Latest news with #RugbyLeagueWorldCup
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Warrington and Hull KR battle for cup supremacy
George Williams' (left) Warrington Wolves will contest the Challenge Cup final for the second season in a row but will need to overcome Elliot Minchella's (right) in-form Hull KR [SWPix] Betfred Men's Challenge Cup final - Warrington Wolves v Hull KR Venue: Wembley Stadium Date: Saturday, 7 June Kick-off: 15:00 BST Coverage: Live on BBC One from 14:00 BST; commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3 and BBC Radio Merseyside and BBC Radio Humberside; live text on BBC Sport website & app Advertisement The Challenge Cup makes its return to the capital with three games taking place under the Wembley arch on a glorious day of rugby league. After the curtain is brought down on this season's women's competition, the men take to the field as Warrington Wolves face Hull KR. But will Sam Burgess win his first trophy as a head coach and lead Warrington to a 10th victory in the competition? Or will Super League leaders Hull KR continue their ascent into the echelons of northern hemisphere rugby league with a first Challenge Cup in almost half a century? BBC Sport has taken a look at what is at stake. Advertisement "I try not to get caught up in the fantasy land stuff. I just stay in the moment. We know the challenge in front of us and we know they're a good side. We've got to work on getting a good performance out. "If you ask me that question after the game, I might give you a different answer. For now I'll just stay in the present moment." It is fair to say that Burgess is not losing sleep over the fact he has a winless record as a player and coach at Wembley. Warrington were on the losing side under Burgess in last season's final, as they were defeated by eventual quadruple winners Wigan Warriors. Advertisement Meanwhile as a player, Burgess started for England in their losing 2013 Rugby League World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. Burgess said he has learned a lot from his 18 months as a head coach, including plenty from his most recent experience at the national stadium. "There were a couple of things I got, I wouldn't say wrong, but we could have been better in a few areas. It won't happen twice in a row with those things," he said. "Whether there's a difference in outcome we'll see. Any bit of experience you can get, it was my first year as a head coach and I learned plenty." Advertisement For Willie Peters' Hull KR, the sky is the limit, having dazzled in Super League this season. Peters has led his side to the Challenge Cup final for the second time in three seasons but has been on the losing side in both the 2023 final and last season's Super League Grand Final. He said that his side have had a difficult time maintaining their impressive form having set up Saturday's trip to Wembley almost a month ago. "It's a difficult period for the players because there's no doubt they would have been thinking about this game three weeks ago," Peters told BBC Sport. Advertisement "But where I can see the growth in the side is that they are able to put it aside and go after each Super League game, because any team that plays us knows they have to play well, but they are also going after us to beat us because we are at the top of the table at the moment. "We know that every team is going to come to try to knock us off." Hull KR have lost only once in all competitions this season - against Wigan in Super League - but have still set the pace among their rivals this term. But Peters knows that it would prove that his side have broken into the top tier of clubs in Super League if they were able to turn their form into winning a trophy. Advertisement "So what the players have done in being able to handle what goes into it and around a Challenge Cup final and putting it aside, they've done a remarkable job because it can be difficult," he added. "Now it's about just focusing on this week and getting this week right, which is different again because you can't get this one wrong." Hull KR's most recent triumph in the Challenge Cup came in 1980 when they beat city rivals Hull FC in a narrow 10-5 affair at Wembley. Now, a new generation of Robins players stand on the cusp of adding a second Challenge Cup final victory to their history. Advertisement Second-rower James Batchelor started for the Robins in their most recent Challenge Cup final in 2023 but was on the losing side against Leigh Leopards that day. He moved to KR from Wakefield Trinity ahead of the 2023 season and believes his career has prospered since leaving his hometown club. "I made a decision that I thought would help me grow as a player, as tough as that decision was, and I feel vindicated in that now," Batchelor told BBC Sport. "Moving away from my home town I've definitely grown as a person, and the faith that Willie has put in me in all that time has helped me grow as a player as well." Advertisement As for the prestige of playing at Wembley, Batchelor said that the sheen of taking to the field loses its lustre if you cannot bring home the win. "Yes, Wembley has a lot of history behind it but if you don't get the win it doesn't really matter and you're not too bothered about where you've played," he added. "So I'm more just focused on the game and doing the job like we do every week and getting it done. You can sit and enjoy it afterwards." Team news Unsurprisingly, Warrington Wolves name captain George Williams in their squad after he declared his fitness earlier this week. Advertisement Also, full-back Arthur Mourgue is missing from the Hull KR line-up as he is cup-tied having moved to Craven Park from Catalans Dragons after the start of this season. Warrington (from): Williams, Yates, Tai, Vaughan, Powell, Ratchford, Harrison, Fitzgibbon, Lindop, Wrench, Holroyd, Sneyd, Currie, King, Crowther, Russell, Philbin, Josh Thewlis, Jake Thewlis, Dufty, Wood. Hull KR (from): Davies, Hiku, Burgess, Lewis, May, Sue, Litten, Waerea-Hargreaves, Hadley, Batchelor, Minchella, McIlorum, Luckley, Whitbread, Broadbent, Richardson, Tanginoa, Brown, Doro, Leyland, Horne.
