
Saracens boss declines to comment as Owen Farrell linked to Premiership return
Saracens boss Mark McCall declined to comment on reports that former club captain and England fly-half Owen Farrell could be eyeing a Gallagher Premiership return.
Farrell left Saracens at the end of last season following a 16-year stint with the Premiership club.
He moved to France and Paris-based Racing 92, but it has proved a testing campaign for him in terms of injuries, while head coach Stuart Lancaster left the Top 14 outfit in January.
Owen Farrell waved goodbye to Saracens last year (Nigel French/PA)
Asked by reporters about any possible Saracens return, rugby director McCall said: 'It's just not worth answering, to be honest, because as far as I know he is under contract at Racing and has a year left.
'There are so many of these stories that come out. As you know from me down the years, there is no point talking about something that is so pie in the sky. It's better for me not to comment.'
McCall did say that he would be surprised if 33-year-old Farrell's rugby future did not lie in coaching.
Saracens themselves are close to appointing a new attack specialist after Kevin Sorrell announced he would leaving the club when the current campaign finishes.
And while McCall said Farrell had not been interviewed for that post, he sees clear coaching credentials in the 112 times-capped ex-England skipper.
I can tell you it won't be him who will be our next attack coach. He hasn't been interviewed
'I would be very surprised if he didn't commit to coaching, to be honest,' McCall added.
'Rugby is in his skin. He has got a great IQ and a passion and love for it, like his dad (Andy Farrell). I would be absolutely amazed if that wasn't what he wanted to do.
'But I can tell you it won't be him who will be our next attack coach. He hasn't been interviewed. He is a player for now, and has 14 months left on his contract with Racing.'
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Irish Independent
3 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Lamine Yamal scores twice as Spain beat France in nine-goal thriller to make Nations League final
The European champions dazzled in the first half of the semi-final at the MHP Arena and raced into a 2-0 lead with fine goals by Nico Williams and Mikel Merino inside 25 minutes. Spain's 17-year-old starlet Yamal then got in on the act to coolly add a third from the penalty spot nine minutes into the second half before his Barcelona teammate Pedri clipped a sublime fourth into the net less than a minute later. The goals continued to flow as France striker Kylian Mbappe also slotted home from the penalty spot near the hour mark before Yamal added Spain's fifth after 67 minutes to cap an exhilarating individual performance. France then mounted an extraordinary comeback as a stunning strike from Rayan Cherki, Dani Vivian's own goal and a Randal Kolo Muani finish caused Spain some late jitters but they held on to book a clash with their Portuguese rivals on Sunday. Spain have been nearly imperious under coach Luis de la Fuente, losing just once in over two years, a run that helped them take home the European Championship title last year with victory over England in the final. Key to De la Fuente's system is his lively wide men Nico Williams and Yamal, and after Mbappe had wasted a golden early chance in Stuttgart and Theo Hernandez crashed an effort against the crossbar, Williams' emphatic finish edged Spain in front. Another fine, flowing move three minutes later resulted in Merino slotting home the second having been picked out by a pinpoint Mikel Oyarzabal pass. It was only the second time France had conceded twice inside the opening half hour of a match during coach Didier Deschamps' 13-year tenure. France continued to create openings but could not make their moments count, with their profligacy proving costly as one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or award, Yamal, fired in from the penalty spot after the teenager had been fouled. Yamal, who already has over 100 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions before he has even turned 18, was equally calm for his second, after Pedro's fine fourth and Mbappe's penalty, poking the ball past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The strike from Olympique Lyonnais' Cherki deserved to be more meaningful, before Vivian's intervention gave Spanish supporters some cause for concern. Substitute Kolo Muani almost took the encounter to extra time in astonishing fashion but it was too little, too late. The striker, however, ensured the enthralling semi-final became the first-ever Nations League match to feature nine goals. It was also the first time France had conceded five times in a match since 1969.

The 42
4 hours ago
- The 42
Do you agree with our Ireland team to face Senegal?
