John Russell not worried despite Sligo Rovers' struggles 14 games into season
Sligo Rovers boss John Russell says he's not worried, despite the fact that the Bit O'Red remain in bottom spot in the Premier Division table, three points off Cork City in second bottom.
But Russell believes he will be able to strengthen his squad somewhat in the summer transfer window, and with long term absentee Wilson Waweru returning to the fold, there will be options off the bench.
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Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
Togetherness key to success for Bath's Van Graan
Bath coach Johann van Graan praised the togetherness of his club after they beat Leicester 23-21 to win the Premiership title for the first time since 1996 on Saturday, three years after finishing bottom of the league. The South African oversaw the turnaround that took Bath to the final last year, before finishing the regular season 11 points clear this year and holding off a late fightback from old rivals Leicester to secure a memorable triumph in the final. "It's for every player, every staff member, everyone involved in the club, and especially the supporters," Van Graan said. "We spoke about connection and what I saw before the game when we got off that bus was one of the best experiences I've had in the game." The victory completed a superb treble this season after Bath earlier bagged the Premiership Cup and European Challenge Cup. "Winning the Challenge Cup was brilliant but at the start of the year the goal was to win the Premiership," said flyhalf Finn Russell. "It's special. This group, the city, the club deserves it. The work we've put in over the last few years and then what we do on the pitch is try to represent the city as best we can. "After last year's defeat, we bounced back really quickly and we managed to get the job done." Russell looked certain to score an interception try in the second half but then threw a pass to supporting Max Ojomoh, drawing gasps from the astonished Twickenham crowd. "He's a kid from Bath that grew up watching his dad (England and Bath flanker Steve) lifting this trophy, Russell said. "Giving him a little bit of limelight in the final was nice." Veteran scrumhalf Ben Spencer, a title winner with Saracens, said: "What we've done this year, to win three trophies like we have, is unbelievable. "When Johann came in, he completely turned this place around. We've got a really good group around him in terms of coaches, in terms of staff and we've gone from there and I think we've gone from strength to strength. "I'm not sure there's enough time to say what he brings. He has an unbelievable ability to stay calm at all times. At halftime he's great and we've had a really good ability to start from zero. "His ability to deal with people - 60-odd players who want to play every week - is amazing. The togetherness and strength of this group is just that - the group." Leicester coach Michael Cheika was proud of his team's effort but, not for the first time, was unhappy with the officials, who heavily penalised his team and sent two players to the sin bin. "The calls through the game went against us, the scrum calls were incredible, honestly, and some of the foul play ones. Dominating like that and getting nothing," said the Australian as his one-season stint came to a frustrating end. "Of course I'm slightly biased, but it was frustrating and when you come out of a final having scored more tries than the opposition it says something. "But I love this group of guys, and love the club and I'm so proud of the players for the way they came in there and stayed in it right to the end. We gave ourselves a chance to win it right at the end, but unfortunately it didn't go our way." Reuters
Irish Independent
10 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Irish rugby player throws his support behind expansion plans at local Wexford club
In 2024, New Ross launched the 300 Club, a fundraising effort with an ambitious development plan to build new dressing rooms and install a 4G pitch. This will cater for the growing numbers and future proof the club for more success down the line, such as that of Tadhg Furlong, the international Irish rugby star who continues to support his local club. Tadhg started playing rugby with New Ross as a mini player in 1998, playing with the u8's despite being a couple of years young for the team at the time. He was always a standout mini player and put in some memorable performances at the various u10 and u12 blitzes that were to follow. His late father James helped to coach these minis teams, offering a wealth of rugby advice that he had built up from playing as a prop himself for the New Ross 1st XV for many years. James is fondly remembered by everyone in New Ross RFC, especially those who were lucky to be part of these mini teams growing up. When Tadhg graduated to youth rugby he continued to stand out, he had settled into life as a tight head prop but also did some lineout throwing, could pass off both sides and had a left boot