Latest news with #SummerTour
Irish Times
21 hours ago
- General
- Irish Times
Craig Casey to captain Ireland for summer Tour
Craig Casey will captain Ireland for this summer Tour to Georgia and Portugal. Interim head coach Paul O'Connell announced his 32-man squad for next month's games. Munster scrumhalf Casey takes over the captaincy in the absence of Caelen Doris, who is out of action due to a shoulder injury he sustained in Leinster's Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton at the start of May. O'Connell, deputising as head coach while Andy Farrell and Simon Easterby are on British & Irish Lions duty, named 11 uncapped players for the two-match tour. READ MORE Ireland will play Georgia in Tbilisi on July 5th before facing Portugal in Lisbon on July 12th. There are first call-ups for Alex Kendellen, Darragh Murray, Paddy McCarthy, Stephen Smyth and Hugh Gavin, while Tom Ahern, Michael Milne, Shayne Bolton, Nathan Doak, Ben Murphy and Tommy O'Brien return to the Ireland squad hoping to earn debut caps. Ulster's James McNabney, Jude Postlethwaite and Zac Ward will also join the squad as training panellists. 'After only recently returning from long-term injuries, Iain Henderson and Rob Herring were not considered for selection to allow them to focus on a full preseason programme, while Robbie Henshaw was not available due to injury,' a statement from the IRFU said. Our Summer Tour squad captained by Craig Casey! 🟢 — Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) Ireland will also be without the 15 players included in the Lions squad for the Tour to Australia. O'Connell's squad will link up for a training camp in Dublin before departing for Tbilisi on July 2nd and the match day squad for the game against Georgia will be announced on July 3rd. The IRFU added broadcast details for both fixtures will follow once they are confirmed by the host unions. 'I'm delighted to announce the Ireland squad for the summer Tour and I believe we have a strong blend of youth and experience for what will be a trip into relatively uncharted territories this July,' O'Connell said. 'Georgia have made great strides in recent years, and they have made significant investment in their rugby programme which has established them among the leading emerging sides in international rugby. 'Under the experience of Richard Cockerill (Georgia head coach) they have built on a traditionally strong forward unit with a talented backline and they will provide a tough test for us. 'Portugal showcased their attacking prowess during the Rugby World Cup 2023 and Simon Mannix is a coach I know having worked with him previously (at Munster). They play with confidence and we're expecting another tough test,' O'Connell added. 'In welcoming the squad, I would like to congratulate Craig (Casey) on his selection as captain. He is a real leader with a strong personality and it is a huge personal honour for him and an opportunity that I know he will relish over the coming weeks.' Ireland squad for Test matches against Georgia and Portugal Forwards (18) Hookers: Gus McCarthy (Leinster), Tom Stewart (Ulster), Stephen Smyth (Leinster). Props: Jack Boyle (Leinster), Tom O'Toole (Ulster), Michael Milne (Munster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Paddy McCarthy (Leinster). Locks: Ryan Baird (Leinster), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster), Darragh Murray (Connacht). Backrows: Cian Prendergast (Connacht), Gavin Coombes (Munster), Max Deegan (Leinster), Tom Ahern (Munster), Nick Timoney (Ulster), Alex Kendellen (Munster). Backs (14) Scrumhalves: Craig Casey (Munster, capt), Nathan Doak (Ulster), Ben Murphy (Connacht). Outhalves: Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Ciarán Frawley (Leinster). Centres: Hugh Gavin (Connacht), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster). Outside backs: Jimmy O'Brien (Leinster), Jamie Osborne (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster), Calvin Nash (Munster), Tommy O'Brien (Leinster), Shayne Bolton (Connacht). Training panellists: James McNabney (Ulster), Jude Postlethwaite (Ulster), Zac Ward (Ulster). Fixtures (all Irish times) Saturday, July 5th: Georgia v Ireland, Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi, 6pm Saturday, July 12th: Portugal v Ireland, Estádio Nacional do Jamor, Lisbon, 7pm
Irish Examiner
21 hours ago
- General
- Irish Examiner
Munster's Craig Casey to captain Ireland as Paul O'Connell names squad for summer tour