Goalkeeper/defence BRENTFORD'S NEW €21 million signing Caoimhín Kelleher is expected to start for Ireland's upcoming clash against Senegal on Friday, with the other two goalkeepers, Max O'Leary and Josh Keeley, both uncapped. Given that the next two fixtures are friendlies (Ireland travel to face Luxembourg on Tuesday evening), however, it would be no surprise to see one of the stand-ins getting minutes at some point during this window. Unlike Kelleher at Liverpool, both O'Leary and Keeley played regularly this season for Bristol City and Leyton Orient, with the former one of three goalkeepers to play every minute of action in the Championship. Defence is unquestionably where Ireland have the most depth. Heimir Hallgrímsson has employed a four-man backline in recent times and is unlikely to change that policy. Of the eight players he has selected in that area, at least five have a strong case to start. Robbie Brady, recently voted Ireland's Player of the Year, has been a regular at left-back under the Icelandic coach. The 33-year-old is one of only three players selected in the squad who spent last season in the Championship. The fact that he wasn't rested like most of the other EFL-based performers shows how invaluable the Dubliner is considered. Nathan Collins should also feature. Remarkably, the 24-year-old played every minute of Premier League action this year — he is the only outfield player to do so in the top flight. Dara O'Shea may have been part of an Ipswich Town team who were relegated, but he was one of the Tractor Boys' few bright spots, winning the club's player-of-the-year award. It would not be a surprise to see both start at the back tomorrow night, although the intense defensive competition meant that O'Shea was an unused sub for Ireland's last match at home to Bulgaria. Jake O'Brien started that Nations League playoff at centre-half, but he has invariably deputised at right-back for Everton this season, and Hallgrímsson might be tempted to try him out there. Matt Doherty has had a similar trajectory to O'Brien this season at club level — he looked surplus to requirements in the first half of the season, but became a regular as a right-sided centre-back after Vítor Pereira became Wolves manager in December. Liam Scales has had a decent season at Celtic, starting 26 of the club's 38 Scottish Premiership matches, but has not played for the Boys in Green since a costly red card in the 5-0 loss against England, and he may have to settle for a place on the bench again. Similarly, Andrew Omobamidele, who featured 10 times for Strasbourg in Ligue 1 this season, has not featured for Ireland since the 2-0 loss to Greece last September. Others appear to have jumped ahead of him in the pecking order in the interim. In addition, despite the recent setback against Galway, for the most part, Josh Honohan has been excelling in the Premier Division. The Shamrock Rovers left wing-back is not expected to start, but will likely get a debut at some point in this window. Midfield The midfield is less experienced than usual, with the likes of Josh Cullen and Jayson Molumby afforded a rest after an intense season in the Championship. Of the five obvious central options, Jason Knight and Will Smallbone are comfortably the most experienced and will probably play from the outset. Both Killian Phillips and John Joe Patrick Finn are awaiting their debut, while Jack Taylor has three caps. Taylor has played 32 times for Ipswich in the Premier League, though only four of those were starts, so he might revert to his usual impact sub role tomorrow. Knight, like Collins in the top flight, played every minute in the Championship this season — only two other outfield players achieved that feat. The 24-year-old was also involved in the playoffs with Bristol City, so he has not had as lengthy a break as most Championship players leading into this international window. Smallbone didn't have the same luck with injuries, but still managed to feature 18 times for Southampton in the Premier League, though only six of those appearances were starts. Phillips and Finn both had decent seasons. The former played in 35 of St Mirren's 38 Scottish Premiership matches, while the latter wasn't quite as prolific but played 13 times for Reims in Ligue 1 and twice in the relegation playoffs, while he came off the bench in their French Cup final 3-0 defeat to treble winners PSG. Advertisement Wings Ryan Manning impressed and linked up well with Brady during Ireland's 2-1 win in Bulgaria last March. The Galway native, who made 24 Premier League appearances for Southampton this season, was a little unlucky not to retain his starting spot for the return leg. And with both Finn Azaz and Mikey Johnston unavailable for this camp, Manning seems like the natural selection on the left. On the right, it looks like it's a toss-up between Festy Ebosele and Kasey McAteer. McAteer did play 18 times in the Premier League this season for Leicester, though only half of those appearances were