Gloucester to sign ex-London Irish back Loader
Gloucester have agreed to sign former London Irish back Ben Loader this summer.The 26-year-old, who can play at wing or full-back, will move from South African side Stormers in time for the start of next season. Loader moved to the United Rugby Championship club after Irish folded in the summer of 2023 and has made 21 appearances for the Cape Town-based side. The former England youth player played 75 times for London Irish over six years, having come up through the club's academy. "Ben was another player at Irish that was thriving there when they ran into their difficulties," Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington told the club website."He's moved away to a new country and team and used it as an experience to learn and grow and that's been impressive."He's everything you want from a back three player, fast, powerful, agile and his ability to play wing and full-back will be really handy throughout a long season."Gloucester have not disclosed the length of deal Loader has signed at Kingsholm.
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The Guardian
30 minutes ago
- The Guardian
‘I was locked in the bathroom sulking': Temba Bavuma on his path from township to WTC final
'There was always some sort of allegiance with Lord's when we were growing up in Langa,' Temba Bavuma says of his childhood as a township boy living just outside Cape Town. Bavuma, the first black cricketer to captain South Africa, will lead his country against Australia in the World Test Championship final, which begins at Lord's on Wednesday. In the quintessentially English surroundings of Arundel, the 5ft 3in Bavuma looks as if he has gone back to being a kid in the dusty townships. 'In Langa we had a four-way street,' he says, his face crinkling with the memories. 'On the right-hand side of the street the tar wasn't done so nicely and we used to call it Karachi because the ball would bounce funny. The other side was the MCG [Melbourne Cricket Ground] but my favourite section of the street was clean, and done up nicely, and we called it Lord's because it just looked better. So, as a kid of 10, I already had that dream of playing at Lord's.' Bavuma is 35 and he has long carried a burden of responsibility. In 2017 he was the first black South African to be chosen as a Test batter and, six years later, he became even more of a pioneer when appointed captain. He has won eight and drawn one of his nine Tests leading the Proteas. He will soon discuss the odds South Africa have overcome to reach the Test final, ahead of the economic powerhouses India and England, but we linger over the lessons of Langa. The sidestreet nicknamed the MCG was favoured by the older boys. 'I'd be playing against 15-year-olds who preferred it because it had a downhill, which helped them when bowling fast. That's where my competitiveness comes from. Even at 12, you have to front up to the older guys. They're not going to bowl any slower, or give you half-volleys, just because you're younger.' Danger, steeped in South African township life, loomed over those innocent games of cricket. People were murdered in Langa but, as Bavuma says, 'during the day it was OK. It was more at night where all the action happened – if we can call it that. But Langa is rich in its sporting culture and it gave us that space where we found respect and support from the community.' When he was 'around 10' his prodigious talent meant he was offered a scholarship at SACS, one of South Africa's most privileged white schools. 'It was tough integrating within the system, learning and understanding the [white] culture,' Bavuma says, 'but it helped that I came in as a cricketer. In terms of making friends, it was a bit easier. But I had to learn about discipline and etiquette, which are such big things in that culture. 'I also had to learn confidence. Can you imagine taking a child from the township into a system where, basically, everything is there. There were always doubts. Am I good enough to be here? Do I deserve this opportunity? I always felt the need to prove myself.' Bavuma recalls being one of only three black boys at primary school and he would commute every day from Langa to the plush streets in the hushed shadow of Table Mountain. 'As a kid you are quite ignorant,' he says when describing the jolting contrast. 'You see things but it's very hard for you to comprehend – even if the disparity is quite obvious. It would really hit me when SACS played against Langa. At that time Langa was strong in cricket and I would be playing against my friends that I grew up with in the township. 