Kenny 'worry' over future of Commonwealth Games
Dame Laura Kenny says "there is a worry" over the future of the Commonwealth Games but hopes next year's event in Glasgow proves it is still "viable".Glasgow stepped in to host a scaled-down version of the 2026 Games after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew last year because of rising costs."There is a worry," said Kenny, who was this week appointed Commonwealth Games England (CGE) president. "You have to worry and be a bit concerned."I'm just hoping that all the research they are putting into how to make it better and what they can do to attract hosts will actually work."I hope that everything they put in will validate that it is still a key event."Bids from Kuala Lumpur, Cardiff, Calgary, Edmonton and Adelaide to host the 2026 Games were withdrawn because of concerns over costs, leaving it without a host until Victoria stepped in in 2023.Five-time Olympic track cycling champion Kenny told Radio 4's Today programme: "I feel so grateful to Glasgow for putting their hands up and saying they will have it."It's gutting for some sports because it is a slimmed-down version. Initially when there was no host, I was a bit nervous and I was a bit worried that it might not be a thing any more."The Commonwealth Games are now looking into the structure of it, how they can improve it, how they can make it more accessible, make it bigger and better so that hosts step forward."I really hope it goes was well as it went when Glasgow had it before (in 2014) and then they can see it is still viable and a really good sporting event that everyone loves."The Commonwealth Games was first staged in 1930, when it was known as the British Empire Games.The 2030 Games will be held in Hamilton in Canada.
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Wales Online
33 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Lions make shock new call-up and All Blacks legend dies
Today's rugby news as Lions make shock new call-up and All Blacks legend dies The latest rugby news stories from around the world today Sale Sharks' Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Image: 2025 CameraSport ) These are your rugby headlines on the morning of Monday, June 9. Lions make shock call-up Sale's tight-head prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour has been called up to train with the Lions squad, it has been reported. The 20-year-old has only played once for England and is a shock addition to Andy Farrell's party, according to the BBC, as they head to Portugal for a training camp ahead of facing Argentina in Dublin prior to the tour of Australia. It follows news that former England captain Jamie George has also been drafted in to plug holes in the squad. The Lions are without 16 players currently who are all playing in end-of-season finals next weekend and are set to be left out of that warm-up match against the Pumas in 11 days' time. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Tighthead prop is one of the big issues, with Leinster's Tadhg Furlong and Bath's Will Stuart unavailable, while Scotland and Glasgow's Zander Fagerson is recovering from a calf strain and hasn't played any rugby since April. Opoku-Fordjour has been one of the breakthrough players of the season and was nominated for the Gallagher Premiership Player of the Season award. Article continues below All Blacks legend dies All Blacks legend Stu Wilson has died in his sleep at the age of 70. Wilson played wing for New Zealand from 1976 to 1983, scoring 19 Test tries for his country and played a crucial role in two series victories over the British & Irish Lions in 1977 and 1983. He was also a Wellington legend where he scored 54 tries in 89 matches before becoming a well-respected broadcaster after retiring. Wilson was also a key member of New Zealand's 1978 grand slam tour where they beat England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The victory over Wales in Cardiff is still mired in controversy because with just seconds remaning the hosts led 12-10 before Andy Haden infamously jumped out of the lineout. This led to English referee Roger Quittenton to award a penalty for the All Blacks which allowed Brian McKechnie to kick the winning points which broke Welsh hearts. At one stage Wilson held the record for most tries scored in a Test match for the All Blacks before he was overtaken by the legendary Sir John Kirwan in 1988. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free 'When I started playing, Stu was the benchmark in world wing play," Australian legend David Campese told Planet Rugby. "He was the man we all wanted to be – cocky, clever, blisteringly quick and brilliantly intelligent. As a player, Stu made rugby look easy and earned huge respect as captain in 1983. "He had a swerve to beat anyone, extreme pace, intellect and power, able to break through tacklers, making him a try-scoring machine. 