Latest news with #JonnyWilkinson
Business Wire
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
NICE Announces Interactions International 2025, Accelerating Global Customer Service Automation Adoption – Featuring Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Jonny Wilkinson and the Kaiser Chiefs
HOBOKEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NICE (Nasdaq: NICE) is excited to announce Interactions International 2025, the premier customer experience (CX) event of the year, taking place July 1-2, 2025, at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, London. This two-day conference will unite 1,000 industry leaders, customer experience (CX) professionals, experts and partners to explore the AI-powered innovations shaping the future of customer service. To register for Interactions International 2025, or to learn more click here. As AI and automation continue to transform customer service, Interactions International 2025 will be the ultimate destination to explore NICE's most advanced innovations in AI-driven orchestration, customer service automation, and agentic workforce augmentation. Across two action-packed days, attendees can experience the future of customer service with 25+ interactive demos—including the game-changing CXone Mpower Orchestrator—as well as share best practices, exchange ideas, and seize this career-defining AI opportunity. This year's event boasts an exceptional lineup of speakers, including Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web and one of TIME magazine's '100 Most Important People of the 20th Century', as well as former rugby legend and World Cup hero, Jonny Wilkinson. Attendees will also hear from TalkTalk, a NICE CXone Mpower customer driving real business value, along with visionary keynotes from NICE CEO Scott Russell and NICE President CX Barry Cooper as they unveil the next chapter of AI-powered customer service. Kicking off on July 1, the event begins with hands-on EDU Training sessions to help NICE users unlock the full potential of AI and automation to uncover immediate results. Attendees can also dive into dynamic breakout sessions across four focused tracks, offering practical insights on implementing and scaling AI-driven CX strategies. Learn directly from top brands like Openreach, DPG Media, SSE Airtricity, Halfords, and many more. The conference will close with a legendary 'Party-on-the-Pitch', featuring a live performance by the Kaiser Chiefs. Darren Rushworth, President, NICE International, will deliver the opening keynote address at the conference. 'Our commitment to AI-powered innovation has never been stronger. At Interactions International 2025, we will present groundbreaking advancements that empower organizations across EMEA and APAC to deliver proactive, personalized and automated customer service experiences at scale – and seize the once-in-a-career opportunity ahead of them.' About NICE With NICE (Nasdaq: NICE), it's never been easier for organizations of all sizes around the globe to create extraordinary customer experiences while meeting key business metrics. Featuring the world's #1 cloud native customer experience platform, CXone, NICE is a worldwide leader in AI-powered self-service and agent-assisted CX software for the contact center – and beyond. Over 25,000 organizations in more than 150 countries, including over 85 of the Fortune 100 companies, partner with NICE to transform - and elevate - every customer interaction. Trademark Note: NICE and the NICE logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of NICE Ltd. All other marks are trademarks of their respective owners. For a full list of NICE's marks, please see: Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements, including the statements by Mr. Rushworth, are based on the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of NICE Ltd. (the 'Company'). In some cases, such forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as 'believe,' 'expect,' 'seek,' 'may,' 'will,' 'intend,' 'should,' 'project,' 'anticipate,' 'plan,' 'estimate,' or similar words. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results or performance of the Company to differ materially from those described herein, including but not limited to the impact of changes in economic and business conditions; competition; successful execution of the Company's growth strategy; success and growth of the Company's cloud Software-as-a-Service business; changes in technology and market requirements; decline in demand for the Company's products; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; difficulties in making additional acquisitions or difficulties or delays in absorbing and integrating acquired operations, products, technologies and personnel; loss of market share; an inability to maintain certain marketing and distribution arrangements; the Company's dependency on third-party cloud computing platform providers, hosting facilities and service partners; cyber security attacks or other security breaches against the Company; privacy concerns; changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates, the effects of additional tax liabilities resulting from our global operations, the effect of unexpected events or geo-political conditions, such as the impact of conflicts in the Middle East that may disrupt our business and the global economy; the effect of newly enacted or modified laws, regulation or standards on the Company and our products and various other factors and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC'). For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting the company, refer to the Company's reports filed from time to time with the SEC, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise them, except as required by law.
BBC News
12-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson in campaign to improve mental health
Rugby union legend Jonny Wilkinson has visited Surrey as part of a campaign to help people improve their mental visit to the University of Surrey's sports ground in Guildford is part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which begins on retiring from Rugby in 2014, Wilkinson spoke about the problems of adjusting to life without playing, and in 2023 discussed how he suffered self-doubt during his career. Wilkinson's last-minute drop-goal against Australia won England the World Cup in 2003. Mr Wilkinson now talks and campaigns extensively on mental health issues, and as part of that is working with Milk & More, a Surrey milk delivery they are working to popularise a set of daily wellbeing routines, which the company's milk deliverers will be passing on to their customers.