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘I can't coach Queensland': Cheika on trophies, Aussie snubs and a future in league
'The whole turnaround thing, which has been something I've done always pretty much, you know, trying to do that in the year, I released I probably needed to accelerate a few things.' The Tigers have won eight of twelve games since. English style In his first season coaching in England, Cheika has been surprised, and impressed, with the amount of expansive rugby he has encountered. Though once considered a kick-heavy, forward-dominated competition, the average per-game tries in the Premiership now sits just under that of Super Rugby. 'It surprised me,' he said. 'There's some teams over here that are playing some extremely expansive footy. Like to a point where you've got to strategise defensively differently in order to cope with it 'There's a few others that are playing a lot less kicking and a lot of running from everywhere. It's been an interesting, good challenge for me to have to – I always thought I was the guy who was involved with the teams that are running the most, and I was probably the guy who's running the team that's running one of the least.' Hob-nobbing in Monaco Cheika and Kidwell found themselves with a close-up view of a high-performing Aussie in action – Oscar Piastri – when, via a coaching mentoring group, they were invited into the McLaren garage during qualifying at the Monaco Grand Prix in May. 'The whole day there, you know, they were so kind to us,' he said. 'They've got a really interesting set-up. They gave access to so many interesting people for the day. I'm hoping that I'll get another chance to go in with them again in the near future, because it's a very different sport to ours, but there's a lot of crossover in the human management of people and in the key moments, and they have so many key moments in that world. So it was great.' Homeward bound Cheika has made no secret of his interest in pursuing a coaching opportunity in the NRL, after working with the Roosters and coaching Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup in 2022. He has been linked to the Dragons, Souths and the Eels, and will resume duties with the Cedars later this year. But, mindful of the peril of becoming the guy floated for every NRL job vacancy, Cheika deflects when asked if interested in coaching the new PNG franchise in 2028. 'I've got some experience ... but I understand totally I am a bit of an outlier,' Cheika said. 'I'm sort of an outsider in both games, a bit, mate. 'I'm going to be pushing for that opportunity, but only in a way that if there's a club there that thinks they need the skill set I have, and along with the team that can put together, et cetera. That's how will work out. 'It's not something where I will go and put my CV in for everything that comes up. It's got to be if the team wants you, and sees the skill set you have and if that alignment occurs from the top. 'If that happens in league, that would be awesome because to master that challenge, that would be huge.' Rugby future With Rugby Australia focused soberly on stability and aligned high performance, the opinionated Cheika appears to be viewed as a square peg. And the still-smouldering second stint of Eddie Jones is also no help, either. 'It's pretty clear what their opinion is,' Cheika said. 'And I am not saying that in a negative way. That's the management decision, so that's fine. I have to then assess my options accordingly.' Loading He believes the meeting with Waugh about the Wallabies job at a Milson Point restaurant was 'never a serious thing', and probably done out of respect for the third party who lined it up. 'It got put in a very public place, and it got out pretty publicly. As soon as that happened, I thought, oh, ok, this isn't too fair dinkum,' he said. Cheika said he'll return home and then figure out his coaching future, be it in league or overseas rugby, where he has options to explore if interested. 'But I've got my businesses and stuff which I can get involved in and wait and see what unfolds,' Cheika said. 'I've got other opportunities [in Europe], but I actually want to go back and see my people and my family. 'I'm really grateful to my wife and kids. They've been so good about the whole thing, you know, moving around, supporting different teams. 'So maybe I will go back for a while, and then see what happens. I have no set plans at the moment.' There are some options on the horizon in Australian rugby, despite Cheika's view. Simon Cron has a year left on his contract at the Western Force, and Kiss' promotion means the Reds are now in the market for a head coach for 2027. But with sky-blue blood, Cheika has an old-school view on the notion of coaching Queensland. 'I can't coach Queensland,' Cheika says. 'No, seriously, I couldn't. It would be like me going to coach Munster against Leinster. Loading 'I understand it's a professional game and all that business. I get it. And I respect the guys at Queensland, I like (QRU chief executive) Dave Hanham a lot. He's a top fellow and they're good guys, and a good team. A great team, right? 'But there are just some rivalries … like, why would you disrespect the people from Waratahs that were on that journey back then (in 2013-2015)? 'I couldn't. I don't think it's right. I just don't think it would be the right thing to do. 'But that's me. I'm like that.'
