Wales rugby bosses say cutting professional teams to two is best option
Date: 18:41 BST
Title: 'Hell hath no fury like a rugby nation scorned'
Content: BBC Radio Wales
Rugby journalist and sports broadcaster Peter Jackson says fans' anger is merely at the tip of the iceberg as it stands, and he expects it to ramp up among the next few weeks.
"Hell hath no fury like a rugby nation scorned", he told BBC Radio Wales Drive.
He says he thinks the concept of having an east and west Wales team is fine, but struggles with the "lack of a geographical dimension" with the proposal.
"Where does east Wales begin and end, where does west Wales begin and end?" he asks, adding: "We're talking basically are we not about Cardiff and Swansea?"
Jackson says the only region "high and dry" among the proposals is Cardiff, because it's in the capital city, and is owned by the WRU.
Despite questions around how it will operate, Jackson applauded the union for the radical plan, adding that the WRU were ultimately left with two choices.
These are either continuing with four fully professional teams, he said, "hopelessly underfunded and unable to punch their weight", or the alternative of creating two regional teams properly resourced to be competitive.
As a journalist for more than 50 years, Jackson says he remembers a time when there were 16 Welsh rugby clubs in Wales, which was "the envy of the world".
"It has gone from 16 to nine, to five, to four, and now inevitably, to two."
"Serious times," he adds, "but we cannot go on as we have done for the last 16 years".
Update:
Date: 18:28 BST
Title: Could Welsh rebels play in England?
Content: Matt LloydBBC Sport at Principality Stadium
Some fans have mooted the possibility of resurrecting the infamous rebel season of 1998-99 and having their team playing in England if they are to be cut by the Welsh Rugby Union.
Well, that might be far easier said than done.
Firstly - officially - the Welsh Rugby Union would have to give the go-ahead to a Welsh team playing elsewhere and - interestingly - at today's press conference they declined to say they would stand in any team's way.
But without the WRU's funding, the chances of any region being allowed into, for example, Premiership Rugby in England are exceptionally slim... and that's if English clubs wanted it.
WRU chief executive said: "The idea that two clubs that were no
longer supported by the WRU could play in the English Premiership franchise,
understanding what the minimum standards that are required [in that league], it would be very, very difficult.
"I think it's a bit of a red herring to suggest that."
Director of rugby Dave Reddin added: "We've got to think of the bigger picture and in the short term, that [playing in England] is not a viable option.
"We're dealing with what we've got. We're competing in the URC, that's our focus and the ambition is to be winning that."
Update:
Date: 18:09 BST
Title: 'You can't take the emotion out of it'
Content: Charlie BucklandBBC News
Scarlets fan Jenny Tillier, 75, says "you can't take the emotion out of something you have been with for years".
"Llanelli has been known for years," she told BBC Wales.
"You can't take the emotion out of it, the emotion is there. It's always been an emotional game".
Other Scarlets fans have been voicing their passion through an online petition calling for the rugby club to be saved, which currently has 930 signatures.
The petition says the club is the "cornerstone of our community", adding its potential loss is not just a matter of sports but "a blow to cultural and communal identity here in west Wales".
Update:
Date: 17:52 BST
Title: 'It's not all pounds and pence'
Content: BBC Radio Wales
Former Wales, Lions and Scarlets wing, Dafydd James, who played at the start of the regional project, says the announcement has been "another firework set off in the WRU fall of fame".
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Drive, James compares the regions to a "house of cards built on sand foundations" adding: "We done exceptionally well for what we had with the structure in place."
James says he feels for the players but agreed that something needs to dramatically change.
He says here isn't enough support for youth rugby or enough resources within schools to develop young players, something which he says needs to be prioritised.
"If they are going to be two teams which it does appear, west and east, there has got to be a total re-brand, says James, adding that there has to be a revival of the youth club scene to "get that hunger and desire" in rugby again, for both players and supporters.
"It is very much part of culture within Wales, people go out on a Saturday afternoon and watch a game of rugby watch a game of football, and that's their way of venting and getting out there," he adds.
"It's not all pounds and pence.
"There is a lot to be mixed in the pot, but it seems it will be rubber stamped."
Update:
Date: 17:36 BST
Title: Why does Welsh Rugby Union want a 'radical' refresh?
