Latest news with #MattDawson
Fashion Network
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Charles Tyrwhitt unveils Lions rugby collection and campaign
As official menswear partner for the British & Irish Lions rugby squad and with anticipation building for the upcoming 2025 Tour to Australia, Charles Tyrwhitt has unveiled its latest campaign starring four Lions' legends, hero-ing a new collection. Step forward Matt Dawson, Sam Warburton, Jamie Heaslip and Gregor Townsend who take centre stage in a 'dynamic' campaign that captures the essence of the Lions: 'four unions, one team, united by legacy'. This campaign shows how these rugby greats continue to channel the same ambition, discipline, and camaraderie that defined their careers, showing that the impact of the Lions 'goes far beyond the final whistle as it evolves and continues to inspire'. In a series of discussions and behind-the-scenes moments, the campaign 'offers a rare glimpse into the highs and lows of their respective Lions tours - the memories, the mentors, and their expectations for the class of 2025'. Dressed head-to-toe in Charles Tyrwhitt, each ambassador sports the new Lions collection, 'designed to give Lions' fans a smart casual way to show their support'. 'Whether cheering on the team from the stands in a signature polo or toasting from a pub back home in a heritage-inspired jersey shirt, there's something for every supporter', the retailer said. Available online and in selected stores, the range features piqué Polo Shirts with the Lions' badge, high-performance Zip Neck Knitwear and Gilets showcasing a bold heraldic lion motif, and Jersey Shirts. Completing the collection are accessories including ties, pocket squares, and boxer shorts, 'each incorporating subtle nods to rugby tradition'. Beyond the campaign, Charles Tyrwhitt is also bringing the Lions closer to its customers with two exclusive events in London. On 24 June, in partnership with rugby's mental health charity, LooseHeadz and The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, the brand will host a live podcast with former Lions' players and Charles Tyrwhitt ambassadors following the Dublin test. All proceeds from the event will go to LooseHeadz. Further, there will also be 'An Evening with Lions Legends ' at its Jermyn Street, London, store, featuring a Q&A session with Dawson, Greenwood and Healey. As the countdown to Australia 2025 continues, this partnership allows Charles Tyrwhitt access into the current 2025 touring squad camp, where they will be able to provide behind-the-curtain access into the camp and players. Joe Irons, chief sales and marketing officer at Charles Tyrwhitt, said: 'It's been incredible to be part of the Lions journey - from the squad announcement last month to now launching our latest campaign. Having four legendary Lions ambassadors, whose tours span so much of Lions history, together in one room has been iconic. Beyond that, we're very proud to be bringing the Lions even closer to our customers, through a number of events and unforgettable experiences.'
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Rugby Union Weekly Champions Cup heartbreak for Northampton in Cardiff
We're in Cardiff to bring you immediate reaction to the Champions Cup final as Bordeaux overpower Northampton to win club rugby's biggest prize for the first time. Matt Dawson and Paul Grayson, who lifted the cup with Saints 25 years ago, join Chris to pick the bones out of a thrilling and chaotic final. They discuss the impact of the injuries to Saints duo George Furbank and James Rahm early in the game and the countless TMO interventions. Damien Penaud scored twice to finish the tournament with an incredible 14 tries, but who else caught the eye for the new champions? We analyse Henry Pollock's performance in his first final and ask if Saints' run to the final was a one-off or whether English clubs can continue to compete at the top end of Europe.
