Latest news with #SixNationsChampionships
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Italy international Riccioni extends Sarries deal
Italy international prop Marco Riccioni has signed a new contract with Premiership club Saracens. The 27-year-old has made 55 appearances for the club and won one Premiership title since moving to north London from Benetton in 2021. He has played in 11 of Saracens league games this season, with Mark McCall's side sixth in the table going into their final match of the regular season against Bath. "I arrived four years ago having dreamed of playing for this club since I started my career," he told Saracens' website. "When I joined, I understood that I was part of something bigger than just a club. I have always felt part of a big family that had my back so I'm very excited to continue my journey here." Riccioni has 33 caps since making his debut for Italy in 2019 and has represented the Azzurri in four Six Nations Championships and two Rugby World Cups. He follows scrum half Gareth Simpson, second row Harry Wilson and back Brandon Jackson in committing his future at StoneX Stadium.
eNCA
30-04-2025
- Sport
- eNCA
Kiss says 'honour of a lifetime' to coach Wallabies at home World Cup
MELBOURNE - Les Kiss said it would be "the honour of a lifetime" to lead Australia in their home 2027 World Cup after it was announced that he would take over as Wallabies head coach from Joe Schmidt in 2026. A former Ireland assistant under Schmidt, Kiss currently coaches Queensland Reds in Super Rugby. "This is a country that expects a lot in the sporting market, for sure, and I am very clear what I want to do with that team," Kiss told reporters in Sydney, promising a smooth handover next year. "The players have a lot of confidence in what's happening in Rugby Australia at the moment. I am not here to 'rip and tear'. "I am going to make sure that I dovetail as much as I can. And I will bring my points of difference into play, but we have a lot of things in common." Kiss, who played rugby league for Australia, is the fifth coach named to lead the Wallabies in six years after Michael Cheika, Dave Rennie, Eddie Jones and Schmidt. New Zealander Schmidt had been due to step aside after the Rugby Championship later this year, but agreed to extend his tenure until he can hand over the coaching role to Kiss, Rugby Australia said. "My intention to finish at the end of this year's Rugby Championship has been adjusted to fit with Les's availability," said Schmidt, who has presided over six Test wins and seven defeats. He took over after Jones' disastrous second stint in charge when Australia failed to get to the knockout stage at the 2023 World Cup. Kiss spent eight years with Ireland as assistant coach, helping them to Six Nations Championships in 2009, 2014, 2015, and a Grand Slam in 2009. Schmidt was Ireland head coach from 2013-19. "To coach our national team through such an important period, highlighted by a home Rugby World Cup in 2027, is the honour of a lifetime and an opportunity I am truly grateful for," said Kiss. "It's an incredibly exciting time for Australian Rugby and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as Wallabies head coach from next year," Kiss said. "Joe and I have a strong relationship and a long history of working together, and I am looking forward to building upon the excellent foundations he has laid with the Wallabies."
RTHK
30-04-2025
- Sport
- RTHK
Australia name Les Kiss as next Wallabies coach
Australia name Les Kiss as next Wallabies coach Kiss is the fifth coach named to lead the Wallabies over the last six years. Photo: AFP Les Kiss said it would be "the honour of a lifetime" to lead Australia in their home 2027 World Cup after it was announced that he would take over as Wallabies head coach from Joe Schmidt in 2026. A former Ireland assistant under Schmidt, Kiss currently coaches Queensland Reds in Super Rugby. "This is a country that expects a lot in the sporting market, for sure, and I am very clear what I want to do with that team," Kiss told reporters in Sydney, promising a smooth handover next year. "The players have a lot of confidence in what's happening in Rugby Australia at the moment," he added. "I am not here to 'rip and tear'. I am going to make sure that I dovetail as much as I can. And I will bring my points of difference into play, but we have a lot of things in common." Kiss, who played rugby league for Australia, is the fifth coach named to lead the Wallabies in six years after Michael Cheika, Dave Rennie, Eddie Jones and Schmidt. New Zealander Schmidt had been due to step aside after the Rugby Championship later this year, but agreed to extend his tenure until he can hand over the coaching role to Kiss, Rugby Australia said. "My intention to finish at the end of this year's Rugby Championship has been adjusted to fit with Les's availability," said Schmidt, who has presided over six Test wins and seven defeats. He took over after Jones' disastrous second stint in charge when Australia failed to get to the knockout stage at the 2023 World Cup. Kiss spent eight years with Ireland as assistant coach, helping them to Six Nations Championships in 2009, 2014, 2015, and