Content: Wales' men's national team basked in a golden era after rugby went regional here in 2003.
They won four Six Nations Grand Slams in 14 years and reached the World Cup semi-finals twice.
The Welsh team reached number one in the world too, and the British and Irish Lions picked 10 Welshmen in their third Test win over Australia in 2013.
But they have since slumped to a record 18-match losing streak - going 644 days without a win - and slipped to 12th in the world rankings this year.
Then just two Wales players were picked for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia this summer.
The Ospreys have won four league titles and Scarlets two but no Welsh team has won it since 2017.
The Cardiff region has won two European Challenge Cups - the second tier European competition - but the last of which was in 2018.
Only one Welsh region - the Scarlets in 2017/18 - have reached the quarter finals of the Champions Cup in 13 years.
Update:
Date: 17:18 BST
Title: 'We feel up here, we're in no man's land, the forgotten part'
Content: Charlie BucklandBBC News
Emlyn Jones, the chair of Aberystwyth Rugby Club, which falls under the Scarlets catchment, says regional rugby has been "a bit of a mess" over the past few years, and the WRU "hasn't done what they should", especially in mid and north Wales.
Mr Jones says: "We feel up here, we're in no man's land, the forgotten part."
Reacting to the announcement, Mr Jones says Wales has the players, but many are going over the border to England in order to play professionally.
"With several going to Hartpury, Sedbergh, Gloucester, Oxford, all across the border, and only then have they gone on to win caps for Wales," he says.
"It's a loss for the club, for the area, for the Welsh language and for the regions in Wales.
"The current set up isn't working at it's failing our youngsters," he says, adding six players have left the club this year.
While Mr Jones says it's a "very sad time", he is hopeful the "home of rugby" can push forward, however the politics of these regions, where they're located and who runs them, still remains unanswered.
Update:
Date: 17:02 BST
Title: Cardiff 'committed' to keeping professional rugby in the capital
Content: Michael PearlmanBBC Sport Wales
OK, we've already heard from the Ospreys after the Welsh Rugby Union announced it's proposals to cut the number of men's professional teams from four to two.
Now Cardiff, who are now owned by the WRU after entering administration earlier this year, have given their views.
"Following today's announcement from the Welsh Rugby Union, Cardiff Rugby
would like to clarify their representation in the process," they wrote.
"The club are also in the process of appointing a new independent
chair. The new chair will play a key role during this consultation
period.
"As a club, we remain committed to ensuring professional rugby
continues in Cardiff and will give all key stakeholders – included but not
limited to employees, supporters and partners – the opportunity to provide
comprehensive feedback.
"We welcome the opportunity to actively engage in this consultation
process and will do so with best interests of Cardiff Rugby at heart."
Cardiff have won two European Challenge Cups since the game went professional
Update:
Date: 16:48 BST
Title: 'Why Welsh rugby needs an east and west Wales team'
Content: BBC Radio Wales
Former Wales captain Paul Thorburn has told BBC Radio Wales' Phone In why he thinks the Welsh Rugby Union need to create two completely new teams in their shake-up.
This video can not be played
Former Wales captain Paul Thorburn tells BBC Radio Wales why an east and west team will be better than keeping two of the existing regions.
Update:
Date: 16:38 BST
Title: Here's a bit more detail of Welsh rugby's plan
Content: Matt LloydBBC Sport at Principality Stadium
It remains unclear whether the two future sides being proposed will be new entities or existing teams.
The Welsh Rugby Union has proposed:
Update:
Date: 16:20 BST
Title: 'Who wants to play for a team with no history and fans'
Content: Michael PearlmanBBC Sport Wales
Joe Hawkins is one of the first
current players to give their thoughts on the Welsh Rugby Union proposals and
he doesn't seem impressed.
"I think everyone agrees change is needed, but going down to two
from four seems very short sighted,' the Wales and Scarlets centre wrote on X.
'It will definitely increase squad quality and maybe success
short term but probably at the cost of the little fans Welsh rugby has left
walking away which will kill the
game and even more players heading to England at a young age due to lack of
playing opportunities.
'What happens
then in five years when there is no fans and all the best young players are
over the bridge with no one coming through?
