Latest news with #BenettonTreviso
BBC News
5 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Samoa call up one-cap England back Umaga
Former Wasps fly-half Jacob Umaga, who was capped by England in 2021, has been called up by Samoa for the first 26-year-old moved to Italian side Benetton Treviso when Wasps went bust in 2022, helping them to finish 10th in the United Rugby Championship this initially brought into former coach Eddie Jones' England squad as an apprentice player during the 2020 Six Nations, came off the bench to win his only senior cap in the 43-29 win over the United States in July 2021.A change to World Rugby's rules in 2022 allows players to represent a second nation at international level after three years out of the Test was born in Halifax after his father Mike, a Samoa international, moved to England to play rugby league. Mike later switched codes to play union for Umaga, the legendary New Zealand centre, is Jacob's is part of a 35-strong squad that will prepare for Samoa's July Test against Scotland in Auckland, New Zealand, and August's Pacific Nations Cup campaign.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Treviso's Pre-Draft Camp Proves Vital For NBA Teams
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being ... More drafted eleventh overall by the Charlotte Hornets during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Every year, NBA executives flock to Treviso, Italy for pre-draft activities, specifically to observe players who may not have been available during the pre-draft camp in Chicago. This happens with high regularity, seeing as European players are often with their clubs late into the season, meaning scouts and interested parties use this as an opportunity to get a proper look at some of the prospects. Founded in 1954, Treviso has a strong basketball fan base, having had a top-division club, Benetton Treviso, for over 50 years. The club was home to several notable former NBA players, including Toni Kukoč, Andrea Bargnani, Brian Scalabrine, Jorge Garbajosa and Boštjan Nachbar, as well as former NBA coaches like Mike D'Antoni and Željko Obradović. In 2012, Benetton Treviso folded its professional team, choosing instead to focus exclusively on youth development. The club's relationship with the NBA began in the 1980's when the city hosted the first-ever NBA game in Italy as the Seattle SuperSonics faced the local club on August 29, 1984. Kukoč returned to the city in 2001, as Treviso hosted the first-ever Basketball Without Borders (BWB) camp, which has since become a stable within the NBA. BWB has become the NBA, and FIBA's, global basketball development and community outreach program for elite-level prospects outside of the United States. Typically, the NBA and FIBA host four BWB camps each summer for top male and female prospects from their respective regions (Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa), and then BWB Global camps at NBA and WNBA All-Star for top prospects around the world. Since 2001, the camp has reached more than 4,600 attendees from 144 countries and territories, with 132 former campers advancing to the NBA and WNBA. Notable alumni include Pascal Siakam, Joel Embiid and Jamal Murray, not to mention recently-crowned MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. (Gilgeous-Alexander will be joined on court by five other BWB alumni throughout the NBA Finals in Siakam, Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, Bennedict Mathurin, and Andrew Nembhard.) I had the chance to interview Troy Justice, NBA Senior Vice President, International Basketball Operations, on the importance of the Treviso camp, seen through the lens of NBA teams. In regards to the pre-draft camp in Treviso, could you attach some words to the importance of NBA teams getting a chance to speak with these players, and getting to know them first-hand? 'It's incredibly important. The players who attended the pre-Draft camp in Treviso weren't able to attend the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago due to the fact that they're still competing in their respective international leagues. The camp in Treviso allows them to go through the same athletic testing as the other Draft-eligible prospects, and as you said, speak directly with NBA teams. There's a lot that goes into evaluating players – not just their ability on the court but who they are as people, teammates and leaders, and bringing these prospects to Treviso is a critical component of the pre-Draft process.' From a macro perspective, the game has evolved a lot in recent years. Movement, shot distribution, positionless basketball, all of it has developed through the mix of international and American players both learning, and sharing their tendencies. Was this something the league saw coming 20 years ago, and what are your thoughts on the current state of the game, given the above-mentioned evolution? 'I'm not sure anyone could have foreseen just how global the game has become. A lot of the credit goes to David Stern, who saw the potential for basketball to be a truly global sport. As far as the current state of the game – I don't think there has ever been more talent leaguewide than there is today, and that's in large part because the level of international talent is at an all-time high. Every player – international and American – brings their own unique style and flair, and it has created an incredible on-court product that will be on full display in these Finals.' Leah MacNab, NBA Senior Vice President, International Strategy & Operations, also agreed to share her views on the expanded role of international players in the NBA. It's extremely obvious that international talent injections have become a permanent annual fixture within the league, and not just a phase. What has the NBA learned from the abundance of international players coming over, in regards to how a league should be run, as well as marketed? 'We're fortunate that the best players in the world – regardless of where they're from – want to play in the NBA. And international players not only foster a unique connection between the NBA and the fans from their respective countries, but in many cases they are global superstars who resonate in the U.S. and around the world. In terms of how we market the league, we recognize that 99 percent of NBA fans will never attend a game in-person, so making our games and programming more accessible and delivering localized content on the devices and platforms fans use most is critically important. And we embrace the fact that every market is different – whether it's the players and teams that fans are most interested in or the distinct basketball culture and rich tradition for the game that exists in so many cities and countries – and tailor our approach accordingly.' The NBA is obviously a presence internationally, both through the Global Games, but also Basketball Without Borders, which has had involvement from All-NBA, and even MVP, players. When you set out to establish a presence in another country, what is your thought process and approach to that market? 'We take a market-based approach to ensure we're meeting the needs of fans and players in their respective regions and bringing the NBA brand to life in a way that resonates locally. We work closely with our 16 international offices to define and execute our strategy in each market, including how best to engage fans in new and creative ways and provide opportunities for youth to learn and play the game.'
