Kenny named youngest Commonwealth Games England president
Track cycling great Dame Laura Kenny has been appointed Commonwealth Games England (CGE) president.At 32, she is the youngest president in the organisation's history and third consecutive woman to hold the role after Dame Kelly Holmes and Dame Denise Lewis.Kenny is Britain's most successful female Olympian, winning five golds and a silver, in addition to seven world titles and 14 European golds.She competed at three Commonwealth Games, winning gold at Glasgow 2014, and gold and bronze at Birmingham 2022 - the last medals before she retired in March 2024.CGE says Kenny will be a "key ambassador" in the build-up to the next Games in Glasgow in 2026, while its chair John Steele adds the former cyclist will "play a crucial role in helping us protect the future" of the Commonwealth movement.Glasgow will host a scaled-down version of the multi-sport event, which was due to be held in Victoria, but the Australian state withdrew due to rising costs."I love the unique feel of the event and I'm thrilled to work with and support England's athletes as their prepare for Glasgow and future Commonwealth Youth Games too," said mother-of-two Kenny."I have devoted my life to cycling and while that sport will always be my passion, it is great to have the opportunity to pass on some of my experience to athletes from a wider range of sports."Steele added: "Her passion for the Games is clear and her insights will be invaluable. She is one of our nation's greatest athletes and that experience at the very highest level of sport will inspire the next generation of Team England and assist the CGE in supporting them."She brings invaluable experience to our senior leadership team as we look to the future with renewed confidence."March is Commonwealth Day and marks 500 days to go until the opening ceremony of the Glasgow Games.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
26 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Lions make shock new call-up and All Blacks legend dies
Today's rugby news as Lions make shock new call-up and All Blacks legend dies The latest rugby news stories from around the world today Sale Sharks' Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Image: 2025 CameraSport ) These are your rugby headlines on the morning of Monday, June 9. Lions make shock call-up Sale's tight-head prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour has been called up to train with the Lions squad, it has been reported. The 20-year-old has only played once for England and is a shock addition to Andy Farrell's party, according to the BBC, as they head to Portugal for a training camp ahead of facing Argentina in Dublin prior to the tour of Australia. It follows news that former England captain Jamie George has also been drafted in to plug holes in the squad. The Lions are without 16 players currently who are all playing in end-of-season finals next weekend and are set to be left out of that warm-up match against the Pumas in 11 days' time. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Tighthead prop is one of the big issues, with Leinster's Tadhg Furlong and Bath's Will Stuart unavailable, while Scotland and Glasgow's Zander Fagerson is recovering from a calf strain and hasn't played any rugby since April. Opoku-Fordjour has been one of the breakthrough players of the season and was nominated for the Gallagher Premiership Player of the Season award. Article continues below All Blacks legend dies All Blacks legend Stu Wilson has died in his sleep at the age of 70. Wilson played wing for New Zealand from 1976 to 1983, scoring 19 Test tries for his country and played a crucial role in two series victories over the British & Irish Lions in 1977 and 1983. He was also a Wellington legend where he scored 54 tries in 89 matches before becoming a well-respected broadcaster after retiring. Wilson was also a key member of New Zealand's 1978 grand slam tour where they beat England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The victory over Wales in Cardiff is still mired in controversy because with just seconds remaning the hosts led 12-10 before Andy Haden infamously jumped out of the lineout. This led to English referee Roger Quittenton to award a penalty for the All Blacks which allowed Brian McKechnie to kick the winning points which broke Welsh hearts. At one stage Wilson held the record for most tries scored in a Test match for the All Blacks before he was overtaken by the legendary Sir John Kirwan in 1988. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free 'When I started playing, Stu was the benchmark in world wing play," Australian legend David Campese told Planet Rugby. "He was the man we all wanted to be – cocky, clever, blisteringly quick and brilliantly intelligent. As a player, Stu made rugby look easy and earned huge respect as captain in 1983. "He had a swerve to beat anyone, extreme pace, intellect and power, able to break through tacklers, making him a try-scoring machine. 'I made my debut against him in 1982 in the Bledisloe in Christchurch and grabbed my first Test try against him. "We became very great pals, playing together in invitation games. I still have his jersey from that first Test match and it's one of my most cherished possessions as he represented the standard I wanted to attain." Rugby chief quits overnight By PA Sport Staff New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chief executive Mark Robinson has resigned and will officially leave his post at the end of 2025, the organisation has announced. NZR chairman David Kirk thanked Robinson for his 'great service' to the organisation and the sport over six years. 'On behalf of the Board, I'd like to recognise Mark for his great service to NZR and the sport,' he said in a statement. 'He has led with a passion for rugby and we thank him for his commitment over the past six years. 'Mark has driven significant change, both in New Zealand and internationally, and the Board believes the organisation is well-placed to capitalise on this. Of note was his leadership through a global pandemic that saw the game deal with an unprecedented crisis.' He added: 'Mark will continue to lead for the remainder of the year as we conclude key projects, and the Board will now commence recruitment for the new role.' In a statement, Robinson said he was leaving the role to join his wife and children, who have relocated to Australia. 