The Age
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
Nine Entertainment secures broadcast rights for three more Rugby World Cups
Nine Entertainment has solidified its standing as the home of rugby by landing broadcast rights to three more World Cups, including a blockbuster home men's tournament in Australia in 2027. World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson confirmed the new broadcast deal with Nine and Stan Sport at a media conference at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Monday morning. Nine and Stan Sport, Rugby Australia's broadcast partners until 2030, will show the men's 2027 World Cup in Australia, as well as the two women's showpiece events in 2025 and 2029. Australia hasn't hosted a men's World Cup since 2003, a tournament where England star Jonny Wilkinson kicked a drop goal to sink the Wallabies in the final. Wallabies and Wallaroos matches at the tournaments will be on free-to-air television on the Nine Network and 9Now. Stan Sport will show every match of each World Cup. 'This landmark partnership is all about reigniting the love of rugby Down Under,' Robinson said. 'With Nine's unmatched reach, expert analysis and comprehensive coverage across its broadcast and digital platforms, we are ensuring rugby is accessible to a wide audience and offering a unique and immersive destination for fans in the country.' The deal also includes the World Rugby Sevens Series, Pacific Nations Cup, WXV tournaments and World Rugby U20 Championship. Nine chief executive Matt Stanton said: 'The Rugby World Cup agreement reinforces the power of Nine. Whether it's streaming on 9Now or Stan Sport, watching at home on the Nine Network, listening on radio or getting the analysis across our publishing mastheads, Nine can bring the game to Australian audiences like no other media company can.
Sydney Morning Herald
12-05-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Nine Entertainment secures broadcast rights for three more Rugby World Cups
Nine Entertainment has solidified its standing as the home of rugby by landing broadcast rights to three more World Cups, including a blockbuster home men's tournament in Australia in 2027. World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson confirmed the new broadcast deal with Nine and Stan Sport at a media conference at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Monday morning. Nine and Stan Sport, Rugby Australia's broadcast partners until 2030, will show the men's 2027 World Cup in Australia, as well as the two women's showpiece events in 2025 and 2029. Australia hasn't hosted a men's World Cup since 2003, a tournament where England star Jonny Wilkinson kicked a drop goal to sink the Wallabies in the final. Wallabies and Wallaroos matches at the tournaments will be on free-to-air television on the Nine Network and 9Now. Stan Sport will show every match of each World Cup. 'This landmark partnership is all about reigniting the love of rugby Down Under,' Robinson said. 'With Nine's unmatched reach, expert analysis and comprehensive coverage across its broadcast and digital platforms, we are ensuring rugby is accessible to a wide audience and offering a unique and immersive destination for fans in the country.' The deal also includes the World Rugby Sevens Series, Pacific Nations Cup, WXV tournaments and World Rugby U20 Championship. Nine chief executive Matt Stanton said: 'The Rugby World Cup agreement reinforces the power of Nine. Whether it's streaming on 9Now or Stan Sport, watching at home on the Nine Network, listening on radio or getting the analysis across our publishing mastheads, Nine can bring the game to Australian audiences like no other media company can.
Times
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Times
Owen Farrell's experience may earn him Lions spot, not a sentimental dad
Chairing the final selection meeting for the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour, Warren Gatland began the fly-half conversation by saying he wanted to pick two specialists in Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell, with Stuart Hogg to provide part-time back-up. Andy Farrell, the defence coach, turned to Gatland and said: 'You need to speak to Jonny [Wilkinson] because if he says, 'Yes, I am available,' then you need to pick him.' Wilkinson turned down the invitation. He felt he owed his commitment to Toulon, the club at which he had rekindled his form and his love for the game. In the end, Toulon won the Champions Cup but lost the French Top 14 final, which clashed with the start of the tour. The beneficiary of Wilkinson's decision was Owen Farrell, who was a year into his England career. Twelve years on, Andy Farrell is the Lions head coach. On Wednesday in London, he conducted the final selection meeting for this summer's tour to Australia, no doubt burning the midnight oil to trim a list of 75 players into a squad of about 40 for the nine-game adventure down under. Owen Farrell was on that initial longlist, cast in the Wilkinson role: the veteran Lion, playing his club rugby in France having retired from England duty, who is under consideration for selection along with the next generation in Fin Smith and Sam Prendergast, plus Finn Russell, Marcus Smith and George Ford. Andy Farrell will select two or three from the above. Oh, to have been a fly on the wall in the coaches' meeting because the fly-half debate reflects some of the major themes of this wider Lions selection. How does the coach balance experience over form? How loyal will he be to Ireland? What about non-Test players? Who will drive a squad that could be relatively light on experienced leaders? In many ways, Fin Smith has the strongest case of the No10s. He became England's starting fly half in the Six Nations and delivered a sensational performance for Northampton Saints in their Champions Cup semi-final victory over Leinster last Sunday, outplaying Prendergast with Andy Farrell in the stands. He also has a Premiership title on his CV but is still less than a year into being a frontline Test fly half, less experienced than Owen Farrell was in 2013. It would be a shock if Russell did not make it — yet even he is not nailed on. Russell was on the 