Gay surfer Wright to compete in UAE after assurances of safety
MELBOURNE, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Twice world champion Tyler Wright will compete in the Abu Dhabi surfing event after seeking assurances from organisers that she will be in a "safe environment" as a gay athlete.
Homosexuality is illegal in the United Arab Emirates and sexual activity between people of the same sex is punishable by imprisonment.
"I've been working with the appropriate teams in the UAE as well as the WSL (World Surf League) and am assured that I will be competing in a welcoming and safe environment," Australian Wright said on Instagram.
The WSL confirmed last year it would add Abu Dhabi to the pro surfing calendar for the first time, prompting criticism from Wright's wife and brother.
The men's event started in Abu Dhabi's huge artificial wave pool on Friday. The women's competition starts on Saturday.
The 75,000-square metre pool uses the same technology as California's Surf Ranch, developed with 11-time world champion Kelly Slater, which has hosted several world tour surfing events to mixed reviews.
Wright won the season-opening Pipe Pro in Hawaii.
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Wales Online
an hour 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.'
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Jannik Sinner suffers ‘Roger Federer curse' as French Open final fan repeats fateful gesture six years on
SOME FING STRANGE Jannik Sinner suffers 'Roger Federer curse' as French Open final fan repeats fateful gesture six years on Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JANNIK SINNER had two hands on the French Open crown - or at least nine fingers... But fans reckon he was then hit by the very same curse that struck Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final six years ago. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Jannik Sinner reflects on Carlos Alcaraz storming back to win Credit: Reuters 5 Roger Federer likewise blew match points against Novak Djokovic Credit: Getty Nothing less than that of "The Cursed Finger". Sinner was leading Carlos Alcaraz 2-1 in sets and 5-3 in the fourth, before earning three match points at love-40 on the Spaniard's serve. And it was then that some Sinner fans gleefully raised a finger in anticipation of the World No1 clinching his first Roland Garros title. That's also what happened to Federer in the SW19 seats when he had two match points on his own serve against big rival Novak Djokovic back in 2019. READ MORE ON JANNIK SINNER DEADLY SIN Sinner in sportsmanship fail as French Open final gesture to Alcaraz backfires Both times fingers went up. Both times fortunes went down for the man on top. Djokovic clinched a five-set epic, then Alcaraz did just that too on Sunday - retaining his French crown via the longest-ever Roland Garros final. And fans couldn't resist making creepy comparisons. One wrote: "If it's not a cursed finger again" - followed by crying-with-laughter emojis. 5 Haunted history repeated itself as fans celebrated too early in two Grand Slam finals six years apart BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Others taunted Sinner fans - as their hero went on to lose 4-6 6-7 6-4 7-6 7-6 in five hours and 29 minutes. The 23-year-old might also have thought the spirits were against him for another reason. Novak Djokovic digs out French Open rival for 'spying' on him and seeing Champions League trophy He sportingly gave up a point in the fourth point after telling the chair umpire an Alcaraz shot had wrongly been called out. But replays showed line judges had been right to call it long. Three-time Slam winner Sinner admitted afterwards it was tough to speak after losing from such a strong position. The rueful runner-up said: "It's easier to play than talk now. "I'm still happy with this trophy - I won't sleep very well tonight but it is OK." Meanwhile, Alcaraz praised his beaten rival - perhaps knowing the pair are way ahead of the world's rest in the men's game. He told Sinner: "The level you have is amazing. "It is a privilege to share a court with you in every tournament and in making history." 5 Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Scotland boss Steve Clarke says he's ‘suited to getting all the stick' and not being loved ‘doesn't bother him'
Clarke also opened up on replacing a major departure in his Scotland set-up STE ABOUT THAT Scotland boss Steve Clarke says he's 'suited to getting all the stick' and not being loved 'doesn't bother him' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STEVE CLARKE isn't feeling much love from the Tartan Army these days. But the Scotland boss insists he has never been the type to bother too much about popularity contests. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Steve Clarke says he doesn't mind getting stick from supporters Credit: Kenny Ramsay 4 Clarke's Scotland side went down 3-1 to Iceland at Hampden on Friday Credit: Reuters 4 The boss says he's grateful for the chance to put things right against Liechtenstein Credit: PA Gaffer Steve Clarke has spent the weekend poring over the 3-1 defeat to Iceland that saw Scotland make it ten home friendlies without a win. With the vital World Cup qualifiers looming in September, punters are fast losing faith that the national team have any chance of reaching the finals. Clarke admits his side are 'fortunate' to have the chance to rectify Friday's performance so quickly when they face Liechtenstein tomorrow night. But he is willing to take the flak and has full faith Scotland can put things right before the competitive action finally kicks off again. Clarke said: 'As fast as the game goes, you have to recover. Football's never smooth. 'We're fortunate we have a game to put things right. 'I try to be very measured in my approach to football and I try to be very measured in my approach to life. 