that many out halves would be proud of. In 2006, when New Ross won the u14 McGowan Cup for the first time in their history, Tadhg played at prop in the final against Edenderry RFC where New Ross came out on top in a 6-0 thriller. Tadhg was now part of a team that knew how to win, and he was usually found leading the way with tackles and strong carries. He made his way up through u16 rugby, always competing at premier division level and becoming a household name amongst many opposing teams. Tadhg played his last season with New Ross in 2009 to 2010, aged 17, whilst also navigating the Leaving Certificate as well as being a Leinster and Irish youth player. New Ross was again victorious in this season, winning the Leinster League u19 Premier Division beating south-east rivals, Enniscorthy, in a 9-8 final win. Tadhg set the standards in this team, but this was also a talented group who were well able to mix it with the best players in Leinster at the time. But for all of his success, Furlong has never forgotten where it all started. 'I think New Ross Rugby Club, the start they gave me, the friends I've made there, what they give from a social aspect to our family as well, it's been a big part of my life,' he added. 'They are proud rugby people in that part of the world.' Tadhg is now a New Ross RFC supporter, and is often on the bank on a Sunday in Southknock, the home of New Ross RFC. The rugby club has continued to grow and is a very different club to the one Tadhg started off in back in 1998, as it now boasts seven minis and 13 youth teams, as well as a senior section with first and second teams for both men and ladies. In April 2025, IRFU president Declan Madden visited New Ross and turned the sod on the new dressing room building. As works are under way, the club is calling for support with their 300 Club fundraising campaign, whereby they seek 300 participants to contribute €30 per month for three years. More information can be found at
RTÉ News
12 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Max Verstappen snaps at 'childish' criticism of his driving
A furious Max Verstappen lashed out at criticism of his driving as "childish, annoying and p****** him off" after his nemesis George Russell beat him to pole position for Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix. Russell snatched top spot with a brilliant final lap at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to leave Verstappen trailing by 0.160 seconds, with McLaren pair Oscar Piastri third and Lando Norris a disappointing seventh. It means Mercedes' Russell and defending champion Verstappen will line up on the front row together, a fortnight after their collision in Spain. Red Bull driver Verstappen accelerated into Russell and was demoted from fifth to 10th by the stewards at the Circuit de Barcelona. He was also hit with three penalty points which leaves him one point away from a race ban. Moments after he landed his second pole in as many years in Montreal, Russell said jovially of his rivalry with Verstappen: "We are mates so we are all good. I've got a few more points on my licence to play with, so let's see." But when the subject arose in the post-qualifying press conference, Verstappen did not see the funny side. "I don't need to hear it again," he said. "It is really p****** me off. You speaking about it on Thursday, it is such a waste of time. It is very childish. "I don't want to say too much because it is really annoying this world that we live in." Russell insisted earlier this week that Verstappen's attempts to "scare" him in Barcelona did not work and he believes a ban for the Dutch driver - if he reaches 12 points - would be justified. On Saturday, Russell continued: "I don't think any driver goes out there looking to crash into somebody and get penalty points on their licence. Max is one of the best and there is no reason for him to race any differently. "But I am not sitting here thinking he will give me more room but probably the opposite to prove a point so I will keep an eye on that. We are here to win and we will not do something which jeopardises the race." Norris is 10 points behind Piastri and his championship challenge has been derailed by errors in qualifying. Here, he made another two when it came to the crunch - aborting the final right-left chicane on his first run in Q3 and then grazing the wall on the exit of Turn 7 with his last effort to leave him seven tenths off the pole pace and four places and half-a-second behind Piastri in the other McLaren. "It is a very easy track to push one per cent too much and pay the price - and that's what happened today," said Norris. "Mistakes have cost me. A podium will be tough because we don't have the pace we have had of the past few races. I am not as confident as in other places but I am confident we can go forward but it will be a struggle." Kimi Antonelli will line up from fourth for Mercedes, one place ahead of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton. Charles Leclerc made an error on his last lap and is eighth on the grid.
