Exeter Cathedral hosts Women's Rugby World Cup opening ceremony
The Bishop of Crediton, the Right Reverend Moira Astin, said: "It's so exciting to have this competition here in Exeter and to meet the women's teams."When I was in my teens and 20s no-one could even contemplate that women would be allowed to play rugby. "It's so wonderful to see women fulfilling their potential in rugby as well as in other sports."The team captains then made speeches thanking the people of Exeter for their welcome.France and Italy will play each other at Sandy Park on Friday.
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Scottish Sun
14 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Man Utd transfer boost with injury to former flop, 32, set to spark £40m Rasmus Hojlund bidding war
RASMUS HOJLUND has attracted huge interest from Napoli after former Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku was ruled out for three months. The reigning Serie A champions have asked about a loan deal for the Denmark striker, who is admired by manager Antonio Conte. 4 Manchester United flop Rasmus Hojlund has attracted interest from Napoli Credit: Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI 4 Napoli are eyeing Hojlund after ex-Man Utd ace Romelu Lukaku was ruled out for three months Credit: Image4 Lukaku got injured during Napoli's pre-season friendly against Olympiacos Credit:It comes hours after fellow Italian side AC Milan officially confirmed their interest in Hojlund, 22, who is open to a move and has been on Fulham's radar. Hojlund was left out of the matchday squad for United's 1-0 home defeat by Arsenal in their season opener on Sunday. It is understood boss Ruben Amorim took the decision amid intense speculation over the striker's future. Benjamin Sesko, who came on as a substitute, is expected to be Amorim's first choice in the position following his recent arrival from RB Leipzig, with Matheus Cunha ideally one of the two No10s in Amorim's system. United are believed to be asking for £40million for the Dane, but they could entertain a loan under the right conditions. Napoli are now considering making a move for Hojlund after Lukaku, 32, limped off the pitch during a pre-season friendly against Olympiacos last week. Ex-Old Trafford flop Lukaku is expected to be sidelined for three months after tearing a muscle in his thigh. Napoli released a statement on Monday, which read: "Following the injury, Romelu Lukaku underwent tests at Pineta Grande Hospital, which revealed a high-grade injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "The Napoli player has already begun rehabilitation and will also undergo surgical consultation." Should Hojlund be brought in to fill Lukaku's place, he'll reunite with former United teammate Scott McTominay, who turned his career around in Italy after signing for £25m. McTominay, 28, has excelled since joining the Naples outfit last summer, winning the Serie A Player of the Year award and a Ballon d'Or nod. Napoli can offer Hojlund European football that the Red Devils can't, with Conte's men competing in the Champions League for a second straight season. Hojlund, who joined for £72m two years ago, was United's main striker last season but scored just 10 goals in 52 games. His debut campaign brought 16 goals after his move from Italian side Atalanta. Teenager Chido Obi, 17, featured for the first team last season although it is unlikely he would be regarded as a regular starter, with his involvement likely to come from the bench. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho has turned down Roma's £20m offer to United, with the winger set to explore other options.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Man Utd transfer boost with injury to former flop, 32, set to spark £40m Rasmus Hojlund bidding war
RASMUS HOJLUND has attracted huge interest from Napoli after former Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku was ruled out for three months. The reigning Serie A champions have asked about a loan deal for the Denmark striker, who is admired by manager Antonio Conte. 4 4 It comes hours after fellow Italian side AC Milan officially confirmed their interest in Hojlund, 22, who is open to a move and has been on Fulham's radar. Hojlund was left out of the matchday squad for United's 1-0 home defeat by Arsenal in their season opener on Sunday. It is understood boss Ruben Amorim took the decision amid intense speculation over the striker's future. Benjamin Sesko, who came on as a substitute, is expected to be Amorim's first choice in the position following his recent arrival from RB Leipzig, with Matheus Cunha ideally one of the two No10s in Amorim's system. United are believed to be asking for £40million for the Dane, but they could entertain a loan under the right conditions. Napoli are now considering making a move for Hojlund after Lukaku, 32, limped off the pitch