Extra.ie
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Peter O'Mahony's mum steals show at Munster game
Peter O'Mahony may be bowing out of action with Munster at the season's end but it was his mother Caroline who stole the show as the Reds took on a crucial United Rugby Championship fixture on Friday night. Munster needed to come out on top against Benetton Treviso at Cork's Virgin Media Park to maintain any chance of progressing to the post-season last eight of the competition. They secured a 30-21 win – and with it their place in the Champions Cup for next season – in front of a crowd which included O'Mahony's mother, Caroline. Peter O'Mahony may be bowing out of action with Munster at the season's end but it was his mother Caroline who stole the show as the Reds took on a crucial United Rugby Championship fixture on Friday night. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile While the legendary flanker called time with Ireland earlier this year and is now set to walk off into the sunset at club level – with Friday's game his last in Cork – his mother made sure to show up in style and let the rugby world know she would be retiring from lawn mowing duties. Caroline O'Mahony brought along a custom-made sign which read: 'I'm Peter O'Mahony's Mum and I'm retiring from mowing the lawn!' It may be an obvious hint to her gardening-mad son, who has been known to post regular updates on the goings-on and growth in his own garden, an area he meticulously presides over.
Extra.ie
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Munster have been 'architects of their own difficulties', former club captain claims
Keith Wood believes it's do or die for Munster in the United Rugby Championship this weekend and claimed his former side have been the cause of some of their own problems of late. Munster still have a chance at silverware this season despite their European exit in the Champions Cup last eight against Bordeaux. The URC is a tournament they will bid to make the last eight of with a win in the final regular season round this weekend as Benetton Treviso come to Cork. Munster face Benetton Treviso in a crucial URC finale on Friday evening. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie That Virgin Media Park clash will dictate whether or not Munster can progress and attempt to reclaim the trophy they won in great style under Graham Rowntree in 2023. The English coach left in shock fashion in October of last year and Munster will bid to steady the ship and regroup next season under incoming head coach Clayton McMillan, and Wood believes this weekend is pivotal in terms of its implications for next year. Munster could be playing second-tier Challenge Cup rugby on the continent next season under McMillan if they fail to win against Treviso, and Wood fired the forewarning. Munster previously claimed URC success in 2023. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile 'At times Munster have been the architects of their own difficulties this year,' Wood told Genting Casino. 'But it comes down to an incredibly exciting final game. 'Eight teams going for the play offs and a place in the Campions Cup makes for the most exciting last weekend possible. It's a huge weekend for the URC. 'It's all about momentum. It's also about the here and now. If they win at the weekend, they qualify for the European Cup. If they don't, they're in the Challenge Cup. This is a big deal. 'Yes, it's about momentum, but it's also about the future. Munster showed how to do it the hard way two years ago to win the title without having the pedigree from times past. 'It comes down to fatigue at the end of the year and the injury profile of the squad.'
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The Making of Zander Fagerson
By Laura Howard As Zander Fagerson waited to hear if he had made the cut for The British & Irish Lions squad, son Hamish reassured the Scottish prop that he would love him either way. But red is the colour of love and for Fagerson there was only one outcome that would have left him truly content as he chased a second call-up to represent a jersey of the same colour. When confirmation came, it was a feeling that proved even sweeter the second time round for the Glasgow Warriors stalwart and he will travel with unfinished business, having not made a Test start in South Africa. The 29-year-old burst onto the rugby scene in 2014 with a statement debut against Benetton Treviso and has continued his rise ever since, accruing 75 international appearances to become Scotland's most capped prop ever. It was a trajectory that earned a call-up to the 2021 Lions squad and he played four times in the Rainbow Nation on a Tour that only left him hungrier for more. IT WASN'T ALWAYS RUGBY If Andy Farrell wanted to ensure his team were all singing from the same hymn sheet, then he has picked the right man in Fagerson. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Glasgow Warriors (@glasgowwarriors) The tighthead prop, who hails from Perth, was a member of the National Boys Choir of Scotland in 2008, a skill he found not entirely redundant in rugby. Fagerson admitted he 'had a few numbers to choose from' for his initiation song prior to a first international call-up, as his teammates looked forward to a rendition unusually kind on the ears. But where there had been music sheets, there were soon dirt tracks as a 14-year-old Fagerson raced to the Scottish Youth Downhill Mountain Bike Championship title in 2010. Had his gran had her way, Fagerson would have stayed on two wheels but despite also squeezing in a lifeguard qualification along the way, it was rugby that would win his full attention. The decision was ultimately unsurprising with the question of nature versus nurture procuring the same answer for the Scot. His paternal Swedish connections saw him carry the traits of a rugby player in his name since birth, his middle name Ragnar literally means 'warrior', while he grew up spending weekends watching the game. 