'Also, as a
player, if two new teams are made then who wants to play for a team with no
history and no loyal and passionate supporters? All the best Welsh players will
want that and find it outside of Wales.'
Update:
Date: 16:13 BST
Title: A big day in Welsh rugby - here's all you need to know
Content: Eleri GriffithsBBC News
It's been another seismic day in Welsh rugby - here's what you need to know:
It's a pivotal day in Welsh rugby so stick with us for all the updates and reaction.
The Welsh Rugby Union has held a press conference at the Principality Stadium to unveil its plans
Update:
Date: 16:01 BST
Title: 'You cannot mix Ospreys and Scarlets'
Content: Jordan DaviesBBC News at Rodney Parade
We'll bring you fan reaction as soon as we get it on the Welsh Rugby Union's proposals to half the number of men's professional teams from four to two.
But Denise and Jaff sum it nicely as they explain how most Welsh rugby fans will be feeling this afternoon.
'I'm an Ospreys fan - you cannot mix the Ospreys and the Scarlets," said Jaff, 66 on a day out in Newport.
Wife Denise says she's unhappy with the proposed changes, adding that the current four-region setup is 'really nice' as it is.
"You'll get people saying 'I don't want any Dragons in my team'," said the 68-year-old Dragons fan. "I don't know how this mix will work."
'I'm an Ospreys fan, you cannot mix the Ospreys and the Scarlets," says Jaff (left)
Update:
Date: 15:50 BST
Title: Welsh rugby bosses braced for legal battle
Content: The Welsh Rugby Union admit their "radical" proposal to cut two regions has potential for a legal battle with clubs and leagues.
The governing body's chief executive has told the press conference announcing their shake-up plans that they have already spoken to United Rugby Championship league about cutting regions.
"We
have spoken to the URC executive and then the shareholders of the shareholder
unions, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, South Africa," she said.
"I think their key
message is we recognise that you need to do something
different.
"They are very clear that their preference would be for us to have continued as
is but they recognise that that is increasingly challenging for us."
The Welsh Rugby Union have said that they will stick by "our obligations in those agreements".
Update:
Date: 15:34 BST
Title: Ospreys say Welsh rugby plan has 'interesting ideas within it'
Content: The Ospreys are the first of the four current Welsh men's professional regions to have their say on the Welsh Rugby Union's proposals to cut teams.
They posted on X: "We have reviewed the WRU's consultation document and welcome the opportunity to engage constructively in this process.
"There are some interesting ideas within it, including options that we feel hold real potential, alongside others that present more challenges.
"We look forward to working closely with the WRU and all stakeholders to help shape a system that serves the best interests of the Ospreys, our supporters, and the wider Welsh game.
"Details will follow shortly for a supporters' evening, where we will share more of our views and, importantly, listen to the views of our supporters.
#OurBloodIsBlack"
The Ospreys won two league titles and lifted the 2008 Anglo-Welsh trophy
Update:
Date: 15:26 BST
Title: Prefered locations of new teams not decided
Content: Matt LloydBBC Sport at Principality Stadium
While the Welsh Rugby Union have proposed halving their number of men's professional clubs from four to two, they have not indicated their preferred locations for clubs or names.
While fans of the Ospreys, Dragons, Scarlets and Cardiff nervously wait, the governing body insist that no decision has yet been made.
The WRU has revealed that there are, in fact, four models that have been put forward for the number of professional clubs.
The Union has said the timescale for any changes will be dictated by their chosen option.
A consultation period will begin on 1 September with regions, clubs, players and fans encouraged to get involved before a final recommendation is made in mid-October, with that month's WRU board to make a final decision.
Update:
Date: 15:13 BST
Title: 'We know this will hurt'
Content: Matt LloydBBC Sport at Principality Stadium
Welsh Rugby Union's chief executive Abi Tierney has been speaking at a press conference at the Principality Stadium.
"We know how emotional rugby is and that people will be
hurting when thinking about what this could mean for their team," she said.
"Not everyone is going to be happy but I don't think
carrying on as we are is the right thing for fans either.
"We had to do something radically different to get us
to a better place and that everyone can get behind and we hope people will step
out of their corner.
"Change is hard, and this is going to be hard, but I think it will get us to a better place.