starts Ebosele had an injury-interrupted campaign and last appeared for Ireland in the 5-0 Nations League loss to England. The Wexford man made 18 appearances for Watford in the Championship before a January move led to him featuring seven times in the Turkish league for Istanbul Başakşehir. Ebosele is nearly a year younger than McAteer but is slightly more experienced at international level (seven caps to four). So on that basis, the Enniscorthy native may get the nod tomorrow night. Attack There are just three out-and-out strikers in the squad — Evan Ferguson, Troy Parrott and Adam Idah. Hallgrímsson has invariably gone with a two-man attack during his reign, although one of the forwards usually tends to be more withdrawn. Parrott probably is the most natural fit for that number 10 role, so he seems a likely starter on the back of an excellent season, as he managed 20 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions for AZ Alkmaar. The Dubliner is Ireland's only slight doubt for the game — he was ill on Wednesday, but trained today. It then appears to be a tight call between Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah. If you were to base it on form, it would not be a difficult decision. Ferguson had a poor season by his standards, with injuries contributing to his lack of form. He made 21 Premier League appearances, scoring one goal. A truer reflection of the Meath native's campaign, though, can be seen by the fact that he played a total of 388 Premier League minutes for West Ham and Brighton — that's the equivalent of just over four full games out of a possible 38. While Idah is not always assured of his place at Celtic, he had a much better 12 months, albeit at a generally lower level, scoring 20 goals from 53 appearances in all competitions. In the last window, Ferguson was left on the bench for the first Bulgaria game and started the second one. There might be a similar plan this time around. The dilemma is whether Hallgrímsson starts the 20-year-old in the big home game or plays him from the outset in Luxembourg. He is probably more likely to find the net in the away fixture, given the calibre of the opposition, although starting him versus Senegal would also be a confidence boost of sorts, after the season he has had. Either way, both players are expected to get substantial game time in this window. There is also the option of playing Andrew Moran as a 10, although you could also put him deeper, which is where he often featured during his 35 appearances on loan in the Championship with Stoke City this season. Possible Ireland team to face Senegal (4-4-2): Caoimhín Kelleher; Jake O'Brien, Nathan Collins, Dara O'Shea, Robbie Brady; Jason Knight, Will Smallbone, Ryan Manning, Festy Ebosele; Troy Parrott, Evan Ferguson.


The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
David Beckham to finally be awarded knighthood after string of near misses & disappointments over more than a decade
DAVID Beckham is to finally be awarded a knighthood, The Sun can reveal. The footie legend, 50, will become a 'Sir' in the King's Birthday Honours list next week. 8 David Beckham is to finally be awarded a knighthood - with wife Victoria set to be known as Lady Beckham Credit: Getty 8 The ex-England and Man United star has longed for a knighthood for years Credit: PA 8 David has struck up a firm friendship with King Charles Credit: PA His Spice Girl wife Victoria will be known as Lady Beckham. Ex-England and Man United star Becks has longed for a knighthood for years. The news will also bring some joy to the Beckham household amid a rift with their eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Politicians and fellow sports stars have spent years calling for the man known as READ MORE ON DAVID BECKHAM The father of four — who played 115 times for And the monarch dropped a potential hint last month that his wait was coming to an end. Countryside-loving Becks, who is an ambassador of The King's Foundation, was seen Coveted honour He shares a passion for horticulture with Charles and sported the King's rose in his lapel. Most read in Football Charles asked him: 'You got it, didn't you?' Becks replied: 'It was incredible, thank you. It was very kind.' David Beckham meets with King Charles at Chelsea Flower Show Letters inviting recipients to accept honours are sent out weeks in advance - and one may have already landed on David's mat at the time of their chat. He was first put forward for a knighthood in 2011 after helping to secure the London 2012 Olympics. But he was Becks retired from playing in 2013, and his finances were cleared by the taxman at least four years ago - paving the way for him to finally get the coveted honour. Many thought it would finally come in 2022, after he spent 13 hours queuing with the public to But he was again left waiting for the honour. 