'I've done alright. I'm over 60 now. I'm still involved in the game. 'So I must have a fair idea of how to deal with the disappointments and how to deal with the highs as well because football, and especially club football, can be week to week — one minute up then one minute down. 'It's a little bit like that in international football but it's more spread out and you have to learn how to deal with it. Scotland fans need to STOP booing Steve Clarke and his players says Kris Boyd 'I think my character is quite suited to being the guy that gets all the stick. 'Everybody likes to be loved, but I'm very good at not going on social media. 'You get a general feel for what's happening in the world of football, but that doesn't bother me too much.' Clarke will end the season by saying goodbye to trusted No 2 John Carver over in Liechtenstein. The friendly in Vaduz is set to be 60-year-old Carver's last in the Scotland coaching set-up after five years alongside Clarke. The Geordie has pledged his future to Polish side Lechia Gdansk, who he's just saved from relegation in Poland's top league — a feat that saw him nominated for the Ekstraklasa Coach of the Season Award. Clarke was reluctant to go into detail about it — but says he has 'lots' of candidates as a potential replacement to work alongside Alan Irvine and goalie coach Chris Woods. Clarke said: 'It will possibly be John's last game with us. We'll decide. 'Me and John will have a good chat after the game and we'll decide what happens going forward. 'If he were to leave us I have lots of people in mind to come in. 4 John Carver is set to leave his role as Clarke's no.2 Credit: Kenny Ramsay 'I'd rather not talk about it now because we just want to concentrate on the game we have in Liechtenstein. We'll talk about it after that.' The sloppiness of the goals Scotland are losing are a concern — but he exonerated rookie keeper Cieran Slicker from blame for the Iceland opener. He admitted: 'I think we could have defended set plays a little bit better. 'We've been fantastic with set-plays but if you look at the goals we conceded on Friday they didn't do what we've been doing over the last four or five years — since Austin MacPhee came in and set us a way of defending set plays. 'The first one comes from a clearance on Cieran's weaker foot that doesn't quite clear the boy in midfield. 'When the ball comes back, we allow the striker to turn and shoot, and nobody was saving that shot because it was a great finish. That's just the way it is. 'The second goal was a ball into the box that we simply didn't deal with inside the six-yard box. 'If you say that Scotland will touch the ball four or five times without any Iceland players touching the ball and it ends up in the back of the net, that has to be a disappointment. 'And at the third goal, the line didn't drop properly and it didn't drop cohesively. 'Those are things that we've always worked on and normally we're very good at, so that was disappointing. 'We've been fantastic at defending set plays for a number of years. They're just 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 per cent down on their concentration, on their application of what we ask them to do. 'And when that happens it shows you can be punished. Scott McTominay's career Born in Lancaster on December 8, 1996 Joined the Manchester United youth system aged five and signed his first professional contract in 2013 Made his Premier League debut against Arsenal in May 2017 McTominay went on to win Carabao Cup and FA Cup with Man Utd Made 255 appearances and scored 29 goals for the Red Devils McTominay joined Napoli in August for £25.7million Born in England, he qualified for Scotland through his dad who's from Helensburgh McTominay was called-up by Scotland in March 2018 and has gone on to become a huge Hampden favourite He was part of the squad at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 He won his 50th cap while playing against Germany at Euro 2024 McTominay has scored some huge goals for Scotland, including an injury-time winner against Israel and his famous double in the 2-0 win over Spain in Glasgow 'It's very difficult for me to tell because I can't get inside their heads. 'Obviously we've touched on what happened with Cieran. 'Listen, everybody makes a big thing about Cieran. But if you play a young goalkeeper, there's a chance he'll make mistakes. 'I've already touched on the fact that defensively we should have dealt with the two set plays much better than we did. 'Cieran's a good goalkeeper. He trains well, he works well in the camp when he's in. He's just had an unfortunate night. 'He'll bounce back from it, and he'll do well at his club. 'He needs to play more regular games and he obviously knows that. But he's got a big future in front of him.' Scott McTominay and Kieran Tierney weren't on the SFA charter which eventually touched down at Friedrichshafen Airport in Germany last night, an hour north of Vaduz. The travelling party's departure from Scotland was delayed by the late arrival of their aircraft. Clarke said: 'Scott and Kieran both came into this camp carrying some little issues from the season. 'I think if we'd had a longer turnaround between the Iceland and Liechtenstein games they might have had a chance, but this is the end of season for those two. 'The most important thing is to have a good rest over the summer and come back flying in the autumn.' Now Ipswich frontman George Hirst could get another run-out tonight. Clarke added: 'He caught my eye. He had a chance with a header that was probably just too high for him. 'He had a good shot that the goalkeeper made a fantastic save from in the first half. 'He had a good header that the goalkeeper made a fantastic save from in the second half. 'He was on the spot for the tap-in off the goalkeeper was just offside. 'Then Lennon Miller was another who went on and did OK as well.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
