
Thompson eager to end first Edinburgh season on a high
Ross Thompson feels he has "grown" as a player in his first season with Edinburgh and is determined to help Sean Everitt's side progress in the play-offs.The 26-year-old stand-off has started 16 of 18 league games since his move from Glasgow last summer.Speaking to prior to Saturday's quarter-final against Bulls in Pretoria, Thompson said: "I think there's definitely things I can get better at, but I feel like I've grown."As the team performances have got a bit better, I feel like I've been playing a little bit better."I'm really happy here, I'm really glad I made the move and I've enjoyed this season. Hopefully there's still a few games left for us."Thompson won the last of his seven Scotland caps on the 2024 summer tour of the Americas, but is fully focused on club matters for now.Asked if he had hopes of earning a recall to Gregor Townsend's squad for this summer's tour of the South Pacific, the fly-half said: "I'm not too sure to be honest, I'm not giving it too much thought. I'm just looking forward to this quarter-final and the chance to go far in knockout rugby."We did it in the Challenge Cup, got to a semi-final, and it's really exciting to be a part of."
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The Guardian
20 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Keir Starmer refuses to set date for UK to spend 3% of GDP on defence
Keir Starmer has refused to give a date for the UK to spend at least 3% of GDP on defence, saying he would not indulge in 'performative fantasy politics', as he prepared to launch the government's strategic defence review. Speaking at a defence facility in Scotland, the prime minister said his commitment to hit 2.5% of GDP on defence spending from 2027 showed he was serious about the issue, but that he could not go further without fiscal certainty. 'I am not, as the prime minister of Labour government, going to make a commitment as to the precise date until I can be sure precisely where the money is coming from, how we can make good on that commitment, because I don't believe in performative fantasy politics, and certainly not on defence and security,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Pressed again on the date, Starmer said: 'We had a commitment for 2.5% by the end of this parliament. We pulled that right forward to 2027. We showed that when we say there's a new era of the defence and security of our country, is our first priority – as it is – that we meant it. We take the same approach to 3%. 'But I'm not going to indulge in the fantasy politics of simply plucking dates from the air until I'm absolutely clear that I can sit here in an interview with you and tell you exactly how that's going to work.' The defence review will say Britain must be ready to fight a war in Europe or the Atlantic, though it is not expected to promise immediate increases in the size of the armed forces to deal with the threat. The 130-page document will call for a move to 'war-fighting readiness' to deter Russian aggression in Europe and increases in stockpiles of arms and support equipment, some of which currently may only last days in a crisis. Asked about this, Starmer said: 'We have to recognise the world has changed, and if the world has changed, we need to be ready. What I would say, by way of reassurance, is if you want to deter conflict, then the best way to do that is to prepare for conflict.' Questioned on whether this could involve, for example, British troops being sent to defend attacks on countries adjoining Russia, Starmer replied: 'I very much hope not. And in order to make sure that that isn't the case, we need to prepare. But we cannot ignore the threat that Russia poses. 'We've seen what's happened in Ukraine just over three and a half, three years ago, those tanks rolled across a border, something I think all of us thought we wouldn't really see in our lifetimes – the invasion of a European country. Russia has so shown in recent weeks that it's not serious about peace. We have to be ready.' The review is not expected to contain any additional spending commitments. The defence secretary, John Healey, acknowledged on Sunday that any plans to increase the size of the British army, at its smallest for 300 years, would have to wait until after the next election. Speaking to the BBC, Healey said there had been '15 years of a recruitment and retention crisis in our armed forces' as he acknowledged that the size of the army had fallen to 70,860, below the government's target of 73,000.


BBC News
27 minutes ago
- BBC News
What can we learn from Clarke's fresh-faced Scotland squad?