'I made my debut against him in 1982 in the Bledisloe in Christchurch and grabbed my first Test try against him. "We became very great pals, playing together in invitation games. I still have his jersey from that first Test match and it's one of my most cherished possessions as he represented the standard I wanted to attain." Rugby chief quits overnight By PA Sport Staff New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chief executive Mark Robinson has resigned and will officially leave his post at the end of 2025, the organisation has announced. NZR chairman David Kirk thanked Robinson for his 'great service' to the organisation and the sport over six years. 'On behalf of the Board, I'd like to recognise Mark for his great service to NZR and the sport,' he said in a statement. 'He has led with a passion for rugby and we thank him for his commitment over the past six years. 'Mark has driven significant change, both in New Zealand and internationally, and the Board believes the organisation is well-placed to capitalise on this. Of note was his leadership through a global pandemic that saw the game deal with an unprecedented crisis.' He added: 'Mark will continue to lead for the remainder of the year as we conclude key projects, and the Board will now commence recruitment for the new role.' In a statement, Robinson said he was leaving the role to join his wife and children, who have relocated to Australia. 'My family have been based in Australia for the last few months with all three of my children studying there,' he said. 'My wife is already there supporting them and, ultimately, I will be joining them early next year. 'The past six years have been a period of rapid change, or unprecedented challenges through the pandemic, and significant evolution across commercial, competitions and structures. I will reflect on that as I get closer to stepping away, but I firmly believe the foundations of our organisation are extremely strong and the game is well-placed for the future. 'Our vision is to inspire and unify through rugby and that opportunity has been an easy motivator for me every single day, from the community game right through to the international level.' The 51-year-old called his tenure a 'privilege' and said his focus was on 'supporting the Board and leading the organisation through a pivotal year, including ensuring the Black Ferns have the support they need to defend the Rugby World Cup in England'. He added: 'We also remain focused on implementing a new financial model for the game in New Zealand and completing the remaining work on what will be an exciting future international calendar.' Robinson took up the role in January 2020, having previously served on the organisation's board for seven years. His playing career included nine Tests for the All Blacks between 2000 and 2002 and appearances for the Bristol Bears and Japanese side Kobelco Steelers. Anscombe signs off Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe has signed off on his time at Gloucester ahead of his new adventure to France. Anscombe spent one season playing in front of The Shed at Kingsholm and heads off to join French side Bayonne for the 2025/26 campaign. His combination with fellow Welshman Tomos Williams in the nine-10 axis was a roaring success but the 33-year-old has decided to move on to pastures new. "Loved my time down at @officialgloucesterrugby for the year, the support we got every time at holm was something special," he wrote on Instagram." "Many thanks to everyone I met along the way, most of all the lads, made some great mates along the way and I'm going to enjoy watching the youngsters tear it up over the next few years. "Bit of down time now and then it's on to France." Bayonne said in a statement last month: "Having played for the Auckland Blues, the Chiefs, and Gloucester, Gareth will bring his experience to our talented line-up. "Gareth Anscombe has also played in two Rugby World Cups for Wales! He will join the club for one season." O'Gara points finger at himself Ronan O'Gara admitted "the main culprit is me" after La Rochelle failed to reach the end-of-season play-offs. This is the first season in his tenure they haven't made the business end knockouts and the Irishman was clear where the blame should lie. An 18-32 defeat to Pau on Saturday meant they slipped out of the top six, finishing the campaign in seventh. O'Gara admitted: 'The coach was especially missing. We talk about discipline all week, but when the coach is suspended, he can't have any impact. The main culprit is me. I'm frustrated, angry, disappointed. And I'm sad for the fans after all the bad games they have had. I'm sad for Brice (Dulin), I'm very sad for Tawera (Kerr-Barlow). He deserves much more than this.' He added: 'I didn't expect that. I ask myself: how can you play like that in a match of this importance? It was more like the team of February or March than the one of the last few weeks. Article continues below 'There was a lot of hesitation at every level when it came to running, kicking, passing… We had won five matches in a row to secure a place (in the top six) and it was as if we thought we were going to arrive and get the job done. But sport, fortunately or unfortunately, isn't like that… Congratulations to Pau.'