'I would be a SACS boy who'd been there two years. By then you know how to conduct yourself at lunch. You're not going to dish up a big plate whereas my friends from Langa would have huge plates. We'd laugh about it but, when you think about it, the Langa boy would be wondering when is he going to get another opportunity to eat food like that?' When his family moved to Johannesburg, Bavuma transferred to another prestigious school, St David's, which has recently named its cricket ground after him. 'By the time I went to St David's I was one of the boys. I understood the whole culture and I was fluent and confident in English and my studies. But it took time.' It also took Bavuma time to master Test cricket. He was the first black South African to hit a Test hundred, against England in January 2016. Seven years and two months passed before he finally reached his second Test century – 172 against West Indies in March 2023. The key difference was Bavuma had just become South Africa's captain. In that role he has an average of 57.78 with the bat – after seven 50s and three hundreds. Before the captaincy his average was 34.53. 'You obviously grow in confidence,' he says of the improvement. 'The added responsibility as well, getting pushed up the order, is something I thrived on. But most of all I just understand my game and I don't try playing like anyone else.' Michael Vaughan and others have questioned South Africa's presence at Lord's – with the former England captain suggesting that Bavuma's men face Australia 'on the back of beating pretty much nobody' and 'don't warrant being in the World Test Championship final'. This sidesteps the inequalities that mean South Africa have played the fewest Tests in this current cycle. Without the injured Bavuma they sent a skeleton squad to New Zealand, and effectively surrendered that series, as key players were required to play in a domestic Twenty20 competition that brought in desperately needed funds. They needed to win their last seven Tests in a row – beating West Indies away, sweeping a two-match series in Bangladesh and then winning four Tests at home against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. South Africa looked imperious apart from the second innings of the first Test against Pakistan at Centurion. Chasing a modest 148 on a challenging wicket, Bavuma was top scorer with 40 but walked after thinking he had been caught. Back in the pavilion replays showed that he was not out. The Proteas collapsed to 99 for eight and it needed a nervy 51-run partnership between Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen to edge them to victory. Sign up to The Spin Subscribe to our cricket newsletter for our writers' thoughts on the biggest stories and a review of the week's action after newsletter promotion It was the second time that Bavuma had walked at Centurion. 'I thought I'd nicked the ball,' he shrugs. 'I didn't even refer it because maybe there was embarrassment at the shot I played. It was also instinct to just walk. I thought the bowler had gotten the better of me and I'd given away my wicket.' Bavuma spent much of the ensuing run chase in the toilets: 'I was locked in the bathroom, sulking at the shot that I played but also hearing the wickets falling. I was taking a lot of blame as it was a critical situation for the team. As the leader I wanted to take the guys over the line so I was dealing with lots of emotions. But I kept hearing the cheers and saw that KG [Rabada] and Jansen weren't in the changing room. When I peeked out, they were still battling and we needed just 15 runs.' South Africa then won their final match against Pakistan at Newlands by a crushing 10 wickets after Bavuma hit a century. Have the Proteas made a defiant statement by reaching Lord's at a time when Test cricket is slanted against teams outside the big three? 'Yes, definitely. We want to continue staking a claim as one of the top cricketing nations but we can't compete from an economic point of view. The only way we can compete is on the field. Obviously we would love to go the whole way and win because for us to be seen as an attractive nation we've got to keep being competitive.' If South Africa defy expectations, would becoming Test champions be the most significant achievement in their cricket history for, despite coming close in World Cups, they have blown past opportunities? 'I believe so. We shouldn't forget that Graeme Smith's team were World No 1 in 2012 but there wasn't a Test championship then. In the last couple of years we have been knocking on the door. We get into finals, semi-finals and we've been relentless in pursuing something that's been elusive to us – which is silverware. We're going to keep knocking on the door and, at some point, it has to open.' Bavuma acknowledges the size of his team's task against the much more experienced Australians. Batting against their formidable attack means that there is little respite. 