a Grand Slam in 2009. Schmidt was Ireland head coach from 2013-19. "To coach our national team through such an important period, highlighted by a home Rugby World Cup in 2027, is the honour of a lifetime and an opportunity I am truly grateful for," said Kiss. "It's an incredibly exciting time for Australian Rugby and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as Wallabies head coach from next year," Kiss said. "Joe and I have a strong relationship and a long history of working together, and I am looking forward to building upon the excellent foundations he has laid with the Wallabies," he added. Kiss can now see out his club contract in Queensland, meaning Rugby Australia will avoid paying an expensive release fee to the Reds. "I am thrilled to continue with the Reds for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season before transitioning into the Wallabies environment," said Kiss. Kiss returned to Australia in 2023 after stints as director of rugby at Irish club Ulster, as head coach of London Irish and as an assistant coach with Ireland. Kiss will take over after a long coaching career that started in rugby league with the London Broncos in 1999. He worked as a defence coach for South Africa in 2001-02, and was an assistant with the NSW Waratahs from 2002 until 2008, helping them reach two Super Rugby finals. Schmidt announced in February he would step down after leading the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions and the Rugby Championship later this year but will now stay on until to enable Kiss to finish his contract with the Reds. "It has certainly been a privilege to be involved with the Wallabies," said Schmidt. "The staff and players have worked hard but we all know there's a lot more hard work ahead of us with the British and Irish Lions here in a few months' time." (AFP)
France 24
30-04-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Kiss says 'honour of a lifetime' to coach Wallabies at home World Cup
A former Ireland assistant under Schmidt, Kiss currently coaches Queensland Reds in Super Rugby. "This is a country that expects a lot in the sporting market, for sure, and I am very clear what I want to do with that team," Kiss told reporters in Sydney, promising a smooth handover next year. "The players have a lot of confidence in what's happening in Rugby Australia at the moment. I am not here to 'rip and tear'. "I am going to make sure that I dovetail as much as I can. And I will bring my points of difference into play, but we have a lot of things in common." Kiss, who played rugby league for Australia, is the fifth coach named to lead the Wallabies in six years after Michael Cheika, Dave Rennie, Eddie Jones and Schmidt. New Zealander Schmidt had been due to step aside after the Rugby Championship later this year, but agreed to extend his tenure until he can hand over the coaching role to Kiss, Rugby Australia said. "My intention to finish at the end of this year's Rugby Championship has been adjusted to fit with Les's availability," said Schmidt, who has presided over six Test wins and seven defeats. He took over after Jones' disastrous second stint in charge when Australia failed to get to the knockout stage at the 2023 World Cup. 'Exciting time' Kiss spent eight years with Ireland as assistant coach, helping them to Six Nations Championships in 2009, 2014, 2015, and a Grand Slam in 2009. Schmidt was Ireland head coach from 2013-19. "To coach our national team through such an important period, highlighted by a home Rugby World Cup in 2027, is the honour of a lifetime and an opportunity I am truly grateful for," said Kiss. "It's an incredibly exciting time for Australian Rugby and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as Wallabies head coach from next year," Kiss said. "Joe and I have a strong relationship and a long history of working together, and I am looking forward to building upon the excellent foundations he has laid with the Wallabies." Kiss can now see out his club contract in Queensland, meaning Rugby Australia will avoid paying an expensive release fee to the Reds. "I am thrilled to continue with the Reds for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season before transitioning into the Wallabies environment," said Kiss Kiss returned to Australia in 2023 after stints as director of rugby at Irish club Ulster, as head coach of London Irish and as an assistant coach with Ireland. Kiss will take over after a long coaching career that started in rugby league with the London Broncos in 1999. He worked as a defence coach for South Africa in 2001–02, and was an assistant with the NSW Waratahs from 2002 until 2008, helping them reach two Super Rugby finals. Schmidt announced in February he would step down after leading the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions and the Rugby Championship later this year but will now stay on until to enable Kiss to finish his contract with the Reds. "It has certainly been a privilege to be involved with the Wallabies," said Schmidt. © 2025 AFP
Telegraph
12-02-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Ireland v France, Six Nations 2025: What time is kick-off and what TV channel is it on?