Interim Ireland head coach Paul O'Connell has named a 32-man squad for the two-Test summer tour of Georgia (5th July) and Portugal (12th July). The touring party will be led by Munster scrum-half Craig Casey who is set to become the 112th captain of Ireland. O'Connell has included 11 uncapped players in the panel as the tour provides the Ireland management with an invaluable opportunity to build squad depth and expose high-potential players to meaningful game time in a green jersey. Tom Ahern, Michael Milne, Shayne Bolton, Nathan Doak, Ben Murphy and Tommy O'Brien all have recent experience in the national team environment and will be hoping to push for their debut caps this July, while Alex Kendellen, Darragh Murray, Paddy McCarthy, Stephen Smyth and Hugh Gavin all earn their first senior call ups after impressing for their Provinces and the Emerging Ireland squad earlier this season. Additionally, Ulster trio James McNabney, Jude Postlethwaite and Zac Ward have been included as training panellists and will link up with the squad at the IRFU High Performance Centre on Monday, 23 June. After only recently returning from long-term injuries, Iain Henderson and Rob Herring were not considered for selection to allow them to focus on a full pre-season programme, while Robbie Henshaw was not available due to injury. This will be the sixth time that Ireland will face Georgia, while it will be the inaugural international senior men's match against Portugal. The Ireland squad will gather for a training camp in Dublin ahead of the departure to Tbilisi on Wednesday, 2 July. The Ireland Match Day Squad for the opening Test against Georgia will then be announced on Thursday, 3 July. Broadcast details for both matches will follow once confirmed by the host unions. O'Connell said: 'I'm delighted to announce the Ireland squad for the Summer Tour and I believe we have a strong blend of youth and experience for what will be a trip into relatively uncharted territories this July. 'Georgia have made great strides in recent years, and they have made significant investment in their rugby programme which has established them amongst the leading emerging sides in international rugby. Under the experience of Richard Cockerill they have built on a traditionally strong forward unit with a talented backline and they will provide a tough test for us. "Portugal showcased their attacking prowess during the Rugby World Cup 2023 and Simon Mannix is a Coach I know having worked with him previously (at Munster). They play with confidence and we're expecting another tough test." He continued: 'With 15 players away with The British & Irish Lions, this tour presents an opportunity for those on the fringes to impress the coaching team. A number of players have been really close to selection in recent times and it's important that everyone grasps the challenge that's ahead of them. Every moment on the training field and across the two-match Series will count and there's a great opportunity for players to step up and impress. 'In welcoming the squad, I would like to congratulate Craig (Casey) on his selection as captain. He is a real leader with a strong personality and it is a huge personal honour for him and an opportunity that I know he will relish over the coming weeks.' Fixtures: Saturday, 5th July: Georgia v Ireland, Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi (kick off 9pm local time, 6pm Irish time). Saturday, 12th July: Portugal v Ireland, Estádio Nacional do Jamor, Lisbon (kick off 7pm local, same Irish time). Squad: Forwards (18): Tom Ahern (Shannon/Munster), Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht), Jack Boyle (UCD/Leinster), Thomas Clarkson (Dublin University/Leinster), Gavin Coombes (Young Munster/Munster), Max Deegan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Alex Kendellen (UCC/Munster), Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster), Paddy McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster), Michael Milne (UCD/Munster), Darragh Murray (Buccaneers/Connacht), Tom O'Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht), Stephen Smyth (Old Wesley/Leinster), Tom Stewart (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Nick Timoney (Banbridge/Ulster). Backs (14): Shayne Bolton (Connacht), Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster, captain), Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster), Nathan Doak (Banbridge/Ulster), Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster), Hugh Gavin (Galwegians/Connacht), Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster), Ben Murphy (Clontarf/Connacht), Calvin Nash (Young Munster/Munster), Jimmy O'Brien (Naas/Leinster), Tommy O'Brien (UCD/Leinster), Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster), Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan/Ulster). Training Panellists: James McNabney (City of Armagh/Ulster), Jude Postlethwaite (City of Armagh/Ulster), Zac Ward (Ballynahinch/Ulster).
