
Wales locked out of Lions as Curry named to start first test
Welsh hopes of a presence in the side had rested on poacher Jac Morgan but coach Andy Farrell preferred the proven quality of England's Curry in the starting side with Ben Earl and Ollie Chessum covering the loose forwards on the bench.
"(Jac) was as close as you can imagine," Farrell told a news conference. "Look, you're actually gutted for players like that who ... could well easily be in this side on Saturday. But I suppose that shows the good place that we're at as a group."
Farrell has gone for a conventional number eight in Jack Conan at the back of the scrum with his Ireland teammate Tadhg Beirne completing the back row at blindside flanker.
"We feel that that's the right balance for the first test," Farrell said.
"The combination of Tadhg's quality in the set piece and his all-around ability, either on the floor as a jackal or a ball playing six. That complements Jack also in a similar regard, with Tom being the engine that we all know."
Scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park, fullback Hugo Keenan, winger James Lowe, lock Joe McCarthy, prop Tadhg Furlong and hooker Dan Sheehan complete an eight-strong Irish contingent in the starting side.
There was no place for Ireland's Bundee Aki in the starting centre partnership, however, with Scotland's duo of Australian-born Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones lining up outside their test teammate Finn Russell at flyhalf.
"There's absolutely no doubt that Bundee can play with Huw, and he's obviously played with Sione as well, but it's just making sure that we get the right balance of the impact that we need at any given time," Farrell said.
"And I suppose those three starting, they do know each other, but they also know the way that this team wants to play."
Captain Maro Itoje, right winger Tommy Freeman and prop Ellis Genge make up a four-strong English contingent with Curry but there was no place in the matchday 23 for Farrell's son Owen, who joined the tour as an injury replacement.
Farrell said injured Australian-born Ireland winger Mack Hansen (foot) and Scottish fullback Blair Kinghorn (knee) were unlikely to be fit for next Tuesday's tour match against a First Nations-Pasifika XV in Melbourne.
Team: 15–Hugo Keenan, 14–Tommy Freeman, 13–Huw Jones, 12–Sione Tuipulotu, 11–James Lowe, 10–Finn Russell, 9–Jamison Gibson-Park, 8–Jack Conan, 7–Tom Curry, 6–Tadhg Beirne, 5–Joe McCarthy, 4–Maro Itoje (captain), 3–Tadhg Furlong, 2–Dan Sheehan, 1–Ellis Genge
Replacements: 16–Ronan Kelleher, 17–Andrew Porter, 18–Will Stuart, 19–Ollie Chessum, 20–Ben Earl, 21–Alex Mitchell, 22–Marcus Smith, 23–Bundee Aki
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


BBC News
a minute ago
- BBC News
'A mammoth undertaking' - Lions' life on the road
Third Test: Australia v British and Irish LionsDate: Saturday 2 August Venue: Accor Stadium Kick-off: 11:00 BSTCoverage: Live text commentary and post-match analysis on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC iPlayer and online Boiling four nations down to one team, cooking up a gameplan in four weeks and getting to Test match temperature on enemy territory.A Lions tour is unique for players and for the team behind the team, a whistle-stop itinerary, vast distances and a host of unknowns also present a recipe for potential in Sydney for the tourists' final stop, Tom Day is one of the team to help avert it."This is a mammoth undertaking when you consider transporting a playing squad and backroom team to and from the southern hemisphere, and then around the touring country itself," says Day, the team's logistics manager. The Lions come with considerable baggage - almost 10 tonnes were brought to Australia with consists of four sets of identical training kits, which were then divided up and sent around Australia. Wherever the Lions arrive, they find a lorry container of equipment, including a scrum sled, on the side of the pitch to help them set was driven the 2,390 miles from Perth to Sydney, a distance equivalent to London to Siberia, to be in the right place at the right time. In total, the plan stretches to 53 separate truck journeys covering about 7,000 miles. "One set of kit will always be ahead of us and the sets of kit yo-yo around the country, so that when we leave one city, the arrival into the next city is already sorted as there is kit there and the hotels and training grounds are already set-up," explains is also part of an advance party that is one step ahead of the squad on the ground. Along with a member of the security team, Day makes sure any last-minute wrinkles that have cropped up since recce trips in September and January are ironed out before the players Saturday's third Test in Sydney, the Lions will head back home with a series win, but without their is being left in Australia and donated to local clubs and schools, rather than shipped back to Dublin. The long-haul nature of a Lions tour means it also comes with considerable carbon cost.A return flight from London to Sydney generates around 2,484 kg of carbon dioxide per passenger, just from the burning of fuel. Emissions at high altitude are also almost three times more harmful than at ground Lions have committed to offsetting all of the carbon, external created by their tour party's travel, as well as that created by their fans' travel and the team's business operations at a cost of more than £250,000.


