's availability after an injury scare on Saturday was a huge mid-week boost. And super-boot Lynagh's competition-best 87 per cent conversion rate could also prove crucial in tough conditions, while the ruck and lineout will be a battle against a Crusaders team stacked with high-calibre Test talent. "It does plant a seed for us, hopefully plants a seed of doubt for them," Kiss said of victory in Christchurch last year. "It's a challenge; he (Lynagh) is up for it and hasn't failed a challenge yet, from what I've seen. "There's been a lot said about what the Crusaders are good at over there and we respect that, but I'll back Tommy to stand up and direct us around the park. "Let's go see what happens." Wilson's combination with flanker Fraser McReight, who is fourth in the competition with 17 turnovers from 12 games, will also be a pivotal one. McReight's influence was curbed in a 31-27 loss to the Hurricanes two weeks ago that dropped them out of the top four. Hurricanes captain and opposing flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi managed that contest superbly. Kiss has urged the Reds to avoid a repeat on Friday against a back row featuring Ethan Blackadder and Tom Christie. "Control the errors and ensure the breakdown is not left up to the ref to decide," Kiss said. "Do our job there to get the kind of ball we want." Former Reds playmaker James O'Connor will come off the bench for the Crusaders as the 34-year-old strengthens his case for a Wallabies recall. He has played just 328 minutes this year - Lynagh has logged 703 - but been impactful at the late stages with his kicking and decision-making. "He's been brilliant there, hasn't he," Kiss said of O'Connor, who left Ballymore after an injury-riddled 2024. "I can only say good things about James. He was good here ... gone over there and done a similar job. "Good luck to him, just not too much on Friday night." HISTORY AGAINST THE REDS * Lost 13 of past 14 games against Crusaders * Crusaders on a record 16-game finals winning streak dating back to 2016 * Reds' 2024 win the Crusaders' only home loss to Australian opponents in their past 21 games. * Three straight quarter-final losses for Reds and only one score of 25+ points in club's 13 finals appearances The statistics make ugly reading for the Queensland Reds, but the Super Rugby Pacific underdogs are hopeful a seed planted a year ago in Christchurch bears them finals fruit. A Crusaders team on a 16-game finals winning streak, dotted with 10 All Blacks in their starting 15, will welcome the Reds on a cold, wet Christchurch Friday night. Losses in 13 of their past 14 games, including a season-worst 43-19 drubbing this campaign, sums up the one-sided rivalry. Rob Penney's side pipped the ACT Brumbies in Canberra in their battle for second place, while the fifth-placed Reds haven't beaten a top-four side all season. "Absolutely formidable," Reds coach Les Kiss summed up ahead of their must-win qualifying final. "We'll have to take a few hits, might be on the ropes, but we just have a belief we can fight back from those moments." The belief comes from victory there last year that ended a 25-year drought - the Crusaders' only loss to an Australian side in their past 21 games - and the Reds' new-found composure behind flyhalf Tom Lynagh since. They were able to turn the tables on the Highlanders this season, resorting to their trusty scrum to engineer a comeback win. Named at No.8, Harry Wilson's availability after an injury scare on Saturday was a huge mid-week boost. And super-boot Lynagh's competition-best 87 per cent conversion rate could also prove crucial in tough conditions, while the ruck and lineout will be a battle against a Crusaders team stacked with high-calibre Test talent. "It does plant a seed for us, hopefully plants a seed of doubt for them," Kiss said of victory in Christchurch last year. "It's a challenge; he (Lynagh) is up for it and hasn't failed a challenge yet, from what I've seen. "There's been a lot said about what the Crusaders are good at over there and we respect that, but I'll back Tommy to stand up and direct us around the park. "Let's go see what happens." Wilson's combination with flanker Fraser McReight, who is fourth in the competition with 17 turnovers from 12 games, will also be a pivotal one. McReight's influence was curbed in a 31-27 loss to the Hurricanes two weeks ago that dropped them out of the top four. Hurricanes captain and opposing flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi managed that contest superbly. Kiss has urged the Reds to avoid a repeat on Friday against a back row featuring Ethan Blackadder and Tom Christie. "Control the errors and ensure the breakdown is not left up to the ref to decide," Kiss said. "Do our job there to get the kind of ball we want." Former Reds playmaker James O'Connor will come off the bench for the Crusaders as the 34-year-old strengthens his case for a Wallabies recall. He has played just 328 minutes this year - Lynagh has logged 703 - but been impactful at the late stages with his kicking and decision-making. "He's been brilliant there, hasn't he," Kiss said of O'Connor, who left Ballymore after an injury-riddled 2024. "I can only say good things about James. He was good here ... gone over there and done a similar job. "Good luck to him, just not too much on Friday night." HISTORY AGAINST THE REDS * Lost 13 of past 14 games against Crusaders * Crusaders on a record 16-game finals winning streak dating back to 2016 * Reds' 2024 win the Crusaders' only home loss to Australian opponents in their past 21 games. * Three straight quarter-final losses for Reds and only one score of 25+ points in club's 13 finals appearances
