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Wales Online
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wayne Pivac's brilliant one-liner turned match on its head in 'best team talk ever'
Wayne Pivac's brilliant one-liner turned match on its head in 'best team talk ever' The New Zealander delivered a half-time team talk that got his side over the line One sentence from Wayne Pivac was enough to motivate his players (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Wales international Rhys Patchell has revealed a comical one-liner from Wayne Pivac inspired Scarlets to a famous victory. Patchell appeared as a guest on the latest episode of BBC Scrum V's The Warm Up alongside Lauren Jenkins, Ellis Jenkins and Alex Cuthbert. The 32-year-old rugby star spoke about Scarlets' famous semi-final win over Irish heavyweights Leinster in 2017. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Of course, that was the year the west Walians clinched the Pro12 title against Munster at the Aviva Stadium in a thrilling finale. However, prior to that, they had secured arguably an even more impressive win against the Dublin-based province. Facing Leinster in a decisive second half wasn't the only challenge for them, with winger Steff Evans being sent off for a tip-tackle before the break and leaving the Llanelli side to play the second half with one player fewer. However, this didn't dampen their spirits, as Patchell says. "The best thing that we did," began Patchell. "Was that Lewis Rawlins absolutely drilled Johnny Sexton in the first five minutes and after that, he was always getting rid of the ball early because he didn't want to come to the line, because Lewy hit him that hard. "We came in at half-time, didn't concede, managed the game to half-time, came in, Byron Hayward comes up with a plan. "Right, we're going to stick Cubby (James Davies) on the wing, on scrum defence, and otherwise, we're just going to have to work really hard in the backfields at all other times. "And Pivac's best-ever half-time team talk, the best half-time team talk ever.' "I know what's coming,' said Cuthbert. "Just before we walked out, he pops his head back around,' continues Patchell. "And goes: 'Lads, imagine the night out we're going to have if we win this way'. "We were right in the thick of Cubby's tours and the boys enjoying a beer together and the social aspect of it. "And out (in the) second half, got the job done and it was a pretty good night!" Scarlets would go on to win the match 27-15 thanks to tries from the dismissed Evans, Aaron Shingler and Gareth Davies, with Patchell and Liam Williams knocking over points form the tee. Article continues below Pivac's Scarlets defeated Munster 46-22 in the grand final in Dublin in a nine-try thriller. With Cardiff winning the Challenge Cup in 2018, Scarlets' league victory remains one of the last major trophies a Welsh region has won.
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Kilmarnock prepare for talks with Steven Naismith over stunning return to Rugby Park as manager to replace Derek McInnes
He was asked about the links earlier today HOMEWARD BOUND Kilmarnock prepare for talks with Steven Naismith over stunning return to Rugby Park as manager to replace Derek McInnes Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KILMARNOCK are ready to try to tempt Steven Naismith back into management. SunSport understands the Rugby Park side want talks with their former player as they begin the search for Derek McInnes' successor. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Steven Naismith was sacked by Hearts in September Credit: Willie Vass 4 But he could be set for a return to former club Kilmarnock as their new boss Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 4 Naismith was asked about the potential move on The Warm-Up podcast Credit: THE WARM-UP Naismith, 38, was axed by Hearts - who McInnes will take charge of - in September and is thought he is keen on a return to the dugout. The ex-Scotland international refused to rule himself out of the running for the Killie job. But after being out of football for the first time in his life he insists he will take time to weigh up what he does next. Asked about the links to the vacant hotseat on the latest episode of The Warm Up, William Hill SPFL's weekly preview show, Naismith said: 'I'll go serious for you and give you a good answer. I'm enjoying the time out. 'It takes over your life, management. It's on your mind all the time. 'I loved it but I've loved my time out. I'm at the point where everything needs to be perfect for me. 'So it has to be the right club, you believe in what it is and that you're going to make a difference. That's where I sit.' SunSport told on Monday how Naismith would be a leading contender if McInnes left. McInnes initially claimed he would be in the Killie dugout for the final two games of their season, despite the clubs agreeing he could move to the Jambos. But he dramatically left his post this morning following Wednesday's 3-0 loss to Motherwell. Derek McInnes spotted leaving Rugby Park for last time as Kilmarnock fans thank ex-manager That has hastened Killie's chase for Naismith, who became a club hero after coming through the ranks then netting 32 goals in 105 appearances before being sold to Rangers in 2007 for a club record fee £1.9million. He was a part of Steve Clarke's backroom team then took charge at Tynecastle on an interim basis in April 2023. After landing the permanent post he guided them into third spot in his first full season in charge but was then axed just six games into this season with the club sitting at the foot of the table. It's thought that experience hasn't put Naismith off the role. He has used his time out to further his education by going on club visits and speaking with managers he has worked with in the past, as well analysing things in various media roles. 4 Naismith could replace the departed Derek McInnes Credit: PA Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Wales Online