Daily Tribune
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Streetball Lights Up Bahrain
TDT | Manama Bahrain's basketball fans are in for a treat this June as the Bahrain 3x3 Summer Tour hits the court, bringing exciting half-court action to the kingdom. Sanctioned by FIBA, the global basketball authority, the debut tournament marks another leap forward for the sport locally. The winners will secure a place in the FIBA Challenger series—an international springboard. Game On for All Teams of four can sign up from clubs, universities, companies, or community groups, making the tour as inclusive as it is competitive. Whether players are pros or passionate amateurs, this is a chance to step into the spotlight. A Smart Play for Growth The Bahrain Basketball Association (BBA) is tapping into the global momentum of 3x3 basketball—fast, accessible, and Olympic-recognised. By establishing the Summer Tour as a fixture on the calendar, the BBA hopes to fuel participation, boost the sport's profile, and discover new talent ready for the world stage. Mudara's Vision for the Future BBA president Alaa Mudara sees big potential in the format. 'The 3x3 Summer Tour is about building a basketball future for Bahrain,' he said. 'We want to grow this game, find new stars, and give players a pathway to compete internationally.' With FIBA's backing, the event carries serious weight. It's a proving ground for talent—and a launchpad for bigger opportunities. Courts Set, Spotlight On As the tournament tips off, expect tightly contested games and breakout performances. Bahrain's basketball culture is turning up the volume. Key takeaways: Did You Know? 3x3's Olympic status drives Bahrain's basketball surge, inspiring the BBA's Summer Tour.
The Independent
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
I've had to hold back Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on England return
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is poised to make his England return this summer after Steve Borthwick revealed he has been forced to hold back the Exeter wing in training. Feyi-Waboso has been called up by Borthwick for the first time since November, having been unable to play in 2025 because of a dislocated shoulder that required surgery. Now present in a 33-man training squad for a two-day camp that begins preparations for the summer tour to Argentina and the United States, the 22-year-old is close to full fitness after five months on the sidelines. Rather than give him the summer off to be in the best possible shape for next season, Borthwick believes the 'world-class' threequarter with a strike rate of five tries in eight Tests needs to play. 'Manny has been doing team and individual training. He looks really good. I'm delighted to see him back on the grass,' England's head coach said. 'A number of times I had to step in and pull him back because he wanted to do more. I had to go and stand on his wing and remind him! That's a positive sign of where Manny is at. 'He's a world-class player and is raring to get stuck into things. He's a young man and these players are just desperate to play.' Feyi-Waboso was a strong contender for the British and Irish Lions squad bound for Australia this summer only for the shoulder injury sustained against Sale on December 21 to rob him of the chance to press his claim in the Six Nations. His recovery was delayed while England and Exeter discussed his treatment options, and because of a tooth infection. The Exeter University medical student's time in camp this week will be limited to one day as he must return to Devon to take an exam on Wednesday. He could be ready in time to face Sale in the final round of the regular season on May 31, although it remains to be seen whether Borthwick wants him to be risked in a game where there is nothing at stake for the Chiefs. 'Manny looks really good. The medical teams are really pleased with his recovery. You get a sense from the player of how he's feeling and there's a really positive energy coming off him,' Borthwick said. England's squad does not include players selected for the Lions or those from Northampton and Bath, who are involved in this weekend's European finals. Powerful Sale centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White features in a senior England squad for the first time as he continues to enjoy a breakthrough season. The 22-year-old, son of former Tongan international Viliami Ma'asi, is seen as a candidate to provide the ball carrying muscle that England have lacked in midfield since the Test retirement of Manu Tuilagi last year. Veterans George Ford and Jamie George are present in the group after being overlooked for the Lions tour by Andy Farrell. Borthwick confirmed lock George Martin and centre Ollie Lawrence will play no part against the Pumas or Eagles because of respective knee and Achilles injuries.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Transcript: Talk-Line with Steve Marco interviews Rep. Brad Fritts on recent state legislation
May 17—The TALK-LINE interview for May 16 featured Illinois 74th District State Representative Brad Fritts of Dixon discussing the progress made moving towards the end of the General Assembly session at the end of this month along with the status of his proposed legislation he put forward this year. Also discussed: plans for his Summer Tour of "Coffee and Conversation" and "Town Hall" meetings planned from June through August and the recent selection of the new Pope. Like what you hear? Be sure to visit WIXN, part of Shaw Local Radio. We're also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