The Sun
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Phil Tufnell reveals devastating Question of Sport blow that was sadder than being axed
PHIL Tufnell has revealed the Question of Sport blow he found more devastating than his own axing from the show. The England cricketing legend was the victim of a BBC rebrand in 2020 that also saw fellow team captain Matt Dawson and show host Sue Barker sacked. 6 6 6 The long-running quiz show was rebooted the following year with Paddy McGuinness at the helm and hockey star Sam Quek and rugby ace Ugo Monye as captains. However, the reboot, which for the first time in the show's history allowed non-sporting guests to take part, was shelved for good in 2023 after more than 50 years on the box. It was a further blow for Tuffers, who had been a fan of the format since his childhood and was rooting for its continued success under the new stars. In an exclusive interview with The Sun, he said: "Sue always said you're only custodians of it. People come and go. We felt very sad when it stopped, not necessarily when we left, we'd been doing it for a long time, you can't do things forever. "It was part of my childhood with my mum and dad and brother, we'd split up into teams and play along with it. We wanted to see the show carry on as much as anyone. "Who knows maybe one day they might bring it back on." The trio did get a chance to relive their time together earlier this year when they went out on the road for a live tour, though with a slightly different name for copyright reasons. Its success was further proof that the Beeb was wrong to dismiss them from QoS. Phil said: "We had a great time. It was Sue, Matt and Phil: The Reunion... it took us hours to think of that new title for it [laughs]. "It was really well received. I think we sold out everywhere we went. We were getting like 3,000 people there, it was wonderful. A little bit nervous at the start but it soon fell away, the reception we got was so wonderful. Question of Sport's Phil Tufnell backs new wellbeing campaign to get people fishing " It was great to work again with Sue and Matt. We just fell back into it straight away. We're great friends anyway and it was a pleasure to go around having a laugh, and we're going to do it next year as well. The reception was so good we're doing it again next year." Since his cricket playing days ended in 2002, Phil has become something of a reality TV veteran. He won the nation's hearts when he was crowned King of the Jungle in the second series of I'm A Celebrity and returned to the show in 2023 in the celebratory All Stars version. In between his two wilderness stints he took part in Strictly Come Dancing and The Jump. He was banned from skiing in his sporting heyday, which made the prospect of taking on the death-defying Channel 4 slope all the more daunting. The show was famously shelved after a string of celebrities suffered serious injuries including fractures and dislocations. He says: "They asked me to do the The Jump, crikey having never skied before that was terrifying. We're great friends anyway and it was a pleasure to go around having a laugh, and we're going to do it next year as well. Phil Tufnell "We weren't allowed to go skiing in our contract, for sportsmen, because you can break your bloody leg or something so I was a bit of a novice, but I soon had to learn and that was a bit of a worry. "But again, great fun. I met some wonderful people and had a great time, a laugh and learned how to ski a little bit." While there's not much he'd say no to, Tuffers draws the line at nudity, and there have been offers. He says: "I won't necessarily do anything naked [laughs], though things have come in. I don't know about that, I'm getting on a bit now, I'm not quite at my fighting weight, but most things I'll have a look at." Celebrity Big Brother has had a major comeback after being rebooted by ITV and Tuffers says he'd have leapt at a stint in the house a few years back, however, the idea isn't as appealing now he's 59. "A few years ago I'd have jumped at it, but never say never," he says. "These things pop across your desk, you always have a look and weigh up if you fancy doing it." In a departure from TV, Phil has now teamed up with Andy's Man Club in a new Environment Agency rod licence campaign to highlight the mental wellbeing benefits of fishing communities. 6 It's a pastime he's loved since his days as an England cricketer when he would escape the stresses of professional sport by wiling away the hours by a lake. "Fishing has always been that perfect escape when I need to switch off and clear my head," he says. "Nothing beats being out by the water with old mates or just enjoying some peace and quiet. "There's always someone wandering around and to have a chat. Everyone's very forthcoming with tips and help." And the serenity and scenery is just as uplifting and good for the soul as the friendly company and shared tales. He continues: "The places you go are wonderful. A bit of peace and quiet, lovely wildlife and you get away from the hustle and bustle and the car noises and what have you and just sit there with a couple of mates, have a chat about the football, have a chat about what's going on in your life, have a chat about the cricket and just unwind. "That's why it's key to buy your rod licence. The money