Latest news with #MikeTindall
Reuters
2 days ago
- Sport
- Reuters
World Rugby chief says franchise leagues need to allow test availability
SYDNEY, July 29 (Reuters) - Test rugby remains the pinnacle of the game and any franchise league that does not offer players the chance to play it is unlikely to attract top talent, World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin warned on Tuesday. The R360 global franchise league, which is fronted by former England centre Mike Tindall, is scheduled to launch in 2026 and media reports have linked it with big-money offers for top rugby union and league players. Gilpin said he was open to dialogue with R360 and that World Rugby welcomed any investment into the sport as long as it created a more financially sustainable game for players and the "wider ecosystem". "Our position is whatever competitions arise, we know players want to play international rugby," he told reporters at the launch of the ticketing programme for the 2027 World Cup. "It's not true of every sport, but in our sport, the international game is the pinnacle of the game. "We've got a really quite tricky calendar in global rugby, so it's really important that whatever is getting endorsed and invested in gives players that opportunity. "And I think anything that doesn't give players that opportunity, players will vote with their feet on it." World Rugby's Regulation 9 enforces the release of players for test rugby from any recognised competition and Gilpin said the governing body would continue to insist on their availability for all international windows. That would include men's and women's British & Irish Lions tours, both Rugby World Cups and the Sevens competition at the Olympic Games. "Whatever new concepts, whether it's R360 or otherwise, that are being discussed with players ... that whole concept of player release for defined international windows in our sport is key," he said. "We've got to make sure that whatever competitions players are going to go and play in, they can play in those big moments because they want to. And the fans ... want that."
CNA
2 days ago
- Sport
- CNA
World Rugby chief says franchise leagues need to allow test availability
SYDNEY :Test rugby remains the pinnacle of the game and any franchise league that does not offer players the chance to play it is unlikely to attract top talent, World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin warned on Tuesday. The R360 global franchise league, which is fronted by former England centre Mike Tindall, is scheduled to launch in 2026 and media reports have linked it with big-money offers for top rugby union and league players. Gilpin said he was open to dialogue with R360 and that World Rugby welcomed any investment into the sport as long as it created a more financially sustainable game for players and the "wider ecosystem". "Our position is whatever competitions arise, we know players want to play international rugby," he told reporters at the launch of the ticketing programme for the 2027 World Cup. "It's not true of every sport, but in our sport, the international game is the pinnacle of the game. "We've got a really quite tricky calendar in global rugby, so it's really important that whatever is getting endorsed and invested in gives players that opportunity. "And I think anything that doesn't give players that opportunity, players will vote with their feet on it." World Rugby's Regulation 9 enforces the release of players for test rugby from any recognised competition and Gilpin said the governing body would continue to insist on their availability for all international windows. That would include men's and women's British & Irish Lions tours, both Rugby World Cups and the Sevens competition at the Olympic Games. "Whatever new concepts, whether it's R360 or otherwise, that are being discussed with players ... that whole concept of player release for defined international windows in our sport is key," he said. "We've got to make sure that whatever competitions players are going to go and play in, they can play in those big moments because they want to. And the fans ... want that."
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Meanwhile, at the rugby... Zara and Mike Tindall lark about as they cheer on British and Irish Lions in Melbourne
Zara and Mike Tindall donned their beanie hats and red jerseys as they cheered on the British and Irish Lions in Melbourne this weekend. Zara, 44, looked relaxed and radiant as she joined husband Mike, 46, in the stands of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, to cheer on the team as the couple marked their 14th wedding anniversary with a trip down under. In a selfie shared to Mike's Instagram, the royal couple beamed donned full British and Irish Lions outfits including matching tops and beanies. The former English former rugby union player praised the 'incredible' performance which saw the British and Irish Lions triumph over the Wallabies in a 29-26 victory. He wrote: 'What a day Saturday was!! Lions an incredible come back, but massive shift by the Wallabies, frustrated no doubt but they get one more chance next Saturday!!' In their usual light-hearted manner, the couple also larked about while at the sporting event - with Mike donning a comical wig in the stands. The Lions win caps off the couple's extensive trip to Australia, where they've been touring the country this month. Last week Zara and Mike were soaking up the Queensland sunshine, enjoying a rare break from their busy schedules during a stunning getaway at Hamilton Island. The former England rugby star shared a series of scenic photos to social media, showing himself and Zara aboard a luxury yacht as they cruised through the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. 'We had the chance to spend a few days on Hamilton Island this week – despite all the times we have been to Australia, we have never been here before and it's been amazing,' Mike wrote in the heartfelt caption. 'It's our first time being out on the water in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park too and it really was unreal. Queensland definitely has it all. Made some incredible memories. What an unforgettable way to spend some downtime.' He added hashtags including #familytime and #memories, tagging both @queensland and @hamiltonisland. The couple, dressed casually in white tees and shorts, beamed in one photo taken on the deck of their vessel, with the ocean stretching out behind them. In another snap, beachgoers are seen enjoying the balmy Queensland weather under clear blue skies as the pair relaxed off-camera. It marks another cherished chapter in the Tindalls' long-running love affair with Australia. The royal duo – who have been married since 2011 – are regular visitors to the country, travelling Down Under nearly every year for the Magic Millions equestrian carnival on the Gold Coast. Zara, daughter of Princess Anne and niece to King Charles, is an accomplished equestrian and Olympic silver medallist. She's also a long-time ambassador for Magic Millions, a high-profile role she's held since 2012. Speaking previously, Zara said the country feels like her 'home away from home'. 