The fourth round of fixtures in the Ireland are the only side to win their first two games of the championship, beating England and Scotland, and securing two bonus points along the way. Prior to their heavyweight clash against France they face a Wales side who are in turmoil, with head coach Meanwhile, France started the championship in scintillating fashion, France are four points behind Ireland as they head to Rome to play Italy, before travelling to Dublin to face an Ireland side who are looking to become the first side to win three Six Nations Championships in a row. When is Ireland vs France? Ireland host France on Saturday, March 8. The match will kick-off at 14:15 (GMT). The other fixtures in round four include Scotland welcoming Wales to Murrayfield on the same day, at 16:45, with England visited by Italy on Sunday, March 9 at 15:00. Where is Ireland vs France taking place? The game will take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. It will be Ireland's second, and last, home game of this year's Six Nations. Ireland have a mixed record when hosting France at the Aviva Stadium, winning four of the eight matches the two sides have contested there, with those four wins coming in the last five games. France have won three times since the stadium was built, with one draw being played out in 2013. Six Nations 2025 table How to watch Ireland vs France on TV? The game will be live on ITV1, whilst Scotland vs Wales will be on BBC One later in the day. ITV acquired the rights for the home games of England, Ireland, France, and Italy with the BBC covering Scotland's games at Murrayfield and Wales' matches at the Principality Stadium. This year's Six Nations coverage has taken place against a backdrop of controversy with 2025 potentially being the last year that all Six Nations games are shown on free-to-air terrestrial television in the UK. The current broadcast deal that the BBC and ITV hold only runs until the end of this year's tournament. TNT Sports and Sky Sports may bid for the rights to cover the competition from 2026. This potential switch has caused concern, with suggestions that it may have a negative impact on the game. Who is the referee? Australian referee Angus Gardner will be in charge of this pivotal fixture. He has refereed just one game between Ireland and France before – a 30-24 France win at the Stade de France in the 2022 Six Nations. Gardner has refereed 46 international Test matches, including three World Cups. He was the referee in England's 12-11 win over South Africa, in 2018, when Owen Farrell received criticism over his tackle on André Esterhuizen. With the clock ticking over to 80 minutes Farrell leaned into a shoulder-led tackle on the South African centre. Gardner judged the tackle to be legal but has since admitted he probably made a mistake. A penalty would have likely given South Africa the win. Gardner, on the Will Greenwood podcast, said: 'I think in hindsight now, having discussed it with some other referees… the general consensus would be that a penalty was probably the outcome there that should have been given.' What is the team news? Ireland are coached by Simon Easterby, who has taken up an interim role in this year's Six Nations due to head coach Andy Farrell's absence. Farrell has stepped back from his role this year as he is coaching the British and Irish Lions for their 2025 tour. Easterby has picked just one uncapped player, in Leinster prop Jack Boyle. The experienced quartet of Cian Healy, Peter O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier and Bundee Aki are all in contention. Winger Mack Hansen was ruled out of Ireland's win over Scotland, whilst fly-half Sam Prendergast is playing in his first Six Nations and has been picked over Jack Crowley for the opening two games. For France, Experienced flanker Charles Ollivon has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a knee injury, whilst experienced centres Gael Fickou and Jonathan Danty have missed the first two rounds but may return for the latter stages of the tournament. Ireland squad: Forwards: Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Boyle, Thomas Clarkson, Jack Conan, Caelan Doris (c), Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Cormac Izuchukwu, Rónan Kelleher, Gus McCarthy, Joe McCarthy, Peter O'Mahony, Andrew Porter, Cian Prendergast, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Josh van der Flier. Backs: Bundee Aki, Caolin Blade, Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Conor Murray, Calvin Nash, Jimmy O'Brien, Jamie Osborne, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose France squad: Forwards: Esteban Abadie, Dorian Aldegheri, Gregory Alldritt, Uini Atonio, Hugo Auradou, Cyril Baille, Giorgi Beria, Paul Boudehent, Joshua Brennan, Georges-Henri Colombe, Francois Cros, Thibaud Flament, Marko Gazzotti, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Mickaël Guillard, Matthias Halagahu, Oscar Jegou, Maxime Lamothe, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Emmanuel Meafou, Dany Priso, Rabah Slimani, Romain Taofifénua. Backs: Theo Attissogbe, Pierre-Louis Barassi, Leo Barre, Nicolas Depoortere, Gael Drean, Antoine Dupont (c), Antoine Frisch, Emilien Gailleton, Matthieu Jalibert, Nolann le Garrec, Maxime Lucu, Yoram Moefana, Noah Nene, Romain Ntamack, Damien Penaud, Thomas Ramos, Killian Tixeront, Gabin Villiere. When did France and Ireland last win the Six Nations? France and Ireland have dominated the Six Nations in recent years, occupying the top two spots for three years running. France were victorious in 2022, but have since finished second in consecutive years with Ireland winning back-to-back titles. Ireland also won the Grand Slam in 2023 after winning all five of their games. Should either side win this year's tournament they will join England in having the most Six Nations titles, with seven. What was the score last year? The 2024 Six Nations opened with a thrilling match as Ireland beat France 38-17 in Marseille. Ireland ran in five tries, collecting a bonus point along the way, after France had lock Paul Willemse sent off after just 30 minutes. It was Ireland's biggest-ever away win over the French. What are the latest odds? France to win Six Nations: 1000/1 Ireland to win Six Nations: 8/15