'We are clear that the current rugby model in Wales is no longer delivering what our game needs, that's why we're inviting views on the opportunities for change we've put forward.'
Update:
Date: 15:05 BST
Title: 'Radical step' proposed to save Welsh rugby
Content: Matt LloydBBC Sport at Principality Stadium
Welsh Rugby bosses insist cutting the number of professional men's clubs from four to two is the "radical step" needed to save the game in Wales.
The governing body has unveiled its controversial plan for the future of the elite game that puts Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets at risk.
Among four models being considered is the "optimal" choice of halving the number of professional teams.
The Welsh Rugby Union has not indicated their preferred locations for
clubs or names and insist that no decisions have yet been made.
A consultation period will begin on 1 September before a
recommendation will be sent in mid-October to the WRU board to make a final decision.
Update:
Date: 15:00 BST
Title: CONFIRMED: Welsh rugby proposes to cut clubs
Content: Matt LloydBBC Sport at Principality Stadium
Welsh Rugby Union confirms cutting number of professional men's clubs from four to two is best option for the game in Wales.
More to come on this big breaking news from Welsh rugby HQ.
Update:
Date: 14:46 BST
Title: 'The Scarlets have got to be involved'
Content: Sara DafyddBBC News at Parc y Scarlets
Right we've heard from fans at the Dragons in Newport, now to the other end of the M4 to Llanelli to for some reaction from fans outside the Scarlets ground at Parc Y Scarlets.
'I think given the heritage and the fanbase we've got here, I think Scarlets have got to be involved," said fan Richard Esney, from Llanelli.
Scarlets fan and Sosbans and Sidesteps podcast host Ben Griffiths feels the Welsh Rugby Union's proposal risks 'alienating the very fans that are its lifeblood'.
Although no teams have been named, the 37-year-old from Pontarddulais says: "A world without the Scarlets is a world I don't want to partake in. If we go, I'm done with Welsh rugby."
For Ben, merging sides is a move "perceived as a short sighted attempt to solve financial woes by sacrificing the heritage and community ties that make Welsh rugby unique".
'It's not just 80 minutes of rugby we'd lose - it's the friendships, the days out, the sense of community. It's a huge part of my life."
Scarlets fan Ben Griffiths doesn't want a world without the Scarlets
Update:
Date: 14:35 BST
Title: 'Difficult to envisage supporting brand new teams'
Content: Tomos MorganBBC News
Ryan Price, treasurer of the Dragons Official Supporters Club, says Welsh rugby's situation is "incredibly frustrating".
"We're told this is an open consultation on the WRU's proposals, this is just an optimal solution they may consider changing," he said.
"But at the same time you have a statement from the chief executive saying it is very difficult to see a situation where Cardiff is not part of that solution."
He says although there is an acceptance "radical change" is needed, it's "difficult to envisage supporting brand new teams with new names".
'We are comparatively lucky, we are only 30 miles on the train from Gloucester," said Mr Price.
"There are opportunities to support top level rugby that hasn't been pulled out from under your feet'.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
5 minutes ago
- Telegraph
‘We have the same English grit as the Lionesses'
Survivors? Thrivers? OGs? Natasha Hunt, Alex Matthews, Marlie Packer and Emily Scarratt are debating what they should be called after a gruelling session at England's Surrey training base. As the last remaining members of the 2014 Rugby World Cup-winning squad still representing the Red Roses they deserve a sobriquet, so Telegraph Sport suggests 'Fab Four'. 'I'd take that,' responds Packer. 'We need that in the culture,' adds Matthews. 'They can call us the Fab Four rather than the Old Girls!' Ask the quartet to turn the clock back 11 years to that tournament in Paris and the memories come thick and fast, each helping the others to fill in the blanks. Hunt harks back to the 'savage fitness sessions' at an army barracks as part of the build-up, while Packer recalls how her World Cup diet consisted of chocolate spread on bread. Matthews bemoans missing out on a lot of the training while she recovered from hip surgery and wondered if she would be fit in time to make the tournament. Scarratt, who is about to become the first England player, male or female, to play in five World Cups, points out that the entire tournament was played in 17 days: 'Playing a game every four days was brutal.' 'I don't remember feeling stressed in 2014 final' The final that year was against Canada, who England had drawn with in the pool stage. For those watching at the Stade Jean-Bouin, it was a tight, nervy contest, with England leading 14-9 going into the final 10 minutes. Yet for those on the pitch, the memory is different. 