during a pre-season friendly against Olympiacos last week. Ex-Old Trafford flop Lukaku is expected to be sidelined for three months after tearing a muscle in his thigh. Napoli released a statement on Monday, which read: "Following the injury, Romelu Lukaku underwent tests at Pineta Grande Hospital, which revealed a high-grade injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh. "The Napoli player has already begun rehabilitation and will also undergo surgical consultation." Should Hojlund be brought in to fill Lukaku's place, he'll reunite with former United teammate Scott McTominay, who turned his career around in Italy after signing for £25m. McTominay, 28, has excelled since joining the Naples outfit last summer, winning the Serie A Player of the Year award and a Ballon d'Or nod. Napoli can offer Hojlund European football that the Red Devils can't, with Conte's men competing in the Champions League for a second straight season. Hojlund, who joined for £72m two years ago, was United's main striker last season but scored just 10 goals in 52 games. His debut campaign brought 16 goals after his move from Italian side Atalanta. Teenager Chido Obi, 17, featured for the first team last season although it is unlikely he would be regarded as a regular starter, with his involvement likely to come from the bench. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho has turned down Roma's £20m offer to United, with the winger set to explore other options. 4
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Jannik Sinner's comments to opponent immediately after match revealed by rival
French star Terence Atmane is of the opinion that Jannik Sinner's mental and physical strength is what "sets him apart" from his rivals in the tennis world and cements him as world No. 1 Terence Atmane believes that Jannik Sinner's mental fortitude is what separates him from other tennis superstars, with the Italian encouraging him to maintain his career trajectory in return. The French tennis star went head-to-head with the Wimbledon champion at the Cincinnati Open over the weekend, battling for a spot in the final. Sinner, who was recently left off a list of 'nice players' on the tour, demonstrated his quality as he demolished Atmane in straight sets, 7-6, 6-2. The 23-year-old was left stunned by the Italian's dominance on court, insisting that competing at the elite level demands a "new dimension" of physical and mental stamina. Chatting to L'Equipe following the clash, Atmane disclosed what Sinner told him during a private exchange at the end of the match. "He wished me well, to keep up the momentum, to keep working," he said. "I told him I'll do my best to play him as many times as possible in my career. I'll have to work hard to be at the level of the best." Atmane proceeded to praise Sinner's relentless intensity on court, noting that the tennis star's work ethic is extraordinary, reports the Express. When quizzed about facing the Wimbledon champion, he said: "Tennis-wise, it's still doable. Then, physically and mentally, it takes on a whole new dimension. Simply winning a point requires intense concentration and energy. "I think that's what sets him apart from other players; otherwise, he wouldn't be world number one. Tennis-wise, what he offers is already exceptional. But what he offers mentally and physically is another dimension. "He was better than me from the tiebreak onwards until the end of the match. I didn't start very well with a double fault. He changed his position on the return and it destabilised me on my second, which went long. I missed a return that was within my reach. Then a forehand. "And it was 3-0, and against that kind of player, you can't miss opportunities. I let him get away in the tiebreak and he knew how to seize his opportunities. In the second set, there's nothing to say, he was better than me." In an unusual twist, the pair swapped Pokemon cards as gifts before the semi-final kicked off. Atmane revealed that the decision to gift Sinner a card came "naturally". When asked about the unique exchange, he explained: "I did a Pokémon opening in Toronto with Gaël Monfils and I got a really nice Pikachu. I thought it best symbolised Pokémon, so why not give him a card for his birthday? "I'm happy to give it to him because it's my world, so why not share it with Jannik? It came naturally. I chose the card last night (Friday night) before going to bed. I thought I'd give it to him before the match and wish him good luck in the semi-finals." Sinner is set to face his long-time rival Carlos Alcaraz in the Cincinnati Open final on Monday night, marking the last preparation before the US Open begins on August 24. However, the Italian will start with a mixed doubles match partnering with Katerina Siniakova, against confirmed opponents Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic, which will begin on August 19.