'We have always loved Australia, and it is like a home from home for us... although the Magic Millions carnival is busy... we couldn't ask for a better way to start the year,' she said. Zara previously confirmed she and her family holidayed in Australia previously, and that they adore the lifestyle. Speaking to Hello! magazine, Zara once admitted she'd consider moving Down Under if the timing were right: 'Probably not while I'm still competing… but after that… yes, I think if an opportunity came up we'd definitely think about it.' Mike added: 'Early January is bleak over here [in the UK] so it's nice to go and have a bit of sun. I love the lifestyle of Australia and the ability to get up early, go on the beach – especially for the kids. 'It's not a rushed lifestyle. I think it's a great place and we enjoy it so much.' The pair famously met in Sydney in 2003 at the Wharf Bar in Manly while Zara was on a gap year and Mike was recovering from being cut from the World Cup squad. They were introduced by Prince Harry and soon hit it off. The pair married in 2011 and the couple have visited Australia almost every year since, only taking a break between 2020 and 2021 during the Covid-19 lockdowns. They share three children, Mia Grace, 10, Lucas, three, and Lena Elizabeth, six.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
James Haskell, 40, shows off weight loss transformation with VERY revealing photo as former rugby star boasts washboard abs
James Haskell showed off his ripped, slimmed down physique in a very daring picture to fans on Saturday. The former rugby player, 40, appeared to have shed some of his signature muscle bulk when he was pictured at an event earlier this month. He attended 601 Queen's Road in south-west London, where a host of guests were letting their hair down at Lady Wimbledon 's Rooftop Tennis Party. Former England flanker Haskell, who spent most of his career playing for London Wasps, drew further attention to his slimmer physique by opting to wear a form-fitting T-shirt. And now, James has left his fans blushing as he stripped completely naked to show off his bronzed washboard abs. The dad-of-one left little to the imagination as he posed in his hotel room, loosely holding a white towel to cover his modesty. James didn't caption the racy Instagram story, with his next updates following his trip to Melbourne, Australia, with Mike Tindall as part of their work together. Haskell - who has reinvented himself as a tech-house DJ over the years - has previously been open about his weight loss since leaving rugby. He revealed that a stint on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and the restrictions of global lockdown contributed to him slimming down. After leaving the Aussie jungle in 2019, James shared snaps of his chiseled abs and bulging biceps to Instagram, with the star thought to have lost around 10kg on the show. A couple of years later, he admitted to losing around 19lbs during one of the final British lockdowns thanks to a strict diet. Sharing body comparison photos to Instagram, he wrote: 'I got bored in lockdown 2 and saw how big I could get. 130kgs. 'Lockdown 3 I have gone the other way. I'm 8 weeks in and have gone from 122kgs to 113kgs. 'I've been training remotely with @altius_pt. Which has been mega, well thought out and programmed exactly. The idea is to get leaner now and then build back up slowly over the coming week. Haskell - who has reinvented himself as a tech-house DJ over the years - has previously been open about his weight loss since leaving rugby (pictured in 2022) 'It's been really fun to have a goal and stick to it. It gives you purpose, routine and discipline. All things we strive on as humans.' James recently discussed what really caused his marriage to Chloe Madeley to end after five years. Haskell and Chloe, 37, the daughter of television presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, split when their daughter, Bodhi, was aged just one at the time. He explained his love of boozing contributed to the demise of their union. 'If I put more time into my marriage than I did Guinness, then I wouldn't be divorced now,' Haskell said. Speaking at the Pub in the Park festival in west London, James said he now has a much better relationship with Chloe. 'It's one of those things in life where some things don't work out, but I have so much love for my daughter and Chloe,' he told the Daily Mail's Richard Eden. 'It's team work.' He added: 'What we all forget is when you have children and a marriage finishes, it's all about the kids. Chloe and I are amazing co-parents. Our priority is always Bodhi.'
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
How to Watch Australia vs British & Irish Lions: Live Stream Rugby, TV Channel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The British & Irish Lions are one win away from a historic series sweep as they head into the Second Test against Australia on Saturday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. With a professional tour record of 6–0 over Australian sides, the Lions now aim to secure a 3–0 series whitewash on Australian soil for the first time since 1974. Mike Tindall of the Lions runs with the ball during the Classic Wallabies v British & Irish Legends match on July 24, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. Mike Tindall of the Lions runs with the ball during the Classic Wallabies v British & Irish Legends match on July 24, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. Photo byHow to Watch Australia vs British & Irish Lions When: Saturday, July 26, 2025 Time: 3:00 AM ET Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground TV Channel: Paramount+ Live Stream: Paramount+ (WATCH NOW) Following a commanding 27–19 victory in Brisbane, the Lions lead the series 1–0 and are poised to close it out early. But former captain Martin Johnson warns against complacency, recalling how previous tours fell apart after promising starts. Andy Farrell, the Lions' head coach, confirmed three lineup changes to strengthen the side. Andrew Porter, Bundee Aki, and Ollie Chessum are promoted to the starting XV, injecting fresh energy ahead of a massive crowd at the MCG. Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones urged Australia to disrupt the Lions early by targeting physical matchups and varying their strategy. He emphasized the need to unsettle key Lions players and control the breakdown zone to reclaim the momentum Wallabies lock Will Skelton also returns to the starting lineup, a physical figure expected to challenge Lions lock Ollie Chessum, who recently spoke about matching the clash with poise despite Skelton's imposing presence Live stream Australia vs British & Irish Lions on Paramount+: Start your subscription now! Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