Scottish Sun
30 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
The eight English cities hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 – and what to do in each place
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Women's Rugby World Cup is taking place across the UK next month. And for the first time, it will take place across eight English cities - and VisitEngland have shared their top tips on what to do in each. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 The Women's Rugby World Cup takes place next month Credit: Getty Running from August 22 to September 27, the eight cities are Brighton & Hove, Bristol, Exeter, London, Manchester, Northampton, Sunderland and York - with Anne Marie headlining the opening ceremony. Here is the full guide of what to do in each - and the rugby-themed events taking place. Brighton & Hove Brighton & Hove previously hosted three UEFA Women's Euro fixtures in 2022. But beyond the pitch, Brighton offers a rich mix of experiences from panoramic views atop Brighton i360 to the adrenaline of the Brighton Zip. Read more on UK cities SINK A FEW Quirky UK city named one of the top foodie destinations for 2025 with pub crawls The colourful Lanes entice visitors with eclectic boutiques, artisan coffee shops and bakeries, while Shelter Hall on the seafront provides a contemporary twist on the traditional food hall. No visit to Brighton is complete without a trip to the iconic Palace Pier with its exhilarating roller coaster rides and views of the English Channel. Top Tip: The Red Roses take on Australia on September 6 whilst New Zealand go head-to-head with Ireland on 7 September. Head to the fan zone in Victoria Gardens between September 4 and 7 for a free, family-friendly, female-focused festival including local music and rugby taster sessions. Bristol The city's engineering legacy is front and centre at the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Brunel's SS Great Britain. Bristol's Ashton Gate Stadium, home to Bristol Bears and Bristol City FC, is set to host both semi-finals and two quarter finals – and has already made history with England's highest attended women's rugby game outside of London. Ellie Kildunne: Defying Odds and Inspiring a Generation For a creative fix, dive into the immersive world of Wake The Tiger or create your own masterpiece with Graft's graffiti workshops – a must-do in Banksy's hometown. Top Tip: A dedicated Rugby World Cup walking route will link the two fan zones at Ashton Gate and Bristol Amphitheatre to allow visitors to take in the sites en route. Quarter finals will take place on the weekend of September 13 and semi-finals on the weekend of September 19. 8 The colourful Bristol will host the semi and quarter finals Credit: Alamy Exeter The tournament's most south-westerly venue, Sandy Park in Exeter has been home to the Exeter Chiefs for the past 18 years and will host seven matches this year, including two quarter-final fixtures The Devonshire city offers a culture-packed break with riverside walks, Gothic architecture and top-notch local food. Start with the awe-inspiring Exeter Cathedral, boasting the world's longest uninterrupted medieval stone vaulted ceiling, before heading beneath the city's surface on a tour of the Exeter Underground Passages. Back above ground, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum offers a rich collection of art, archaeology and natural history. If the sun's out wander down to the scenic quayside, home to indie shops, artist studios and riverside pubs. Top Tip: Exeter's free and accessible Princesshay fan zone will show all matches on a big outdoor screen for the duration of the tournament with plenty of seating options, a pop-up bar and nearby street food vendors. 8 Exeter will host seven games but there is a lot to explore in the city too Credit: Alamy Twickenham, London The legendary Twickenham Stadium will host both the Women's Rugby World Cup final and bronze final on September 27. In nearby Richmond, discover natural beauty and regal heritage with walks and wild deer spotting in Richmond Park, explore the UNESCO-listed Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew or step into history at Hampton Court Palace. For a tranquil meal in a secret garden setting, enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at the charming Petersham Nurseries hidden away along the River Thames. Top Tip: Organisers are anticipating that the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 final could sell out Twickenham Stadium and surpass England's record for the highest attended women's rugby game. If you do miss out on a ticket, you can still soak up the sporting atmosphere at one of Twickenham's rugby pubs, such as The Barmy Arms or The Cabbage Patch, which always come alive with fans on match days. 8 Twickenham Stadium is likely to sell out, but there is lots going on elsewhere Credit: Alamy Salford, Greater Manchester Manchester is no stranger to ball sports, but it's rugby that's set to shine in the city this summer with the Salford Community Stadium hosting four Women's Rugby World Cup fixtures. Make a post-match visit to Salford Quays, where the city's industrial past has been transformed into a cultural and culinary hub. Sample the 19 independent kitchens at Kargo food hall or take in the creative legacy of L.S. Lowry at The Lowry arts centre and theatre. Top Tip: To align with the four games being played at Salford Community Stadium on August 23 and 30, Piccadilly Gardens in the heart of Manchester's city centre will host a fun filled fan zone experience with more details to be announced. 8 Salford Quays is now a cultural hub Credit: Alamy Northampton Northampton, the Midlands' only Women's Rugby World Cup host city, will see six matches staged at Franklin's Gardens, a venue dating back to 1880. Northampton has plenty to explore between games too, such as the Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, or enjoy a countryside escape at the gardens of Castle Ashby. Motorsport fans can head to the world-famous Silverstone Circuit to explore its museum – or even drive the iconic track in a single-seater racing car. Top Tip: Across weekends that the tournament is on, Northampton Market Square's fan zone will be celebrating with live music and street entertainment – along with an all-important big screen and a licensed bar. The fan zone will have a different theme each weekend, from technology and innovation to art, music and culture. 