International friendly: Scotland v IcelandWhen: Friday 6 June Where: Hampden Park Kick-off: 19:45 BSTCoverage: Watch live on BBC One Scotland and BBC Sport website & app, online text updates, listen on BBC Radio Scotland Steve Clarke is no stranger to adapting and evolving as Scotland his six years in charge of the national team, he has chopped and changed the makeup of his squad, reaching two major finals in the process.A place at the World Cup is the next target for Clarke's Scotland, 27 years since their last appearance at the showpiece event in 61-year-old has selected seven uncapped players for this month's friendly matches against Iceland and Liechtenstein as they gear up for their World Cup qualifying campaign, which gets under way in September. Hibernian striker Kieron Bowie and Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig are included, as are midfield trio Connor Barron of Rangers, West Ham United's Andy Irving and Lennon Miller of Robby McCrorie and Cieran Slicker are the other two players yet to make their full international the face of it, it appears Clarke is looking to the future, but what can we learn from his new-look squad? Blend of youth & experience One thing that stands out, in addition to the numerous uncapped players, is the volume of younger the 25-man squad, 12 are aged 25 or younger with their best years stretching ahead of Ferguson is one of them. The Bologna captain continued his superb story on the continent by winning the Coppa Italia last season, but has struggled for regular starts in the dark blue of his Kenny McLean not included and Ryan Christie recovering from injury, he has an opportunity to stake his place in midfield alongside Billy Johnston, 21, and the returning Nathan Patterson, 23, could be handed opportunities to impress with Anthony Ralston - the other right-back in the squad - second choice at James Wilson and Middlesbrough's Tommy Conway join Bowie as the other youthful striking is still a familiar feel to the spine of the squad though. Wiser heads like captain Andy Robertson, John McGinn, Kieran Tierney and Serie A MVP Scott McTominay remain, as Scotland seek momentum before the games that matter. Uncertainty remains in goal Not long ago, Scotland had an abundance of quality goalkeeping talent at their one of Craig Gordon, Allan McGregor or David Marshall were comfortable at international days, the resources between the sticks are less plentiful, to say the is now 42 and not included in this squad due to injury. It seems highly unlikely that even a man of his talent and resilience would feature at the 2026 World Cup if Scotland were to get there. Angus Gunn took the gloves at Euro 2024, but has made high-profile errors for both club and country and is now a free agent after being released by Norwich leaves the uncapped Slicker and McCrorie, both with limited experience at club must either back Gunn or put his faith in one of his untested shot stoppers. Which uncapped players might catch Clarke's eye? Of the uncapped players, Miller undoubtedly has the most hype around 18-year-old midfielder has improved at a remarkable rate since making his senior club debut aged just won the PFA Scotland young player of the year award last month after a season in which he scored four goals and assisted seven in 36 is expected to leave Fir Park for a sizeable transfer fee, one which could be bolstered should he make his Scotland bow against Iceland or Liechtenstein."I could maybe, in a couple of months, be the best player there," Miller said after his first Scotland call-up in later clarified his comments, saying the speed of that claim was a "mistake", but reiterating his desire to be the best player he possibly can be. Short of confidence, he is is another who will fancy making an impact, should the opportunity strong and imposing, he scored six goals in his first season for Hibs after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained playing for Scotland Under-21s."Any time I watched the Under-21s he always stood out," Clarke said when naming his squad. "He's big, physical and strong with good attributes to his game."Going into the summer, you've got Lawrence Shankland and Kevin Nisbet, I know what they can bring, so it was just to have a look at something a little bit different and see if we can expand the pool of players."You're looking for somebody to catch your eye."


Daily Mail
34 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Disturbing video shows footy fans taking 'run it straight' craze up a notch just days after it cost teenager his life
Shocking footage has emerged of footy fans taking the lethal 'run it straight' trend to dangerous new levels at an NRL match. The run it straight trend involves people charging directly at each other to mimic a rugby-style collision. It gained popularity on social media with official competitions popping up in Sydney and in New Zealand but has drawn criticism for its dangerous nature. The trend turned deadly last week after New Zealand teenager Ryan Satterthwaite tragically lost his life attempting the challenge. He sustained a serious head injury during an impromptu game with friends and passed away in hospital on May 26. His death has prompted widespread warnings from health experts and authorities about the dangers of this viral trend, but it seems to have fallen on deaf ears at Four Pines Park, formerly known as Brookvale Oval in Manly. During a recent NRL match at the venue, a series of spectators decided to take on the run it straight challenge on the back of the hill. However they decided to ramp up the danger by using the actual hill to speed up the action. One participant was filmed chugging a drink before roaring and charging down the hill, only to be ironed out by another participant wearing a Manly Sea Eagles jersey. The footage has quickly drawn criticism following the death of Satterthwaite in New Zealand. 'Glad to see we've learnt from the poor blokes passing in New Zealand last week,' one viewer posted, tongue firmly in cheek. 'Would love to know how many ended up at northern beaches hospital,' posted another. 'Intelligence below the charts,' added another. Despite the obvious dangers, the warnings and the death of Satterthwaite, the video still attracted plenty of attention from people loving the trend. Events have popped up in Australia and New Zealand with cash prizes on offer, but they have been getting postponed and cancelled in recent weeks 'My son was there. He loved it,' one viewer posted with a series of laughing emojis. 'It's called fun. You need to leave the indoors more,' another fired back at a commentator pointing out Satterthwaite's death. 'I'm not opposed to this,' posted another. It comes after former dual-code footy star Sonny Bill Williams had to walk back comments he made online that appeared to endorse the trend. Williams shared footage from his playing days with the Bulldogs, colliding with Penrith's Joel Clinton with the video captioned 'old school what a hit'. He added: 'Playing run it straight before it was called run it straight.' Williams later apologised after learning about Satterthwaite's death. 'I put a video up last night, and I just want to ask for forgiveness of the young fulla that passed away,' Williams said on his social media account. 'Please excuse me for my insensitivity. I did not know that had happened. 'I want to talk about it for a second right now. 'I've been asked to collab with the Run it Straight people, or a couple of people and I haven't. 'Simply because I wouldn't put my kids in it. 'I have safety concerns and that's just my thoughts on it.' Several 'Run It Straight' events in South Auckland were cancelled due to safety concerns and lack of permits following the teenager's death. The Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board raised concerns over concussion risks and unregulated contact. One event at Williams Park was scrapped after organisers failed to book the venue or seek council approval. Organisers instead held a meet-and-greet at Sylvia Park following the death of Satterthwaite.