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales international played under false name until club bosses got wind of it
Wales international played under false name until club bosses got wind of it The Wales international revealed how he used to get back fit by playing for a number of local clubs using a pseudonym Former Wales star Richard Hibbard (Image: BBC ) Richard Hibbard has revealed he used a fake name to play local rugby matches while at Ospreys. The 38-cap Wales international appeared as a guest on the latest episode of BBC's Scrum V 'The Warm Up'. Speaking about his career, Hibbard touched on how he almost switched to rugby league when he was a teenager, before Ospreys snapped him up. Host Lauren Jenkins then asked Hibbard about the time he used a pseudonym while playing. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. "I used to hate training," began Hibbard. "I used to get fit by playing. "They (Ospreys) weren't playing me much at the time, so I used to play for everyone. Taibach... anything on a Wednesday night or a Sunday evening - anything I could. "In the summer, instead of training I used to play a bit of rugby league. The team manager had the genius idea to hide my identity. Article continues below "They came up with some real good names. They called me Hubert Richards. It was going well, as well. Hubert was my name every week in the paper. "Sean (Long) came down to investigate and he actually caught me." "How long did you get away with it for?" asked Jenkins. "I was the Man of Steel that year," responded Hibbard. "It was brilliant, my trophy came in a different name though!" "Was position were you?" asked Jonathan 'Foxy' Davies. "I was prop and loose forward. A lot of carries, a lot of tackles. My favourite part, to be fair!" Article continues below Hibbard announced his retirement from rugby in 2022 at the age of 38. Having closed out his career with Dragons RFC, he featured for Ospreys, Gloucester, Wales and the British and Irish Lions, enjoying a stellar career at the elite level of the game. Since he hung up his boots three years ago, Hibbard has focused on business and sports leadership. The former front-row star has two restaurants in his home town along with his 'Mortal Bunny' rum brand, and has stepped into a chief executive role with Wales Rugby League in recent times.
Daily Record
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Kris Boyd erupts over Chris Sutton dead rubber derby bait as Celtic hero refuses to forgive Rangers 'loser mentality'
Bragging rights are up for grabs for the last time this season as the Glasgow giants face off on Sunday Bullish Kris Boyd attempted to shut down Chris Sutton over his claim that the upcoming Rangers and Celtic showdown is a "dead rubber." But the Hoops' hero came prepared with a case for the Light Blues and a "loser mentality" going into the final derby showdown of the campaign. Brendan Rodgers' takes the champions to Ibrox on Sunday just days after taking the Scottish Premiership title race mathematically out of the reach of their rivals. Celtic hold a whopping 17-point gap at the top as they prepare to travel across the Glasgow - and will be looking for revenge after Barry Ferguson masterminded a win at Celtic Park for Rangers last time around. But speaking to The Warm Up, Sutton was calm on the importance of the clash as he speculated on Celtic's motivation for the game: "I couldn't tell you if Celtic are going to take their foot off the gas a little bit but I think if I was in the dressing room, you'd want to be in a position where you went to Ibrox and really rubbed Rangers' noses in it.' Boyd insisted: 'It means as much to them (Celtic) as it does to Rangers, there's no getting away from it. "Both of them will want to win the game of football, Brendan Rodgers will want to win it in style and I think for Rangers, in front of their own fans, they will want to put on a show, finish the season strong against your rivals, but the reality is, once the game's finished, you need to assess and Rangers, domestically, have been miles off it again." Sutton responded: "But how can you assess it? Even if Rangers win it, it's a dead rubber." Boyd quickly clapped back: "There is no such thing as a dead rubber." The Parkhead legend said: "Well, it is a dead rubber. What can Rangers do?" Irked Boyd fired back: "So, you went into an Old Firm game thinking it was a dead rubber?" But Sutton was ready with a clap back - referencing the wild scenes at Pittodrie last month after Ianis Hagi's last gasp equaliser against Aberdeen. Despite claiming a dramatic point, the league was all-but put out of Rangers' reach after the full-time whistle with only goal difference keeping Celtic's name of the trophy. Sutton said: "Well, I will tell you the difference between Rangers and Celtic - I still talk to people about this - I still can't fathom after that last minute equaliser at Aberdeen, the Rangers bench erupted and celebrated. "That was the league finished that day - that is a complete loser's mentality. I would have been ashamed" Boyd stated: "I disagree." Steven Naismith chimed in: "Do you not think that is just from getting something out of the game, in the last minute?" Undeterred Sutton continued: "Drawing at Aberdeen and you know you are not going to get 42 goals back - what would you have thought? Would you have celebrated?" Boyd said: "I would have. The point is, in the moment, you are down to 10 men and you have got yourself back into the game - but the harsh reality is when you go back in the dressing room - you have lost the league. It is just in the moment of scoring a goal." Sutton added: "The Rangers bench were turning to the Aberdeen fans celebrating - 'oh we have just lost the league, that is the league done' - it's just mental." Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.