8 Northampton will host six games this year Credit: Alamy Sunderland The North East is all set to welcome fans with the tournament's opening show and first game – a must-watch match between England and the USA – taking place at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on August 22. Beyond the pitch, Sunderland offers sandy summer escapes at Roker and Seaburn beaches. For cultural exploration, visit Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens – keep an eye out for Wallace the lion – and the National Glass Centre, where you can watch live glassblowing in action. Top Tip: A mini music festival will take place at the city's Keel Square fan village on the evening of August 21 – featuring a lineup of female-led live music. The celebrations continue at Keel Square for the next two days with live entertainment, interactive games, food, drink and big screens. They'll also be plenty of community events taking place locally, including touch rugby festivals on nearby beaches. 8 Sunderland will host the games at the Stadium of Light Credit: Alamy York One of the tournament's newest venues, the York Community Stadium previously hosted the Women's Rugby League World Cup in 2021 and this year will have six matches taking place during the tournament. York is a city layered with history – visit the 7th Century York Minster, uncover Norse heritage at the Jorvik Viking Centre or brave the thrills of York Dungeon. For something more modern, enjoy food and drink at creative community venue SPARK* or join a craft beer tasting tour at Brew York. Top Tip: The Red Roses' captain is North Yorkshire-born Zoe Aldcroft, who hails from Scarborough and started playing at her local rugby club aged eight. It takes under an hour to reach Scarborough from York by train, and the coastal town (touted to be England's first seaside resort) offers rich heritage, outdoor adventures and plenty of water sports – perfect for a breezy break away from the pitch.


Daily Mirror
31 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Star Wrexham let go who wanted to stay makes statement that Ryan Reynolds will love
Veteran striker Steven Fletcher has praised Wrexham after being released from the club owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, calling it his most enjoyable football experience Veteran striker Steven Fletcher was forced to leave Wrexham despite wanting to prolong his career in Wales – but he has still spoken glowingly about his time at the club. The former Premier League goalscorer was let go at the end of last season after playing a key role in two of the Welsh side's three successive promotions. The 38-year-old scored eight goals in 40 League One appearances last term, many of them from the bench, as the Red Dragons secured automatic promotion. However, the former Scotland international was deemed surplus to requirements by manager Phil Parkinson as Wrexham began their preparations for life in the Championship. Fletcher, who played in the Premier League with Burnley, Wolves and Sunderland earlier in his career, said in a post on Instagram in May that he was departing "with a heavy heart" and "not by choice". But despite his disappointment, he has spoken warmly about his two-year spell at Wrexham and the positive environment at the club in words which will be music to the ears of Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Speaking on the Golf Life YouTube channel, Fletcher said: "There's something about it, the town, the club, the fans and the staff. There's just a massive togetherness. I've been in football for 20-odd years and it's the most I've enjoyed my football. "I've played in the Premier League, I've played at the highest levels, and no disrespect to the clubs I've been at, but in that moment I really enjoyed my football." Fletcher is now mulling over his next move and admitted he is "95 per cent sure" that his football career is over. He said his plans to retire come despite some of his old teammates encouraging him to keep going. He added: "I'm 95 per cent sure that I'm done. When you say it out loud, you get a weird feeling. There's a bit inside of me that wants to finish on a high and I don't want to go chasing something that I'm not going to find." Fletcher's efforts for Wrexham were clearly appreciated by the club's owners. Reacting to him being released on social media, Reynolds said he would miss his "leadership and wit". Addressing Fletcher directly, Reynolds said: "Words aren't agile enough to capture what you've brought to Wrexham, the sport, and the lives of myself and this whole town. You aren't a PART of greatness. You ARE greatness. "I don't really know what a co-chairmen is supposed to do or say in these moments and I don't much care. I'm gonna miss you. I'll miss your your leadership and wit and the way you remind everyone - including me - that this is also FUN. Like the first day we met, I'm here for you any time and any place. Always." McElhenney later opened up about how difficult he found saying goodbye to Fletcher while appearing on the podcast. It came after the It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor revealed enjoyed a round with golf with Fletcher in the US shortly before he was released. "Even just bringing up his [Steven Fletcher's] name is difficult because the brutal reality of football it just reminds me of how quickly you can go from spending all day with him here in Los Angeles promoting the show and playing golf," he said. "[Then] putting him on a plane, sending him home and within 24 hours, Phil released him from the club, and that was difficult." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'. But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in... Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year.