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
I trained with Olympians at a luxury resort — it wasn't what I expected
I've woken up in Turkey with the blazing sun giving me a false sense of hope. I won't be grabbing a flamingo floaty and wearing a bikini. Instead, I'm in workout clothes to begin four days of gruelling training with Olympic champions at the ultra-luxurious, all-inclusive Anda Barut resort in Didim, on western Turkey's Aegean coast. Can these decorated sporting giants whip me into shape? They'll certainly deserve a medal for trying. I ease into the week with a walk alongside former decathlete Daley Thompson. We chat as we stroll just outside the grounds of the hotel, feeling dwarfed by its size — and the challenges that await me over the next seven days. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. 'I am slowing down because I used to do all the running,' Daley laughs as Paula Radcliffe's running group sprints past us. I make a mental note that, in a day or two, that will be me. Now that my legs are stretched, I'm feeling ready for my next class: Fitsteps with Ian Waite. A Strictly pro I am not, but I've always thought of myself as a good dancer. However, I was truly humbled after doing the Samba Whisk to Olly Murs for 45 minutes. I have a newfound appreciation of ballroom dancers. With all that moving and shaking, it's time for a refreshing iced vanilla latte with a sea view, but my moment of calm is interrupted by the booming voice of JE Thrive hosting their boxercise class nearby. Hearing what I'm going to be in for has put the fear of God into me, but I will rise to the challenge when the time comes. For now, I'm getting myself ready for a yoga class with the charming Leon Taylor. I've never quite managed to master the crow pose, but with Leon on my side, I have hope. I'm not perfect, but I feel like I'm getting the hang of it and, honestly, it's quite satisfying looking to my left and seeing the accomplished James Jordan struggling to keep his balance as a tree. With day one over, it's time to enjoy a dreamy dinner at the beachfront Mansion restaurant, but it'll be an early night as tomorrow, I'll be taking on the 5km run I've been dreading. It's only 8am, but it already feels like it's 30 degrees, and I'm concerned about how long I'm going to last in this heat; the Gate of Sun meeting point makes sense, now. I start strong up front with sprinters Paula Radcliffe and Dame Jessica, but it doesn't take long for me to fall back as we run around the bay of the Delice Peninsula. The blazing heat is getting the best of me, but I make it back to camp surprised at how much I genuinely enjoyed putting myself through a new challenge. I'm struggling to breathe, so it's time to stop and refuel on post-workout shakes and snacks with Chris Baber. The protein blueberry and chia smoothie goes down a treat. My action-packed morning continues with James and Ola Jordan's Dance Shred in the outdoor fitness space. Their class works every part of my core, and by the end, I'm starting to feel the burn, which can only be a good thing, I think. In the evening, I attend a glamorous cocktail party, dine with the athletes at the generous Zestful Bazaar buffet and manage to catch up with other retreaters, many of whom are regular guests on 'body' holidays. It's inspiring that some of them are twice my age, and I think, if they can do it, I can too. I slept like a baby, but every muscle in my body is on fire. Even sitting down makes me wince. Still, I'm not stopping now, and on the schedule this morning is the Sea Front Circuits. How bad could they be? 'I'm going to f**k you up,' Thompson barks at the large group of us standing in a huge circle at the Gate of Sun overlooking the Aegean Sea. Hundreds of sit-ups later, it's punishing, but the Sea Front Circuits have been my favourite activity so far. It feels like a warped school sports day for adults. At this point, I need some inspiration and ask Dame Jessica if she can share some wisdom. 'I'm more of a speed-based athlete, so the endurance side can be quite challenging,' she reassures me. 'Some people play a 5k down, but actually it's a hard distance. The key is just to build it up naturally. 'Be kind to yourself. Recovery and listening to your body are important.' With her words of encouragement, I'm all pumped up to attempt boxercise for the first time, undeterred from overhearing JE Thrive on day one. I give it my best shot and surprise myself with my strength as I channel Rocky Balboa. Sore from boxing, dancing, running and circuit-training, I dedicate the rest of the day to recovery, taking on board Dame Jessica's advice with the gorgeous surroundings of Anda Barut my playground — a grilled sea bream fillet at the Fish Camp is coming right up. It's my final day at Anda Barut, so I take it easy with one last yoga class and finally enjoy the highly-recommended spa while reflecting on all I've experienced over the past few days. I never thought I could enjoy working out as much as I have in Turkey, but perhaps the most shocking part is how welcoming everyone has been at the