
Sevens rugby made me as a player... the IRFU's call to axe Men's team is a disgrace, blasts Ulster winger
Zac Ward has branded the IRFU's decision to axe the Men's Sevens team as a 'disgrace' after the governing body delivered the stunning news that it would be discontinuing the programme.
The Ulster winger, who was part of the Ireland squad that competed at the Paris Olympics last year, has added his voice to the criticism levelled at the governing body after its shock announcement.

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BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Leander Club updates code of conduct after claims
A prestigious rowing club says it has updated its code of conduct after being accused of failing to properly investigate sexual assault allegations. Women at the Leander Club, in Henley-on-Thames, walked out over personal safety fears and refused to train with male teammates as a result, an ITV News investigation reported. Both men accused of sexual assault and harassment denied the allegations. In a statement to the BBC, Leander's chairman Pete Bridge said athletes were "at the heart of this club" and that a "strict and confidential process" had been followed "to protect those involved". "We continually review our safeguarding measures and have updated these in line with our ambition to ensure rowing is inclusive and accessible for the next wave of athletes pursuing their dreams of international sporting success," he said. The club has been dubbed a "medal factory" for its record of supplying rowers at the Olympics and Paralympics over the years. But the ITV News report revealed disharmony at the club after two of its male athletes were accused of serious sexual assault and harassment 'Strict procedures' In the first case the club found ''insufficient evidence'' to launch a full disciplinary process, while the second was overturned on appeal. The accused was allowed to return to the club following a short led to female rowers refusing to use the club's gym at the same time as male members and protesting by wearing white ribbons on their response to the report, the club said: "Leander Club takes seriously all issues relating to the safeguarding of our athletes. "We have strict procedures in place to carefully examine any formal complaints and regularly review our club disciplinary processes to ensure they are fit for purpose, treating our athletes fairly and with respect."In addition to an updated code of conduct, we have partnered with a specialist external provider to ensure members of the club know without doubt the standards we expect and the ways to highlight any individual misconduct. "When issues are raised, we will continue to take immediate action where necessary to protect the welfare of our athletes." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.


Reuters
3 hours ago
- Reuters
Guliyev to be stripped of 2012 Olympic medal after CAS dismisses appeal on ban
June 6 (Reuters) - Ekaterina Guliyev is set to lose the 800 metres silver medal she won for Russia at the 2012 Olympics after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed her appeal against a four-year doping ban, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said on Friday. Guliyev, who competed for Russia before switching allegiance to Turkey, was banned for two years in April 2024 for the period from March 2023 for the use of a prohibited substance, with the AIU disqualifying her results from July 17, 2012 until October 20, 2014. The 2012 Olympics were held from July 27-August 12. Competing as Ekaterina Poistogova, she finished third in the 2012 Olympic final. But Guliyev was upgraded to silver when Russian winner Mariya Savinova was found guilty of doping offences, before she herself was also banned for doping. "In reaching its judgement, CAS upheld the decision to disqualify the 34-year-old's results from 17 July 2012 to 20 October 2014, confirming the loss of her reallocated Olympic silver medal," the AIU said in a statement. "World Athletics and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are now proceeding with the next steps." World Athletics' competition department will now disqualify her results and then notify the IOC. The IOC may then proceed with the reallocation of Olympic medals, with Kenyan Pamela Jelimo set to be awarded the silver while American Alysia Montano will be moved up to the bronze medal position. The women's middle distance events at the London Olympics were heavily tainted by doping with two other runners in the 800m final since having had their results voided - Savinova and Russian Elena Arzhakova. Guliyev is one of hundreds of athletes who have been sanctioned following the 'Operation LIMS' investigation into Moscow's anti-doping laboratory which uncovered widespread institutionalised doping.


The Independent
4 hours ago
- The Independent
Los Angeles Olympics bosses speak out on Trump's latest travel ban impact
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