8 The Beckham household will be glad of the good news amid a rift with their eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz Credit: Getty 8 The Beckhams from left to right: Romeo, Rome's former girlfriend Kim Turnbull, Harper, Victoria, David, Cruz and Cruz's girlfriend Jackie Apostel Credit: Tim Stewart The Sun understands he narrowly missed out on a knighthood in the New Year Honours List published in December last year. Former England football manager Gareth Southgate got the award. David had been He received it from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, watched by proud Victoria, sons Brooklyn and Romeo, and his grandparents. David and his wife — who shot to fame with the Spice Girls before becoming a successful fashion designer — have an estimated combined net worth of £500million. David also has a long history of charitable work, which will have been considered by officials on the Honours Committee. It was inspiring to hear from The King about the work of His Majesty's Foundation David Beckham Last year, he was formally made a charity ambassador by the King, and beekeeper Becks was buzzing with excitement at teaming up with him. Tours of the grounds help to fund workshops and courses in traditional skills and crafts, and the former footie star met woodworking and embroidery students. Becks said at the time: 'I'm excited to be working with The King's Foundation and to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity's work. 8 Former footie ace David played 115 times for England Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 8 David and wife Victoria have an estimated combined net worth of £500million Credit: Instagram "I've always been keen to help young people to expand their horizons and I'm particularly looking forward to supporting the Foundation's education programmes and its efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature. 'Having developed a love for the countryside I'm also on a personal mission to learn more about rural skills which is so central to the Foundation's work. 'It was inspiring to hear from The King about the work of His Majesty's Foundation during my recent In 2020, he teamed up with the Chelsea Pensioners as he backed The Sun's campaign to save the Poppy Appeal amid the devastating Covid lockdown. He said he was 'in awe' of the veterans as he delivered poppies to their London HQ. David added: 'With another lockdown coming it is more important than ever that we support our veterans.' 8 David teamed up with the Chelsea Pensioners as he backed The Sun's campaign to save the Poppy Appeal Credit: The Sun Becks, also dad to son Cruz and daughter Harper, has carried out lots of charity work focusing on children, and was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador 20 years ago. To mark He was also a founding member of the leadership council of charity Malaria No More in 2009, helping to eradicate the disease, even visiting No 10 to highlight the issue. In 2023, he delighted the Brentford Penguins - a football team for children with Down's Syndrome — with a visit to celebrate them winning one of The Sun's Who Cares Wins awards. He took footballing son Romeo with him to lead a surprise training session. The honours will be formally announced later this month. The government does not comment on them beforehand. WINNER ON PITCH AND OFF BECKHAM enjoyed an 18-year career that included winning titles in four countries — England, Spain, the US and France — and made him one of the world's best-known footballers. Some of his most striking moments are: APRIL 1995 : Becks makes his Premier League debut for Manchester United in a 0-0 draw against Leeds. AUGUST 1996 : Scores famous goal from halfway line against Wimbledon. MARCH 1997 : Meets Spice Girl Victoria at an Old Trafford charity match. JANUARY 1998 : Posh and Becks announce their engagement. JUNE 1998 : Plays in his first World Cup with England but is sent off in defeat against Argentina. MARCH 1999 : Has his first child, son Brooklyn, with fiancée Victoria. MAY 1999 : Wins the treble with United as they beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. JULY 1999 : Weds Posh in lavish ceremony in Dublin's Luttrellstown Castle. NOVEMBER 2000 : Named England captain for first time. OCTOBER 2001 : Celebrates as his free-kick goal against Greece takes England to World Cup, left. JUNE 2003 : Joins Real Madrid after falling out of favour with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. JANUARY 2005 : Becomes a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, having previously supported its work for children. MARCH 2005 : Opens his first football academy. JULY 2005 : Helps London to win its bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. JULY 2007 : Joins US side LA Galaxy, before two loan moves to Italian giants AC Milan while in LA. JANUARY 2013 : Joins Paris Saint-Germain, donating wages to kids' charity. MAY 2013: Retires from professional football. FEBRUARY 2015: The 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund is launched to mark his tenth year as goodwill ambassador. JUNE 2024 : Becomes a King's Foundation ambassador.