retreat. I've stumbled across the most supportive community. Is four days of training enough to change your whole outlook? In my case, yes, because it was a total shock to the system. It was humbling to meet these greats of sports, and their words of encouragement and golden tips will stay with me forever. More Trending Yes, it was exhausting and daunting. At times, it was painful. But it has changed my attitude towards healthy eating and keeping fit. Now, I want to exercise, rather than feeling like I have to. You never know if a holiday romance is legit until you leave the resort bubble and get back home. Well, I think this one is the real deal because, not long after I land, I sign up for my local Parkrun. Wellness Week has certainly changed my perspective on fitness, and I'm not mad at it at all. The closest airport to Anda Barut is Bodrum. Direct flights run from the UK, from London, Liverpool, Bristol and Manchester, with prices starting from £89 return in July. Alicia Adejobi was a guest of Anda Barut Collection and the Bayou Villas. For more information on Wellness Week 2026, visit their website. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. 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Belfast Telegraph
10 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Donemana finish on right side of last-over drama to progress to Quarter-Finals in Irish Senior Cup
Needing five off the last over, Jotin cleared the ropes to finish unbeaten on 77 as they chased 223. He shared a fourth wicket stand of 71 with Irish international Andy McBrine (35), and when David O'Sullivan hit three sixes in a quickfire 27, it looked as if they would win comfortably. Merrion captain Max Sorensen had other ideas, and his five-wicket haul set up a tense finale that Donemana edged. Earlier, Merrion's Australian professional Connor Blaxall-Hill top-scored with 109, adding 143 for the third wicket with John Anderson (64), but their middle and late-order has been their Achilles' heel and they failed to fire in the latter stages – all out for 222. That was to prove their downfall. Lisburn and CIYMS made it three NI-based sides in the Quarter-Finals after they beat CSNI and Railway Union respectively. Lisburn were in early trouble in the all-NCU clash, with Sean Davey's opening spell having them in trouble at 61 for four. Not for the first time in the 2025 season, Neil Whitworth and Nigel Jones got them out of a sticky situation in a fifth wicket stand worth 65. Jones top-scored with 43, while Whitworth made 34 in a total of 180. It may not have looked too many, but an hour into the CSNI reply and they had stumbled to 55 for nine. Josh Manley claimed a five-wicket haul, and there were two apiece for Ryan MacBeth and Adam Kennedy. Paddy Beverland hit three sixes in a defiant 43 but it was all in vain as Lisburn won by 77 runs. CIYMS produced a fine all-round display to oust Railway Union. Herman Rolfes hit eight fours and two sixes in a fine unbeaten 98 that propelled the Belmont side to 252 for six in 41 overs. There were runs, too, for Chris Dougherty (53), Jack Beattie (30) and Carson McCullough (28). The Dublin side looked threatening as opener Hedayat Khogiana thumped 11 fours and four sixes in a 79-ball century, adding 116 for the second wicket with Irish youth international Robert O'Brien. It was very much in the balance at 161 for one in the 27th over, but teenage spinner Alex Armstrong broke the stand and went on to claim a five-wicket haul that included Ireland World Cup hero Kevin O'Brien in a 49-run win. Instonians bowed out at Pembroke despite the hosts missing no fewer than six Irish internationals. It was a seventh Andrew Balbirnie – surplus to requirements in T20Is – that was to be the match-winner. He survived an early lbw call to go on to make 118 (six fours, five sixes), sharing an opening stand of 102 with JJ Garth (40) as the hosts made 261 for seven. The Shaw's Bridge reply was poor as they slumped to 115 for nine, given some respectability by a last wicket partnership of 50 between James Lambert (31 not out) and James Magee (20). Coleraine must have thought they were in with a real chance against five-time winners North County after scoring 237 for three in 44 overs. Louren Steenkamp made an even-time unbeaten 134 that included nine fours and six sixes, adding 177 in 30 overs with former Irish international David Cooke. Brian Dunphy (86) and Jamie Grassi (79 not out) shared a match-winning fourth wicket stand of 156 to deny the Bannsiders. Carrickfergus won a last-ball thriller at home to Fox Lodge to be the only NCU representative in the last-eight of the National Cup, while Isaac Bird scored 121 as Ballyspallen beat tournament favourites The Hills and Glendermott won a low-scoring game at St Johnston. Meanwhile, Harry Brook's golden touch as England's white-ball captain continued as his side chased down 197 to clinch the T20 series with a four-wicket win over the West Indies in Bristol. Brook has now won all five games since taking over from Jos Buttler and has the chance to match the 3-0 ODI whitewash in Southampton on Tuesday.