'I don't remember feeling stressed,' says Hunt, before Matthews chips in to say: 'I came off the bench for Marlie thinking, 'We've got this. Just do your job'.' Scarratt's 74th-minute try put the game out of Canada's reach, and of that moment Hunt says: 'Scaz used to get a look in her eye when she was just scoring and no one was going to stop her. When Katy [Daley-Mclean] hit her on that ball, she just had that look and I was like, 'We're in here'.' Here's @EmilyScarratt on her way to scoring the decisive try in the #WRWC2014 final #WorldChampions #CarryThemHome — England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) August 17, 2014 The changes the four have witnessed in the sport over the ensuing decade have been remarkable. While they were juggling jobs – teaching for Hunt and Scarratt, plumbing for Packer – or studies (Matthews) with rugby in the lead-up to the 2014 tournament, they are now full-time professionals, centrally contracted by the Rugby Football Union. The back-room team has expanded with the increased investment, along with the time they can spend training. The Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) competition, which now attracts players from around the world, has improved the standard at domestic level too. Packer sums up the contrast in eras: 'I remember Nolli [fellow 2014 World Cup-winner Danielle Waterman] saying we were professional but with a little 'p' because we still trained before work and after work, we tried to do our nutrition stuff, but actually being professional you get time to recover, to do all the other one per centers that you just never had time to before. Yes, we've smashed glass ceilings but the players that came before us have all helped push the game to where it is today, and it is pretty special to sit here and say we've been a part of that.' For all the advancements in the women's game, Scarratt is glad she started her journey in the 2000s rather than now. 'I'm really glad I've lived what I've lived through,' she says. 'People say, 'Don't you wish you were 25 now and had 10 years of professional rugby ahead of you?' As cool as that would obviously be, I'm so grateful we did it the way we did it.' 'You almost appreciate it all a little bit more,' adds Hunt. 'People genuinely care about what we're up to' The most notable changes since 2014 have arguably been off the field. Scarratt was pleasantly surprised to see the upcoming World Cup, along with the women's Euros and Wimbledon, listed on a pub chalkboard highlighting its sports offerings. Increased media coverage and record crowds also demonstrate the game's growth. The Red Roses attracted more than 58,000 fans to Twickenham, now Allianz Stadium, for their game against France in 2023 and the same ground has sold out for the World Cup final at the end of September. With greater exposure comes greater recognition but also greater expectation – and the expectations are huge for this World Cup given England have lost only once in 58 Tests and are playing on home soil. 'How much people care is the one for me,' says Hunt when asked about the biggest difference from then to now. 'How much the media care, how much the fans care. People genuinely care about what we're up to and want to be part of it. Before, obviously there were our parents and friends and family, but there weren't that many people who you felt were genuinely invested in what we were doing. 'Mitch [head coach John Mitchell] keeps saying with pressure there's opportunity and I think that is the re-framing we all need. Yes, there is pressure because it's a home World Cup and we've got a ridiculous run of games under our belt, so there's an expectation on what we're able to do, but that's no greater than what we feel ourselves. We know that if we get our stuff right and nail what we're meant to do, then there's a huge opportunity off the back of it in terms of where this sport can go in this country. 'We love it. It's probably why we've been here for so long because we love the pressure, we love when your back's against the wall and you've got to come out swinging.' 'We have English grit' People have already started talking about whether the Red Roses can emulate the Lionesses in lifting a trophy this year and their football counterparts certainly had to dig deep during their European Championship campaign. They led for just four-and-a-half minutes during the knockout stages but came through extra-time and penalty shoot-outs to be crowned champions. 'It's massively inspiring,' says Scarratt. 'Football is a more followed sport than rugby but we're both in big tournaments, we're both successful teams, we both have strong, athletic, female role models doing positive things. They had to dig deep and rally, and we have a bit of English grit about us, too.' In contrast to the Lionesses, who had mixed results between their Euros wins in 2022 and this summer, the Red Roses are on a 27-game winning run and scored 21 tries in their two warm-ups against Spain and France earlier this month. The last World Cup final, in which they were reduced to 14 players after 18 minutes when Lydia Thompson was sent off for a dangerous tackle, is the only blot on their recent copybook, so are there any concerns that they will not know how to respond when they are put under pressure during this tournament? 