gets reinvested back into the sport to keep the environments and fisheries looking beautiful and well stocked with fish. "When you're sort of in that environment and that sort of safe space so to speak, it's a lot more easy just to feel that you can open up with a couple of mates." And he's not the only one to have those views, with The Angling Trust finding 80 percent of anglers agree community is essential for mental wellbeing, while 90 percent are more likely to discuss personal struggles while fishing with friends or relatives. Stuart Fawcett, South Area Manager at Andy's Man Club adds: 'The work we do at Andy's Man Club is rooted in providing men with a supportive community and all the benefits that come with it. This is why it made perfect sense for us to take part in this campaign to highlight the community and wellbeing benefits of fishing. "I've been an angler since childhood, but in my adult life, it has allowed me to forge meaningful friendships, which isn't always easy for men. "I remember having difficult weeks and receiving a phone call from a fishing buddy inviting me out for a spot of fishing. It was exactly the kind of support I needed at that time, without having to ask for it. "That's what's so key about the fishing community: it provides companionship and a shared interest that is essential for our wellbeing.' Independent research conducted by The Angling Trust on behalf of The Environment Agency, with a sample of 501 UK anglers aged 18+, conducted with Angling Trust audiences between Friday 4th April 2025 and Tuesday 8 th April 2025. The Angling Trust abides by the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Maro Itoje set to be named British and Irish Lions captain
Maro Itoje is set to be confirmed on Thursday as the British and Irish Lions captain for the tour of Australia. The 30-year-old will become the first Englishman since Martin Johnson in 2001 to be named Lions captain, and will lead a party of around 40 players. Itoje, who will tour with the Lions for the third time, took over the England captaincy before the 2025 Six Nations, leading them to second after four straight wins. With Ireland skipper Caelan Doris having shoulder surgery this week, Itoje has emerged as the outstanding candidate for the role. He will be confirmed formally in front of a live audience at the O2 Arena on Thursday afternoon, along with the rest of the Lions squad. Itoje's credentials have been endorsed by a string of former Lions, including three-times tourist Matt Dawson. "Maro has blossomed beautifully this season for England," Dawson told BBC Radio 5 Live. "He has gone from being a player who was a certainty to be in the team, but was a bit short of the form of his early 20s and a little bit too ill-disciplined, to being right in the groove. "The captaincy has given him a new lease of life and he is ready to step into the role for the Lions." Itoje will be the only member of Andy Farrell's touring party present at the announcement, with the rest of the squad finding out at the time. Farrell's team face Argentina in Dublin on Friday, 20 June, before their first game on Australian soil against Western Force on Saturday, 28 June. The three-Test series against the Wallabies starts on 19 July in Brisbane.
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
British and Irish Lions: Squad selection issues before announcement
Might one of the two horses in the race to captain the Lions have fallen at the final hurdle? Ireland number eight Caelan Doris picked up a shoulder injury in Leinster's Champions Cup semi-final defeat by Northampton this weekend, putting his touring hopes in danger. Maro Itoje may well have earned the accolade ahead of Doris regardless, but with such uncertainty over his rival for the post now, the way seems even more clear for the second row. The 30-year-old, who had not been either his club or country's regular skipper until the start of this season, would be completing a captaincy clean sweep on his third Lions tour. "I would agree with it going to Maro," former England and British and Irish Lions scrum-half Matt Dawson told BBC Radio 5 Live. "There are a couple of absolute fundamentals with Lions tour captains - first and foremost they have to be in the team and for me he is, without a shadow of a doubt. "Secondly, he has to be held in that regard, not just by the coaches, but also by his team-mates as well. The players have to look at their captain and think this guy is the man. "Thirdly, for Maro specifically, he has blossomed beautifully this season for England. "He has gone from being a player who was a certainty to be in the team, but was a bit short of the form of his early 20s and a little bit too ill disciplined, to being right in the groove. "The captaincy has given him a new lease of life and he is ready to step into the role for the Lions." Shane Horgan, who toured New Zealand alongside Dawson with the 2005 Lions, agrees. "I think Itoje is the front runner," he said. "You need a different type of charisma to be Lions captain because within your own nation, you can get 20 caps, build relationships with the team, become a senior player and then captain. There is none of that with the Lions. "There are lots of players you won't have a relationship with at all - you have to be 100% respected and a bit of an aura."