'My family have been based in Australia for the last few months with all three of my children studying there,' he said. 'My wife is already there supporting them and, ultimately, I will be joining them early next year. 'The past six years have been a period of rapid change, or unprecedented challenges through the pandemic, and significant evolution across commercial, competitions and structures. I will reflect on that as I get closer to stepping away, but I firmly believe the foundations of our organisation are extremely strong and the game is well-placed for the future. 'Our vision is to inspire and unify through rugby and that opportunity has been an easy motivator for me every single day, from the community game right through to the international level.' The 51-year-old called his tenure a 'privilege' and said his focus was on 'supporting the Board and leading the organisation through a pivotal year, including ensuring the Black Ferns have the support they need to defend the Rugby World Cup in England'. He added: 'We also remain focused on implementing a new financial model for the game in New Zealand and completing the remaining work on what will be an exciting future international calendar.' Robinson took up the role in January 2020, having previously served on the organisation's board for seven years. His playing career included nine Tests for the All Blacks between 2000 and 2002 and appearances for the Bristol Bears and Japanese side Kobelco Steelers. Anscombe signs off Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe has signed off on his time at Gloucester ahead of his new adventure to France. Anscombe spent one season playing in front of The Shed at Kingsholm and heads off to join French side Bayonne for the 2025/26 campaign. His combination with fellow Welshman Tomos Williams in the nine-10 axis was a roaring success but the 33-year-old has decided to move on to pastures new. "Loved my time down at @officialgloucesterrugby for the year, the support we got every time at holm was something special," he wrote on Instagram." "Many thanks to everyone I met along the way, most of all the lads, made some great mates along the way and I'm going to enjoy watching the youngsters tear it up over the next few years. "Bit of down time now and then it's on to France." Bayonne said in a statement last month: "Having played for the Auckland Blues, the Chiefs, and Gloucester, Gareth will bring his experience to our talented line-up. "Gareth Anscombe has also played in two Rugby World Cups for Wales! He will join the club for one season." O'Gara points finger at himself Ronan O'Gara admitted "the main culprit is me" after La Rochelle failed to reach the end-of-season play-offs. This is the first season in his tenure they haven't made the business end knockouts and the Irishman was clear where the blame should lie. An 18-32 defeat to Pau on Saturday meant they slipped out of the top six, finishing the campaign in seventh. O'Gara admitted: 'The coach was especially missing. We talk about discipline all week, but when the coach is suspended, he can't have any impact. The main culprit is me. I'm frustrated, angry, disappointed. And I'm sad for the fans after all the bad games they have had. I'm sad for Brice (Dulin), I'm very sad for Tawera (Kerr-Barlow). He deserves much more than this.' He added: 'I didn't expect that. I ask myself: how can you play like that in a match of this importance? It was more like the team of February or March than the one of the last few weeks. Article continues below 'There was a lot of hesitation at every level when it came to running, kicking, passing… We had won five matches in a row to secure a place (in the top six) and it was as if we thought we were going to arrive and get the job done. But sport, fortunately or unfortunately, isn't like that… Congratulations to Pau.'
Metro
34 minutes ago
- Metro
PSG urged to sign £65m Arsenal star and Liverpool transfer flop
PSG have been told to raid Arsenal and Liverpool to strengthen a squad that just lifted the Champions League trophy. Paris Saint-German enjoyed a spectacular season under Luis Enrique, finally succeeding in their quest to become European champions while continuing to dominate in Ligue 1. Given PSG's young and incredibly dynamic squad, areas of improvement are not obvious but Marcel Desailly has named two players he would 'like' to see arrive at the Parc des Princes this summer. Football icon Desailly somewhat surprisingly believes Arsenal forward Kai Havertz should be PSG's No. 1 transfer target, citing his versatility as the main reason he would be of use to Enrique. Signed from Chelsea for £65m in 2023, Havertz has endured a mixed spell at the Emirates Stadium but was badly missed last season as Mikel Arteta had to deal with an injury crisis. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Havertz's status as Arsenal's first-choice striker looks set to end this summer as Arteta targets a new No. 9 with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres heavily linked with moves to north London. Desailly believes Havertz would be the 'best transfer option' for PSG and has also urged the Champions League holders to rescue Darwin Nunez from Liverpool. The Uruguayan is expected to move on this summer following a largely underwhelming spell at Anfield and Desailly reckons he can revive his career in Paris. Like Arsenal, Liverpool are also interested in signing a new striker to strengthen Arne Slot's Premier League champions and are open to offers for Nunez. 'There are two players I'd like to see at PSG and one is Kai Havertz from Arsenal,' France World Cup winner Desailly told Oddspedia. 'Havertz is the best option because he can play as a midfielder but also as a point of reference up front as a striker. 'For me Havertz would be the best signing for PSG and the other is Darwin Nunez from Liverpool. 'Nunez is a point of reference and has great movement, he has been unlucky in front of goal but I think he'd do well in a back-up role for PSG. 