The Age
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
‘I can't coach Queensland': Cheika on trophies, Aussie snubs and a future in league
'The whole turnaround thing, which has been something I've done always pretty much, you know, trying to do that in the year, I released I probably needed to accelerate a few things.' The Tigers have won eight of twelve games since. English style In his first season coaching in England, Cheika has been surprised, and impressed, with the amount of expansive rugby he has encountered. Though once considered a kick-heavy, forward-dominated competition, the average per-game tries in the Premiership now sits just under that of Super Rugby. 'It surprised me,' he said. 'There's some teams over here that are playing some extremely expansive footy. Like to a point where you've got to strategise defensively differently in order to cope with it 'There's a few others that are playing a lot less kicking and a lot of running from everywhere. It's been an interesting, good challenge for me to have to – I always thought I was the guy who was involved with the teams that are running the most, and I was probably the guy who's running the team that's running one of the least.' Hob-nobbing in Monaco Cheika and Kidwell found themselves with a close-up view of a high-performing Aussie in action – Oscar Piastri – when, via a coaching mentoring group, they were invited into the McLaren garage during qualifying at the Monaco Grand Prix in May. 'The whole day there, you know, they were so kind to us,' he said. 'They've got a really interesting set-up. They gave access to so many interesting people for the day. I'm hoping that I'll get another chance to go in with them again in the near future, because it's a very different sport to ours, but there's a lot of crossover in the human management of people and in the key moments, and they have so many key moments in that world. So it was great.' Homeward bound Cheika has made no secret of his interest in pursuing a coaching opportunity in the NRL, after working with the Roosters and coaching Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup in 2022. He has been linked to the Dragons, Souths and the Eels, and will resume duties with the Cedars later this year. But, mindful of the peril of becoming the guy floated for every NRL job vacancy, Cheika deflects when asked if interested in coaching the new PNG franchise in 2028. 'I've got some experience ... but I understand totally I am a bit of an outlier,' Cheika said. 'I'm sort of an outsider in both games, a bit, mate. 'I'm going to be pushing for that opportunity, but only in a way that if there's a club there that thinks they need the skill set I have, and along with the team that can put together, et cetera. That's how will work out. 'It's not something where I will go and put my CV in for everything that comes up. It's got to be if the team wants you, and sees the skill set you have and if that alignment occurs from the top. 'If that happens in league, that would be awesome because to master that challenge, that would be huge.' Rugby future With Rugby Australia focused soberly on stability and aligned high performance, the opinionated Cheika appears to be viewed as a square peg. And the still-smouldering second stint of Eddie Jones is also no help, either. 'It's pretty clear what their opinion is,' Cheika said. 'And I am not saying that in a negative way. That's the management decision, so that's fine. I have to then assess my options accordingly.' Loading He believes the meeting with Waugh about the Wallabies job at a Milson Point restaurant was 'never a serious thing', and probably done out of respect for the third party who lined it up. 'It got put in a very public place, and it got out pretty publicly. As soon as that happened, I thought, oh, ok, this isn't too fair dinkum,' he said. Cheika said he'll return home and then figure out his coaching future, be it in league or overseas rugby, where he has options to explore if interested. 'But I've got my businesses and stuff which I can get involved in and wait and see what unfolds,' Cheika said. 'I've got other opportunities [in Europe], but I actually want to go back and see my people and my family. 'I'm really grateful to my wife and kids. They've been so good about the whole thing, you know, moving around, supporting different teams. 'So maybe I will go back for a while, and then see what happens. I have no set plans at the moment.' There are some options on the horizon in Australian rugby, despite Cheika's view. Simon Cron has a year left on his contract at the Western Force, and Kiss' promotion means the Reds are now in the market for a head coach for 2027. But with sky-blue blood, Cheika has an old-school view on the notion of coaching Queensland. 'I can't coach Queensland,' Cheika says. 'No, seriously, I couldn't. It would be like me going to coach Munster against Leinster. Loading 'I understand it's a professional game and all that business. I get it. And I respect the guys at Queensland, I like (QRU chief executive) Dave Hanham a lot. He's a top fellow and they're good guys, and a good team. A great team, right? 'But there are just some rivalries … like, why would you disrespect the people from Waratahs that were on that journey back then (in 2013-2015)? 'I couldn't. I don't think it's right. I just don't think it would be the right thing to do. 'But that's me. I'm like that.'