2021 Lions tour and he has piloted Bath to the top of the Premiership with some outstanding rugby, adding game intelligence to his beautiful skill set. But Andy Farrell and Sexton, who will bring his fly-half experience to the coaching team, have plotted many a game against him and are aware that Russell plays in a Scotland team that never defeat Ireland. They are understood to harbour doubts. Prendergast, by contrast, is a Farrell favourite and there are elements to his attacking game that are exquisite but he is vulnerable defensively. If Prendergast gets the nod, it will be on loyalty and potential rather than cast-iron evidence that he is ready to be a Lion. Farrell would risk being accused of using the Lions tour as a development opportunity for Ireland's World Cup fly half. Marcus Smith's chances receded when he lost the England No10 jersey. His versatility, coupled with Blair Kinghorn's likely absence from the first three games of the tour, could help him secure a Hogg-style utility spot, although even those close to him fear he is in for major disappointment when the squad is announced. Ford, who has 99 Test caps, is playing some brilliant rugby for Sale Sharks but he has not been a regular starter for England. His experience, knowledge and team-first mentality would be a real benefit for the Lions. But if the head coach is likely to take one veteran Englishman, then Ford may once again miss out to his old mate. Andy Farrell demonstrated by pressing for Wilkinson's inclusion in 2013, at the likely cost to his own son, that he can make these decisions dispassionately. But it would be no surprise if Owen Farrell, 33, were to win selection for a fourth Lions tour. The Times has spoken to a number of his former team-mates and coaches, and they all believe that he will go. Sexton said unequivocally in November that he would take Farrell to Australia. Sexton played fly half with Farrell at inside centre on the 2017 tour. The option to select a No10 who is also comfortable at No12 is valuable given the Lions' lack of depth when it comes to natural playmakers in the midfield, unless Fraser Dingwall is in contention. Was it coincidence or planning that Farrell played at inside centre for Racing last weekend? 'I think Owen will go,' one of the coaching sources said. 'This is the big time. You need people who are good under pressure and who have absolute respect from all of their peers. Owen ticks all of those boxes. If Owen wasn't fit I would take George Ford because he is in the same mould.' The difference to the 2013 situation is that Wilkinson was in prime form for Toulon, whereas Farrell has been battling injury for most of a frustrating first season with Racing 92. Physically he is not where he was and he has no consistent form upon which to justify his selection. But senior leadership will be an area of concern for Andy Farrell. This will not be a Lions squad with the same gravitas as previous incarnations, without titans such as Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton and Brian O'Driscoll. Maro Itoje is an experienced player, bound for his third Lions tour, but he is very new to international captaincy, having taken over the role with England just before this year's Six Nations. Caelan Doris, the Ireland captain, is injured. Jac Morgan, the Wales captain, is not a certain selection. Sione Tuipulotu, the Scotland captain, missed the Six Nations and needs to find his own form and fitness. The Lions are stacked for back-row players but Courtney Lawes has been part of the selection conversation because of his form for Brive, albeit in the Pro D2, but also his leadership. Jamie George could well go ahead of Luke Cowan-Dickie or Ronan Kelleher for the same reason. Racing's late-season upturn in fortunes coincided with Owen Farrell's return to action, which hints at the influence he can have. 'He would give the Lions unbelievable direction and drive and keep the group honest about what's important,' Alex Goode, Farrell's former England and Saracens team-mate, said. 'When you have someone like Owen in your team, it is going to be unbelievably competitive and they are always going to be in the fight and he will drive players around him to be better. That is a pretty special quality that I have not seen in many players.' Perhaps, like Wilkinson in 2013, Farrell would turn down any invitation. He stepped away from England for a reason, after struggling with the scrutiny and criticism aimed his way before and during the 2023 World Cup. It was cruel and undeserved. 'It's a good question on Owen. Does he want to go?' one source said. 'But how many times can you go and win a Lions series with your dad? They are both winners.' Is that mindset and leadership influence going to be enough to outweigh a lack of consistent form, when Russell and Fin Smith are both playing well and in European finals? The same question can be applied to the rise of Henry Pollock, who has less than half an hour of Test experience. Andy Farrell is thought to be a fan of the fearless Northampton flanker, who would bring energy, personality and no little ability. But does his stunning recent form outweigh the body of work built up by his rivals Josh van der Flier, Ben Earl or Morgan? Farrell has revealed very little about his selection strategy. We know two things: he will be ruthless in pursuit of victory so unafraid to make big decisions — if he wants Owen, he will pick Owen; if he wants no Welsh players, he is picking no Welsh players — and he places trust uppermost in the list of qualities that he demands in those around him. That much is evident in the make-up of the Lions coaching staff and backroom team, which is dominated by people he has worked with before, mostly during his nine years with Ireland. Which leads us on to the Ireland question. Sir Clive Woodward was too loyal to his old England players in 2005 and it cost him. How has Farrell judged the untimely dip in form experienced by Ireland and Leinster over the past six months? It is always a delicate balancing act between form, experience and leadership. Four years ago the Lions squad was still being amended hours before the formal announcement. Farrell will reveal his hand on Thursday afternoon.