'I'd come back from rugby on a Saturday morning and then we'd have it on for three days. Mum would be furious because we'd sit in front of the TV watching rugby all day,' he said. A BAPTISM OF FIRE Fagerson's zealous approach to the game led to notable early success as a prop, while also earning him the nickname of 'Zandbags'. Having impressed with Glasgow Hawks and in the Warriors A team, he was handed a call-up to Glasgow Warriors away in Italy at Benetton Treviso. Sat on the bench with his side reduced to 13 men by two yellow cards, it would have been understandable to see an 18-year-old shrink in the circumstances but Fagerson stood up and stepped up. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cahonas Paul (@checkonetwopodcast) His second-half entry into the front row helped Warriors hold on to a 40-23 away win, as coach Gregor Townsend hailed his contribution 'outstanding'. It was a statement of intent that Fagerson backed up as he became the youngest player to reach 50 caps for Glasgow Warriors at just 21 years old - no mean feat for a prop. Though he now has 162 appearances under his belt, becoming just the 15th player to reach the 150 milestone for the Scottish side, that trajectory was not always clear. "There was a point in my career when I thought I wasn't getting a look in," Fagerson told BBC Sport after his Warriors debut. "I was in a terrible place and was depressed and not happy at all. My mum said, 'Why are you depressed? You're giving in; you're letting the people that put you down win'. "So I strive by proving people wrong. If you work hard, change your lifestyle and get determined, they've got nothing to come back at you with.' And, just as on that fateful day in northern Italy, Fagerson has continued to show exactly why he must not be overlooked. SCOTLAND AND LIONS COME CALLING Fagerson's meteoric rise meant a call from the Scotland head coach was only a matter of time after bursting onto the scene in Italy. Scott Cummings, Zander Fagerson, Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu react to being named in the British and Irish Lions squad 🦁 — Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) May 9, 2025 Having represented in the blue shirt at under-16, under-18 and under-20 level he got the nod for the senior squad at the 2016 Six Nations, entering the field as a replacement against England at Murrayfield. His club form at Warriors, that saw him reach the Guinness PRO14 semi-finals in 2018 and the final in 2019, kept his spot in the Scotland squad secure as he earnt a place in Townsend's 2019 World Cup squad. Three appearances in Japan and further standout displays domestically booked Fagerson a plane ticket to South Africa for his first Lions Tour, though Covid-19 injury dampened the full magic of the occasion. Having been due to start in a send-off match against Japan at Murrayfield a back spasm put paid to that ambition, while Tadhg Furlong and Kyle Sinckler played each of rhe Test matches. 'I feel like I didn't really give a great account of myself. I went into it in great shape. Then I had a little bit of a niggle with that back spasm,' Fagerson reflected. 'I always felt, what if? There were so many good players on that tour as well. I just supported the boys wherever I could. 'The sea of red is one of the key parts of a Lions series. It's going to be absolutely incredible to experience that for the first time with the full-capacity stadiums. 'We had a sneak peek at Murrayfield [in 2021]. That was restricted numbers and everyone was spaced out. I couldn't play that day. I was absolutely torn up about it.' A FAMILY AFFAIR Zander is not the only Fagerson to make an impact in the rugby world with younger brother Matt also representing Warriors and Scotland. When Matt made his debut in blue in 2018, they became the 48th set of brothers to represent Scotland but must now accompany each other in the treatment room. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zander Fagerson (@zanderfagerson) Fagerson is facing a race to be back to full fitness after suffering a calf injury in training and will join his brother on trips to the physio as Matt recovers from ankle ligament damage. 'I feel for the physios with two Fagersons in the physio department. He's working really hard to come back as soon as he can,' said Fagerson, following his selection. 'There are so many good players just now playing so well. To be picked is even more special and it gives me a bit of fire in the belly to make sure I do all I can to get back quicker. 'No more cheat meals for me! Will I play for Glasgow again this season? I can't say yes or no.' And the trip to Australia will not only be more special for the presence of crowds, but who will be in them. The Fagerson clan strengthened in number in February 2025 during what has been a year of highs for the tighthead prop with the arrival of twins Fia and Hector. It makes the second call-up all the more sweet for Fagerson who will aim to run out in red in front of the twins, and more experienced Fagerson squad members Hamish, Iona and wife Yasmin. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zander Fagerson (@zanderfagerson) 'Is it as special to be selected a second time? Yeah, even more so. To have friends and family and all the fans back in the stands will be absolutely incredible. We're looking forward to that aspect of it too,' he said. 'I think I'll probably be on Skyscanner [looking for flights for the family] and the price is going to make me wince! 'I have four kids so we'll see. We'll go home and make a plan. My hand will be forced, I suspect.'