'If you look around the group, we've got so much experience, whether it is PWR this season or World Cup finals,' says Scarratt. 'The value of that kind of shared experience in one team is massive. You can pull on certain people at certain times to bring a bit of clarity or to rev things up. Ultimately you don't know until you're in that situation but we have been in those situations and we've come through them.' Hunt adds: 'There have been games – Canada in WXV, France running us close at Twickenham, the first half against Ireland in Cork – that have stretched us. Equally, the way we push ourselves in training, you can't take anything away from that. We go at each other hammer and tong. 'PWR has prepped us so well, too. We've been in really tight situations, must-win games, and we've learnt so much not only about skills and how to execute, but also people's temperament and how you help them through it. The way that we've evolved and adapted and got better over those three years has been pretty cool.' 'A safe space for us to be our authentic selves' Matthews points to how the team use data and analysis after every game, regardless of the result, to look at where they could put more effort and where they could be better, as well as the competitiveness in the squad itself. 'We've never had the depth in the squad like we do now,' she says. 'You could put any 15 out and they're world class. We've all got that trust and over the last three years everyone has been given experience, so when you're needed you're ready. That's where we've gone wrong in the last two World Cups; you've had people starting finals and they haven't actually had much game time.' That strength in depth means 'nobody's safe', according to Packer, as she knows only too well having lost the captaincy to Zoe Aldcroft at the start of this year. The openside may be one of the team's stalwarts but she is no longer a guaranteed starter and she views the captaincy change as an illustration of the strength of the team's bond. 'Whatever is thrown at us as a team, we're in it together and I don't think anything is going to break that,' she says. 'We're strong and it feels really special. It is the first time since 2014 where I feel so connected with the squad and how everyone is empowering and inspiring each other.' So what is behind that culture change? 'We've had a change not just in head coach but in the coaching across the board and they have facilitated a safe space for us to be our authentic selves on and off the pitch, and also given us a game plan we want to execute. We've always wanted to better ourselves and the captaincy changeover has only enhanced us as a group. We're always evolving.' As is the women's game as a whole. And on the eve of what is poised to be the biggest and best Women's World Cup yet, the sense of anticipation among these veterans is palpable. Scarratt concludes: 'You can't not be excited by a home World Cup.' Meet the old guard Debut 2011,v United States Best player played against Kelly Brazier, for what she's achieved in her career. She is incredible. Best player played with Zoe Aldcroft. It's like having a player and a half on the pitch with the work she gets through. Biggest lesson learnt Live in the moment and back what you know. John Mitchell has been incredible in terms instilling that confidence to just go out and do. Debut 2011, v France Best player played against The French nine, Laure Sansus – just the tempo she brought, she ran their game. Best player played with Sophie Hemming, for complete forward grit. She was just unreal as an athlete. Biggest lesson learnt I used to be such a perfectionist, a worrier and it held me back. When I went into sevens, it was more about enjoying it because that is why you started playing. So don't think, just play. Debut 2008, v Sweden Best player played against Sarah Hirini (New Zealand) is a workhorse and flipped so quickly from sevens to 15s. Best player played with Emily Scarratt. She gives everything for the team and empowers others to be their very best. Biggest lesson learnt Sometimes uncontrollable things go against you or the squad so it's about maximising what I can do. If you you've given 110 per cent, what will be will be. Debut 2008, v United States Best player played against Kelly Brazier (New Zealand). Her rugby CV has got to be one of the best. Best player played with Alice Richardson-Watmore, for her skill-set, consistency and ability to bring people with her. Biggest lesson learnt Not everything is perfect so it's how you reset rather than letting that be a defining thing. It's your response that is important.