'That's always the hardest thing about playing against Australia. It's no different now facing [Pat] Cummins, [Josh] Hazlewood and [Mitchell] Starc. You need to be on top of your game against those guys.' When I interviewed Bavuma previously he admitted that he struggled more against Cummins, his captaincy counterpart, than any other bowler. 'Yes, he's relentless,' he says now. 'He's on that length and keeps coming at you. He's very, very competitive.' In his most recent Test innings, Bavuma scored 106 against Pakistan in January but over the past 18 months he has struggled with elbow and hamstring injuries. He insists he feels fit again, and scored an unbeaten 58 against Zimbabwe in a rain-affected friendly in Arundel last week, but concedes that the vast knowhow and depth of Australia will test his young team. 'When you assess their strengths, that experience is obvious. They've also played a lot and been successful in English conditions. Some of our guys still need to go through that. But that so-called inexperience from our side can also be a strength. The biggest thing with our guys is not to burden them with anything and keep encouraging them to have confidence in the way we've been doing things.' Bavuma regards the last time that South Africa played Australia, in a series defeat in 2022-23, 'as a turning point in my career. That tour was tough for the team. Personally, I managed to get runs but it was inconsequential. I've always been confident in terms of absorbing pressure, but that series made me understand that it's important that you exert pressure and how you go about that. I realised it was a lot about fronting up.' He was made Test captain after that humbling loss to Australia and his influence and his stature has grown considerably since then. But the responsibility bearing down on Bavuma, the little pioneer, is more intense than ever. 'It doesn't get easier,' he says wryly. 'People keep pushing those levels of expectations and you've got to find a way to get mentally stronger. But I'm doing that and I'm still enjoying the game.' In his only other Test at Lord's, in 2017, Bavuma scored 59 in the first innings but England won by 211 runs. 'My memories are not good from the team's perspective as Moeen Ali bowled us out in the second innings. But this game against Australia at Lord's is different. Remembering all that Lord's meant to us in Langa, this is definitely one for me to enjoy and to embrace. It will be a highlight of my career.'
Wales Online
34 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Wales star diagnosed with stage four arthritis and audio reveals what sparked row
Today's rugby news as Wales star diagnosed with stage four arthritis and audio reveals what sparked row The latest rugby news stories from Wales and beyond Wales international Rhys Webb (Image:) Here are your rugby morning headlines for Saturday, June 7. Wales scrum-half told he needs knee replacement Wales international Rhys Webb has revealed he's been diagnosed with Stage four arthritis and told he needs a knee replacement at the age of just 36. Webb suffered with numerous knee problems throughout is career, including undergoing three ACL reconstructions. His rugby career appears over after he was banned for four years in July, 2024 after testing positive for a growth hormone while playing in France. He now lives and works in Dubai and has strongly denied any wrongdoing. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Stage four arthritis is often referred to as severe or advanced stag and is characterized by extensive joint damage and significant limitations in daily activities. This stage involves severe pain, stiffness, and a notable loss of mobility. Posting pictures of him in hospital in Dubai, Webb wrote on social media: "After 3 ACL reconstructions, no meniscus, no cartilage, and battling osteoarthritis for the last 10 years my knee has finally waved the white flag. Over the last few months, it's really gone downhill. Some days I can barely walk properly. "Got it scanned… outcome: Stage 4 arthritis. The knee's had it. A full replacement is needed—but at 36, I'm not ready for that just yet. "So I've gone for one last clean-out. The joint's basically like my dad's old toolbox bolts, screws and all sorts floating around causing pain. Hopefully this gives me another 10 years. That's the target. Then I'll deal with the replacement. "But as you know this won't slow me down. I'm going to smash these next few weeks and get my knee back to the best it can be. This is going to be good "Massive thanks for all your messages it really does mean a lot. I'm all good. Just want to stay fit and healthy so I can keep chasing after my kids." Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below A statement through is lawyer at the time of the ban last year said: "The sanction imposed on Rhys Webb is not final, and we have immediately instructed a lawyer at the Conseil d'Etat to lodge an appeal to overturn the AFLD's decision. "In the meantime, Rhys wishes to reaffirm his innocence, pointing out that he has never undergone any other disciplinary procedure, of any kind, during his long career as a professional athlete and has never used any doping product, growth hormone in particular." The statement went on to identify what Webb and his legal team believe are "incompetencies" in the AFDL's testing process. Ref mic audio reveals unheard comment that led to row Irish pundit and former Dragons head coach Bernard Jackman has revealed new information about the enraged reaction of Munster's Jack Crowley in last weekend's controversial penalty shootout loss to the Sharks. The young fly-half exploded with rage when Sharks and Springboks scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse went down with apparent cramp as Crowley prepared to take a crucial shot at goal during the shootout. Hendrikse winked at Crowley amid the furore as the Irish man complained to the referee and swore at a Sharks member of staff helping to treat the South African player. Now, Jackman has revealed ref mic audio sheds light on a comment made to Crowley ahead of the shootout that appears to have sparked the tense situation. Speaking on the RTÉ Rugby podcast, Jackman revealed he has now been sent audio of the remarks directed at Crowley before his kick. 'I've actually been sent the ref mic audio from earlier on for the first kick and someone says to Jack that he's a 40% kicker,' said Jackman. 'That's obviously why Jack was so fired up. But to be fair, it didn't impact the result — Jack nailed both his kicks, Conor [Murray] got his, and unfortunately Rory [Scannell] didn't.' Jackman wasn't overly impressed with referee Mike Adamson's handling of the whole situation. 'To be honest, the officials are struggling to control things they see every week, so in a shootout that happens once every few years, it was never going to be properly marshalled," he said. 'Scannell was kicking right beside the Sharks' bench — unless they're incredibly disciplined, there's always going to be something said.' Whiffin finds positives in England collapse Wales U20s coach Richard Whiffin said he learned a lot about his young side after their late collapse against England in their first World Championship warm-up match. Just five of the side that beat England in the Six Nations started at Pontypool Park, but Wales still found themselves leading 14-7 at the break. However, five tries in the final 13 minutes saw England win 47-14. "We were decent for the first 50," said Whiffin afterwards. "I thought we managed the game well. "Our kicking game was strong. We won some aerial battles and our set-piece was good. It gave us the opportunity to be right in the hunt. "Then that last 25 minutes, we lacked a bit of energy. The boys looked tired and we coughed up some soft tries, some intercepts, that blew the scoreboard out. "Disappointed with our energy in that back 20 minutes but pleased with what we put on the field in the first 50 minutes. "We controlled the game and probably left a few tries out there. But I was pleased with our half-backs. They put us in the right areas of the field. "Our set-piece dominated really well. It gave us those opportunities to get scores. There's always the other side of the half and we didn't bring the energy we needed in that second-half. "We've seen the first-half group execute the plan really and we've seen guys put their hand up in that space. We've also seen guys struggle at the level. It gives you a good picture of where guys are at and helps with selection." Finn Russell only dealing with cramp as Bath reached final – Johan van Graan By PA Sport Staff Bath head of rugby Johan van Graan reassured Bath supporters that it was 'only cramp' that forced him to replace Finn Russell before the end of their 34-20 Gallagher Premiership play-off victory against Bristol. The British & Lions fly-half kicked four conversions and two penalties in Bath's comeback win that sent them into next weekend's final at Allianz Stadium Twickenham. 'Multiple parts of his body are cramping,' he said. 'He put in some effort, I thought. His goalkicking was phenomenal, the chases that he put in too. He was still cramping in the changing room but there's no reason to suppose he won't be fine. 'It was amazing how many guys on both sides went down with cramp. It just showed the effort that both teams put in. We worked incredibly hard to get into this position, to get back to Twickenham.' He added: 'That's a Premiership semi-final for you. We knew this was going to be a tough game and we picked a 23 that we believe will get the job done. 'I thought at 34-13, we got some momentum but Bristol is a good team. They kept on attacking and it's never dead on 34-20. 