Latest news with #JamesTurner
ABC News
31-07-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Aussie Olympians change India's tune on rugby with a debut championship
Cricket has such a stranglehold on India's sporting culture, other sports can struggle to grab the public's attention. It takes something special to catch their eye. So, when players stepped onto the pitch for the inaugural GMR Rugby Premier League (RPL) in Mumbai in June, the crowd was stunned to see accomplished Olympians such as Australia's Maurice Longbottom in action. Even fewer expected the diminutive Australian to leave such an indelible mark on Indian rugby, on and off the field. Longbottom, along with fellow Aussies Henry Hutchison and James Turner, weren't just marquee players but cultural ambassadors in every sense. Australian Olympic rugby sevens player Maurice Longbottom in action during the Rugby Premier League. The tournament was a chance to be a cultural ambassador in every sense. ( Supplied ) A warm welcome and warm nights Playing for the Kalinga Black Tigers, Longbottom, who had never visited India before, was drawn not just by the promise of rugby, but by the opportunity to help shape the sport in a country brimming with untapped potential. 'As a kid, I looked up to players. Now I find myself in a position to help younger kids chase their rugby dreams,' he said. 'Being that kind of role model means a lot.' Playing in sweltering evening temperatures and amid the unfamiliar buzz of Indian fans, Longbottom embraced every challenge on and off the field — from leading communication on the field to trying spicy street food. Indian fans warmed to players such as Manuel Moreno from Spain who played with the Hyderabad Heroes. ( Supplied ) 'The people have been beautiful — so warm and welcoming,' he said. 'But the heat? Not a fan!' Hutchison, who played for the Mumbai Dreamers, shared a similar sentiment. 'India really grew on me. No matter where you are, there's always someone nearby — it's a country where you're never truly alone,' he said. He also praised the skill level of Indian players, expressing genuine surprise at the talent on display. Kalinga Black Tigers' Perry Baker (centre) in action during the match against Mumbai Dreamers at the Rugby Premier League in Mumbai, India, June 24, 2025. ( Hemanshi Kamani ) 'Each of the six teams had impressive Indian players who developed their game with limited resources. That says a lot about their commitment and the sport's future here.' Sport, culture and diplomacy The RPL wasn't just about line breaks and tries — it was a masterclass in sport as soft diplomacy. Whether it was Longbottom wearing a traditional kurta for the first time and trying local cuisines, or Hutchison exploring Jaipur and Udaipur post-tournament, these moments of cultural immersion turned visiting athletes into unexpected icons. 'This is the first step.' Bollywood star and former rugby player Rahul Bose was a driving force behind India's inaugural Rugby Premier League. ( Supplied ) 'These moments cannot be underestimated or undervalued,' said Rahul Bose, actor, former India rugby player, President of Rugby India and architect of the RPL. 'Sport and art are the most organic ways to create deep cultural ties.' Mr Bose, whose vision for the league was rooted in fostering global friendships, sees RPL as more than just a tournament — it's a bridge. 'This is the first step. These exchanges bring trust, affection, and care. They can redefine how nations view each other through the lens of sport.' India's untapped potential For Hutchison, the experience reinforced a deeper belief: India is rugby's next big frontier. 'If we nurture the grassroots right, rugby could become part of India's sporting identity,' he said. 'Kids need to grow up with a rugby ball in hand, not just a cricket bat.' 'India is rugby's next frontier'. Australian Olympic rugby sevens player Henry Hutchison in action for the Mumbai Dreamers in India's first Rugby Premier League. ( Supplied ) The RPL format challenged even seasoned international players. Compressed into a fortnight, the tournament demanded athletes not just perform but mentor. Players like Hutchison became de facto player-coaches, helping local talent develop in real time. 'It was a balancing act, helping others grow while staying sharp ourselves,' Hutchison said. 'But the Indian players were hungry to learn. That made it a joy.' Challenging misconceptions While the RPL spotlighted the calibre of Indian players to the world, it also challenged long-standing misconceptions within India. 'The perception in India is that rugby is for elite circles,' Bose noted. 'In reality, it's played by tens of thousands from some of the poorest districts.' The visible camaraderie between Australian Olympians and Indian players sent a powerful message — that rugby belongs to everyone, everywhere. 'We're in India helping grow a game we love,' said Longbottom. 'It's electrifying. And when it clicks, it's magic.' It was certainly magic for the Chennai Bulls, who were crowned champions after beating Delhi Redz in the final. But as the dust settles on the inaugural season, the legacy of the RPL is only just beginning. Australian players have already pledged to spread the word back home — encouraging others to explore this new frontier. 'Seeing is believing,' said Mr Bose. 'The players experienced the hospitality, the passion, the energy. That will echo far beyond.' Australian Olympic rugby sevens player James Turner runs up the ball while playing for the Mumbai Dreamers during India's first Rugby Premier League. ( Supplied ) For Longbottom, the highlight wasn't a try or a tackle, it was the faces in the stands. 'I always take time after the match to meet the fans and thank them. We wouldn't be doing this without them.'