The Guardian
5 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Izak Rankine hit with four-game ban by AFL for ‘highly offensive' homophobic slur
Izak Rankine's season has potentially ended after the AFL handed the Adelaide star a four-game ban for using a homophobic slur during the weekend's game against Collingwood, with 'compelling medical submissions' considered by the league in reaching its decision. After days of deliberation – extended to grant the Crows more time to plead their case for a reduced ban – the AFL finally handed down its sanction on Thursday, seriously denting the club's premiership hopes. Rankine will miss the final round of the home-and-away season – Saturday's clash against North Melbourne – and the next three games, but he could return for the grand final, should the Crows lose a final en route to the flag decider. Sign up to From the Pocket: AFL Weekly Jonathan Horn brings expert analysis on the week's biggest AFL stories after newsletter promotion 'The AFL integrity unit found that Rankine used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a Collingwood opponent – language that demeans and denigrates people regardless of their sexuality,' an AFL statement read. 'Following an investigation and submissions from Adelaide and Rankine including compelling medical submissions, Rankine has received a four-match sanction and has been ordered to undertake further Pride In Sport training.' Adelaide are guaranteed to finish in the top two after Saturday night's narrow win over Collingwood, but celebrations were tempered after the AFL's integrity unit was called in on Sunday to investigate reports a homophobic slur was used by a Crows player. The absence of Rankine in September will hurt the Crows, given the goalsneak is a proven big-game performer and has been a match-winner during the team's rise from a 15-placed finish 12 months ago to genuine premiership contention this year. The 25-year-old has averaged 20.5 disposals and booted 31 goals as the Crows locked in their return to finals for the first time since 2017 and seek to break a 27-year premiership drought. More to follow.
BBC News
35 minutes ago
- BBC News
Rugby player forced to retire after suffering 13 concussions
A former rugby player who was forced to give up the sport after suffering repeated concussions has spoken about his struggle with his mental Stephen, 30, started playing rugby in York aged eight, but had to walk away from the game aged 25 after his 13th concussion in three said leaving the sport behind "felt like my whole life had caved in" and he began suffering with migraines, tinnitus, nausea and panic attacks, and was later diagnosed with post-concussion he is raising money and awareness for the York Mind charity as well as encouraging others struggling with their mental health to seek help. Mr Stephen, from York, was playing for Edinburgh Academical when he was given the news he could no longer play contact sports as a result of his repeated head injuries"The last thing you remember was being happy, playing the sport that you love," he said."The next thing you're aware of are bright lights above your head, paramedics are fussing over you, you're strapped to the headboard and you have no idea what's happened."He said he had "no idea" about the effects of concussion and would rush back to playing "as soon as I could".However he said his final concussion resulted in him suffering a seizure on the pitch."I couldn't remember that whole day, but being shown footage of the injury and how severe the incident really started to take a toll on me." He said being told he could no longer play rugby came as a huge blow and had become "the catalyst for things starting to go wrong"."You work so hard to get to a certain level of playing the sport that you love, and you're in your prime," he said."To have that removed in an instant had a real severe impact on me mentally."My migraines started to get so bad I couldn't get out of bed, I had severe tinnitus and nausea every day."I had panic attacks and I'd put on weight, and I was getting three to four hours of sleep maximum."I still wanted to be the Nick that people knew, but I was no longer that person."It was at this point that Mr Stephen's parents called for an ambulance and he was taken into hospital for crisis care."I was given a diagnosis of post-concussion syndrome, which means that the concussion can last for years. And then it all clicked, it all made sense," he said."The doctor said to me, it's like breaking your leg 13 times and expecting it to be the same."If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story you can seek help and support via the BBC's Action line pages Nathan Garbutt-Moore from Wakefield-based charity Second Chance Headway, which supports people with brain injuries, said: "We find that concussion can significantly impact on mental health, leading to a number of problems such as anxiety, depression and PTSD."It is a life changing event. For some people they'll go on to recover within a matter of weeks or months."But for others, they can be left with damage for the rest of their life, so it's important they have the right support in place." Mr Stephen is now aiming to complete a series of three endurance challenges - a 50km ultramarathon, 24 hours of weightlifting and the national three peaks - all within ten days to raise money for York also said he wants to use his experience to encourage others to seek support for their mental health, especially men."Had I sought help a little bit earlier, that intervention could have happened sooner, and things would have never got as bad as they did."I had this image as a bit of a rugby lad, and I didn't really understand it."If someone told me they were struggling, I'd say 'crack on, you'll be fine', and tell them to run it off."But now, I would just encourage young men to come forward, it's the bravest thing you can do." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