'Those are the two players I'd like to see join PSG this summer.' While PSG look to strengthen Enrique's squad, a number of players have been linked with moves away from the French capital. More Trending Manchester United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos while Gianluigi Donnarumma has also emerged as a target for the Red Devils. PSG beat United to the signing of Ramos two years ago but the 23-year-old has struggled for starts since arriving from Benfica. Donnarumma, meanwhile, has entered the final 12 months of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain and is believed to be interested in a move to the Premier League. The 26-year-old Italian reminded fans why he is rated as one of the best goalkeepers in the world during PSG's brilliant Champions League run. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Frustrated Liverpool star fires warning to Arne Slot over his future MORE: Viktor Gyokeres headache for Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal as new rivals enter race MORE: Iconic Premier League referee Uriah Rennie dies aged 65
Scotsman
2 hours ago
- Scotsman
Scotland seek answers in Liechtenstein: Steve Clarke's changes, 'shouldn't be panic' and chance-taker
In last match before World Cup qualifiers, Clarke and co require a response Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The tranquil setting of Vaduz on the banks of the Rhine should not be a place where further pressure is put on a football manager. Flanked by mountains, visitors usually return refreshed and happy. The small nation of Liechtenstein is currently ranked 202 in the FIFA World rankings. Only Hong Kong have suffered defeat to them in the past five years. Their 'golden' era of most-capped keeper Peter Jehle and star striker Mario Frick are long gone. Konrad Fünfstück's are usually deemed as easy prey for opponents of any meaningful repute. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scotland fall into that category as they arrive at the Rheinpark Stadion on the Swiss border. This is down as an away win, with odds of 1/12 from most bookmakers. San Marino scored three times when they rocked up here in November. It was an evening of anguish for Scotland against Iceland last time out. | SNS Group History with Liechtenstein won't ease any queasiness, mind you. On Scotland's only previous sojourn to Vaduz in 2011, they narrowly prevailed 1-0 thanks to a goal from Craig Mackail-Smith. That came a year on from an almost catastrophic first meeting with Liechtenstein, when Stephen McManus' 97th-minute header earned a 2-1 win at Hampden. The last match of a long season, many in the Scotland squad are entitled to feel jaded. There have been title wins, cup successes and long European runs. This probably isn't their idea of an Alpine retreat. Nevertheless, Scotland need to tool up for one final job ahead of the holidays. A meek 3-1 defeat by Iceland on Friday night and the lacklustre nature of the performance requires a response. This is the last time head coach Steve Clarke will have his squad together before the World Cup qualification campaign kicks off in September against Denmark. The Parken Stadion will be a world away from the docile 7,584 arena they play in on Monday evening. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scotland 'need to win their next game' Scotland will want to bounce into the autumn matches, of that there is no doubt. Their recent record in friendlies is poor and Clarke wanted to address that in this double-header. Iceland has come and gone, now it's about doing a number on Liechtenstein. "We need to win our next game on Monday night," was the blunt assessment of midfielder Lewis Ferguson after Iceland. "We need to go and put on a good performance and win the game. Winning games is what breeds confidence. We need to get back to that." Clarke himself admits he is not the most adventurous when it comes to mixing it up with team selection. The manager may have been wrestling with whether to give his main men a chance to atone for Friday and get a much-needed triumph under their belt in Scotland colours, or blood some of the uncapped players in his current group. As it is, injury and fatigue may play a part, with Clarke accepting he may make more alterations than usual. The likes of Josh Doig, Andy Irving and Kieron Bowie will be desperate for game-time and their international debuts. A maiden appearance may come between the sticks after Cieran Slicker was unceremoniously thrown in at the deep end for his first senior appearance for club or country against Iceland after Angus Gunn's second-minute injury and was at fault for all three goals. Celtic-bound keeper Ross Doohan has been summoned from his holidays to join the squad. Doohan has made 20 appearances for Aberdeen this season and seems likely to make his debut, having been solid at Pittodrie all season. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One may ask why he wasn't in the squad ahead of others. One may also ask why Clarke reverted back to a back-three against Iceland when the back-four had been a reasonable success in the Nations League A campaign against more glamourous opposition. Kieran Tierney's injury may force a formation change. Scott McTominay, the poster boy after Serie A success with Napoli, will also be absent due to a niggle. That means Clarke doesn't need to find the best way to shoe-horn all of his top-level midfielders into one team. It is hard to get Ferguson, John McGinn, Billy Gilmour and McTominay effectively on the pitch at the same time. Craig Mackail-Smith scores the winner against Liechtenstein for Scotland back in 2011. | SNS Group 0141 221 3602 And then there are the strikers. Che Adams has not scored for Scotland in a year, and the Torino hitman must sense an opportunity against Liechtenstein. They are rarely scudded, but Adams will surely get chances if selected ahead of George Hirst as Clarke's No 9. He needs to take them. Within the squad, there is awareness of the talent at Scotland's disposal. "There shouldn't be any panic," Ferguson advised. "We've good strong squad, with plenty of quality and experience. But we do recognise that we need to get back to winning ways and get back to performing at the levels we know we're capable of." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