'It was some game of rugby. We knew that we were going to be stretched but we actually defended pretty well. 'At half-time we spoke about our game and composure. It shows that we are a team that is fluid and adaptable. We made one or two tactical changes and then our fitness came through, our hunger, our will to win. 'At 13-6 we had a penalty. Many teams would have kicked for the posts but we went straight for the kill and made it 13-0. 'How good was the crowd! They gave us so much energy so we dominated them in the second half. 'I'm incredibly proud of this win and that we did this not only for ourselves but for the city. The people of Bath were amazing tonight.' Bristol were 13-6 in front at the break and it could have been more. The try of the match was scored by their lock James Dun after Fiji wing Kalaveti Ravouvou set off from his own line, leaving four Bath defenders in his wake. Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said: 'Firstly well done to Bath. They've had a phenomenal season and they thoroughly deserve to be there in the final, if you take what they've done throughout the year. 'We got on the wrong foot with the referee at the very beginning when (Ellis Genge) Gengey got pushed and said a few things. We got turned over and the boys were phenomenal in holding them out.' Lam conceded that the third quarter was decisive: 'At 13-6 we missed the kick-off receipt and off the back of that they got down there and scored. 'We missed some high balls and the penalty count was 5-1, 10 minutes after half-time so we were down there again and they scored. The second yellow card on Kieran Marmion was not ideal in terms of our attack shape.' But he added: 'Man, I'm so proud of the boys coming back at the end there. Article continues below 'It was a great game and, as I said, Bath thoroughly deserved their place in the final. Theirs is a really complete game and we wanted to disrupt that. 'Don't get me wrong – we are disappointed but we gave it a really good go and we missed out to a quality team.'
Scottish Sun
40 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Swansea set to have stunning new beachside stadium built with club to leave 21,088-seater current home
The 8,000-seat venue will be built in two phases BEACH LIFE Swansea set to have stunning new beachside stadium built with club to leave 21,088-seater current home Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OSPREYS have unveiled plans for an ambitious makeover of St Helen's stadium. The Swansea-based rugby union side are moving to the beachside venue for next season. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Ospreys are preparing to move to a new home later this year Credit: Reuters 3 Plans have been submitted for a makeover of St Helen's on the city beachfront Credit: Osprey Rugby 3 The rugby and cricket venue is located just off the sand Credit: Alamy Ospreys have been sharing with Championship side Swansea City at the 21,088-seater Liberty Stadium. But they are making the switch to St Helen's midway through the 2025/26 campaign. The venue - which hosts both rugby and cricket - is located just metres from the beach in the Welsh city. And the club are planning an ambitious makeover to create an 8,000-seater hub for elite rugby in the region. READ MORE ON SPORT AZT TO CHANGE World Cup stadium looks unrecognisable with cranes on pitch & seats ripped up Phase one of the work will see a 4G pitch installed with a cover built over the existing terrace. Three new stands will then be built, as well as a new fan zone. Following completion of the ground, state-of-the-art training facilities will follow later. Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley said: "This is a vital step toward bringing our long-term vision to life. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "It reflects our belief not only in the transformation of St Helen's, but in the strength of our future, rooted in Swansea and powered by our supporters. "This is about more than new stands or improved facilities. Shocking moment enormous brawl breaks out in rubgy league after 'horrendous hit' "It's a statement of intent about who we are, where we belong, and where we're going. "Our goal is a world-class home for elite rugby, community sport and shared experiences that inspire pride across the region." The plans come despite Ospreys being in dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union over funding. Bradley added: "We are still talking with the WRU about the situation and if we were not confident of a positive outcome that would make things a lot more difficult. "The fact we are proceeding full steam ahead with the development does shows a level of confidence." Swansea Cricket Club share the St Helen's site and will remain playing at the venue for the 2025 season. As a result, Ospreys will likely not play at the site until at least December.