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Former England coach says Australia humbling in Las Vegas did ‘a lot of damage'
His side's march to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup had a surge of interest in the women's game and led indirectly to a number of star England players landing historic contracts in the fully-professional NRL. Richards, who announced his departure from the England job in an emotional press conference in the wake of their last-four defeat to New Zealand, hopes the chastening experience in the US will act as a timely wake-up call for the domestic game. England endured a heartbreaking Rugby League World Cup defeat to New Zealand (Tim Goode/PA) 'Social media-wise, it did a lot of damage,' said Richards of the Las Vegas clash, which was bolted onto an international programme that also saw the start of the men's NRL season and the Super League clash between Wigan and Warrington. 'I don't think it was a true reflection of where we are at. I'm not saying we're anywhere close to beating the Aussies, but I also don't believe there is a 90-point gap. 'Internally it didn't harm us, but it made us question whether we are resting a little bit, and if we need to dig in a little bit deeper. I think the women's game is still in a good place, but we don't hide from the fact that there is still a lot to be done.' After leaving the international set-up, Richards returned to St Helens where he succeeded Matty Smith as women's joint head coach alongside Derek Hardman for the start of the current campaign. St Helens are targeting a fifth straight women's Challenge Cup win (John Walton/PA) He will lead Saints out at Wembley on Saturday as they bid for their fifth successive women's Challenge Cup win against Wigan, in a match Richards hopes will serve as a timely reminder of the strength of the English women's game. While Saints have only emphasised their domestic dominance in recent seasons, Wigan, who are contesting the final for the first time, have surged to prominence after an ambitious overhaul led by club legend Denis Betts. 'The group didn't need any motivation – we always ask, are you becoming complacent? Are you happy with what you've done so far? Have you got the hunger to kick on? – and the girls have proved that,' said Richards. Resurgent Wigan have reached Wembley for the first time (Richard Sellers/PA) 'Throw Wigan into the mix and that just excites everyone. When you're at a club like St Helens it doesn't go unnoticed, it's the one you always look for on the fixture list, and the fact we've got them at Wembley is huge for us. 'I think it's also massive for the women's game. We have had the same teams at the top of Super League and we need to expand that. This is an opportunity and a responsibility for us to go out and put on a real showcase for the women's game.'
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Somerset veteran appeals for Help for Heroes volunteers
An RAF veteran who damaged his neck while playing rugby is appealing for people to volunteer for an armed forces charity that helped him when he "most needed it". Dave Anderson, 54, who lives in Somerset, served for nine years as an RAF technician, and was supported by Help For Heroes following the accident to get into wheelchair rugby, which he said has improved his physical and mental health. Now he is helping the charity appeal for more volunteers. Mr Anderson said: "Help for Heroes was there for me when I most needed it. It's really been a lifeline for me... but it needs to recruit more volunteers so it can support more men and women who have served." Mr Anderson was left with weakness and loss of feeling in his right arm and hand, and constant pain in his neck. He also has two fused being introduced to wheelchair rugby through the charity, Mr Anderson has helped with the creation of the charity's wheelchair rugby team and had the chance to play in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup for Scotland."I know personally what a valuable job Help for Heroes does," he said. The charity is currently supporting 85 veterans across Somerset and said it is trying to bring more people on board as it expands its reach in local said it is looking for volunteers who can help with the running of its cafes, sports activities, social activities and Anderson said: "There are more than 43,200 veterans living in the Somerset area and, if we can recruit people who are able to give a couple of hours a week, the charity can do more for local people." According to the charity, on average, five people are medically discharged from the UK military every day. Some veterans must find new ways to live with a physical disability, others face complex mental trauma and many feel cut off from society, friends, even family.A Help for Heroes spokesperson said: "We are currently supporting more than 4,000 veterans across the UK. "By recruiting more local volunteers - either to help us provide services such as sports and social activities, or to help with local fundraising activities –-we can grow our offering and provide more support."