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BlackRock: Corporate Credit Market Yields 'Attractive'
BlackRock European Fundamental Fixed Income Co-Head James Turner discusses the UK fixed income market amid concerns about Chancellor Rachel Reeves' future. "I think we'll just see continued volatility in the market and continued speculation," Turner tells Bloomberg Television. He adds that BlackRock's "preference is to actually look at corporates." Sign in to access your portfolio
Bloomberg
03-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
BlackRock: Corporate Credit Market Yields 'Attractive'
BlackRock European Fundamental Fixed Income Co-Head James Turner discusses the UK fixed income market amid concerns about Chancellor Rachel Reeves' future. "I think we'll just see continued volatility in the market and continued speculation," Turner tells Bloomberg Television. He adds that BlackRock's "preference is to actually look at corporates." (Source: Bloomberg)
Business News Wales
19-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Delineate Launches Community Commitment with New Grant Scheme
Llandysul headquartered company Delineate has launched its Community Commitment as part of a new initiative which will offer grant funding opportunities in the areas they operate. With offices in Llandysul, London and Mexico City, the business said it was proud to be supporting local projects and individuals as part of its new grant offering. In addition to the quarterly grant funding, the Delineate team has announced its three charity partners for 2025, chosen by colleagues across the company's global office bases under the theme of health and wellbeing. Welsh mental health charity the DPJ Foundation, nature-based charity Dandelion Time and youth charity Granito de Arena based in Mexico City will all benefit from a programme of coordinated fundraising activity which will be match funded by Delineate. The global data and insight business said it was committed to 'meaningful and consistent participation' in activities that support and improve social and economic wellbeing. With its focus on investing locally, but with a global reach, the Delineate team said it was aiming for the Community Commitment to drive value right across the business' operations, providing a sense of community purpose and demonstrating the value placed in forging closer local links. Officially launching the community initiative, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'Businesses such as Delineate are supporting our ambitions to grow the Welsh economy and doing so in a way which provides quality job opportunities in rural areas whilst fostering social partnership and forging strong and lasting links with communities. 'I am delighted to formally launch the Delineate Community Commitment, and I look forward to seeing how the initiative will deliver positive outcomes.' CEO and founder James Turner said: 'Our community commitment demonstrates the value we place on building stronger relationships across our communities, providing opportunities through charitable giving, volunteering, and direct funding to help accelerate the fantastic work that we know is already in existence. 'At Delineate we are more than just an employer. We value the time and effort our colleagues put in to forging closer community links, and our new grant funding process and charity partnerships will play a key role in giving back to the local areas within which we operate. I'm excited to see how these small steps can play a big part in supporting community development from Llandysul to Mexico City and beyond.'
BBC News
18-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Golfer, 14, from Staffordshire wins amateur championship
A 14-year-old has become the youngest golfer to win the Staffordshire Amateur Turner from Trentham, near Stoke-on Trent, managed to shoot the course at Sandwell Park Golf Club in 66, the same as the course record and five under teenage golfer has been playing golf since he was five years old, and by 12 was driving balls 230 now has his sights set on his future and wants to be the youngest ever to qualify for The Open Championship, held this July at Royal Portrush Golf Club, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The 14-year-old says he aims to be like Rory McIlroy and also has dreams of playing alongside him in the Ryder with BBC Radio Stoke he said: "When you've got people wanting you to do well it drives you to practice and not to give up when its going hard for you".The teenager practices every day before school, going to the driving range at 06:15 BST to do a full session, as well as the talking about what got him hooked on golf he said: "When you're hitting it [the ball] further than them [adults] and you are half their age, it's quite funny."Alfie's father, James Turner, often acts as caddy for his son and feels nervous on behalf of him."I can't show it [nerves] but golf is brutal," he Turner also feels "immensely proud" of what his son has achieved. He added: "He's [Alfie] still really proves it on the golf course that he can cope with playing against men."Alfie doesn't let the fact that he is competing with adults affect him."They try to get into my head, it doesn't work though."I think I'm going to have you here", he is now set to take part in regional qualifying at Enville in Stourbridge on Monday for The Open, where he will face 132 other competitors that will eventually be whittled down to a final eight. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
