Latest news with #Twickenham
BBC News
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- BBC News
'End of an era' - why the Premiership will change
Back in December 2012 England shocked the rugby world, thrashing a great New Zealand team against the odds in front of an enraptured was a fresh-looking England group assembled by head coach Stuart Lancaster, many at the start of their international careers. A host would go on to be mainstays at the next two – or even three - Rugby World Cole, Mike Brown, Ben Youngs and Alex Goode all started that day. More than 12 years on, they all say goodbye to English rugby in the coming days and weeks. Danny Care, who was on the bench, is also bowing while it is customary for a handful of great servants to retire from the game at the end of any season, seldom have a group of this calibre left the stage men have played for England more than 35-year-old Youngs and Cole, 37, both Test centurions and Leicester one-club man Goode, 37, recently played his 400th game for Saracens, for whom he has won a whopping six Premiership titles and played in nine legend Care, 38, another Test centurion, made his England debut in 2008 and retired from international duty 16 years later in 2024; an unprecedented Brown is still playing at the top level at the age of 39. Only Richard Wigglesworth, Care and Goode have more Premiership appearances than the durable of them have given a huge amount to the English game. It is the end of an era."It seems like loads of us have gone at the same time," Care said, citing also the mid-season retirements of generational players Joe Marler and Anthony Watson."But it's probably a sign of the times a little bit. There are so many academy kids, younger boys replacing older boys now."So the squad dynamic is probably a little bit different. There aren't many of us anymore!"But it does feel like a bit of an end of an era. A lot of lads who have played a lot of rugby for club and country, going at the same time." On this note, Cole admitted in his retirement announcement he didn't want to be "the old guy, sitting around and hanging on," as financially-challenged Premiership clubs put their faith in they have all done remarkably well to get this who will turn 40 in September, has put his longevity down to a love of the game, self-drive, and a desire to make family 2007 Youngs became Leicester's youngest ever player, aged just 17, and is still trucking almost two decades points to improvements in sports science, a lower training load, and a healthy slice of luck, while he believes time away from the international game can also help with recovery."We used to do two double training days a week, and we wouldn't dream of doing that now," Youngs says."There is greater emphasis on recovery and looking after the body. So that has all changed."International rugby also takes its toll but because some of us have stepped away later in our careers, it has allowed us to freshen up for a couple more seasons."What position you play is also a factor - Youngs and Care are scrum-halves and Goode and Brown full-backs - with warhorse prop Cole something of an outlier."I play a different sport to the big lads. I'm not getting the collisions all the time - it is more the stress on the joints," says Care."What position you play definitely has an effect, and allows you to have longevity. But I would say we are all pretty stubborn too!" Youngs adds."That also helps, because you have to be willing to keep doing it for as long as you do."Care agrees: "Love for the game and playing for a really cool team has also made me go for longer."But while Care has already played his last game for his beloved Quins, Goode could still bow out winning a record-equalling seventh title, although Saracens need results to go their way on the final day of the regular season on the Leicester trio of Youngs, Cole, and Brown it could also end in fairytale fashion, with the Tigers guaranteed a place in the top four, likely a home semi-final, and a shot at next month's whoever ends up celebrating on the Twickenham turf on 14 June, the Premiership will feel a very different place next season.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Old Otliensians add to Twickenham glory with another trophy
Still on cloud nine from the joys of Twickenham only a week ago, Otliensians thrilled supporters when they dominated Wheatley Hills last Saturday to lift the Yorkshire Silver Trophy. Back-to-back promotions, league champions, Twickenham champions and now Yorkshire Silver Trophy winners. Confident from a recent win, Hills started the match with an unsustainable fervour but their eagerness soon resulted in several mistakes and penalties. With a penalty just inside the oppositions 22 Ensians first attack started. Initially trying to bash their way through to no avail, Hills' big forwards tackled well. The only option was to spin the ball out wide and on the 4th phase Rob Lofthouse passed down the line to Jake Bentley. As was often the case Hills' back line was too flat, almost offside and Bentley easily found a gap. With just the full back in his way, he bulldozed his way over the line to score. Converting his own try from far out right, securing the lead. From the restart Hills asserted some good pressure. Their big inside centre taking play deep into Ensians half. Luckily his pass didn't find the winger and returned possession to the blues. The ball found young winger Isaac Gillson, standing in at outside centre this week in the absence of Will Cooper. Isaac skirted down the left-wing taking play up to the half way line, releasing the pressure for now. Hills soon regained the lost ground, and their nimble scrum half sneaked into score. The converted try levelled the scores at 7 apiece. From the kick, Hills' second row gathered cleanly and with ideas no-doubt 'above his station' he sent a long kick downfield straight to danger-man Luke Cowdell. 'Cowy' took play back up to the 10m line, before Alex Gillson continued the charge. Tackled on the halfway line, the ball was quickly recycled with a long pass out to Bentley. Taking the pass on his boot laces, he did well to maintain his balance before passing on to Isaac Gillson in support. Still inside his own half, Isaac dummied right sending the defenders wide. He then stepped left into space and set off straight towards the line. With the full back and winger to beat, he cruised out wide into the corner to score. Seemingly unable to put a foot wrong Bentley's uncomfortable looking conversion crept over the bar to increase the lead to 14-7. Still firing on all cylinders, Hills came straight back with a converted try to level the score at 14-all. With their spirits lifted from the score, Hills sensibly kept possession this time and inched their way up field, but soon lost the ball in the tackle near the halfway line. Cowdell passed out to Lofthouse on the left and then the ball found Will Howarth on the wing. This season Howarth has perfected his signature 'show-and-go' move; presenting the ball to his opponent like a waiter with a bottle of wine, before quickly withdrawing the prize and shooting down the wing. Leaving the would-be tackler wide mouthed in disbelief. Reminiscent of Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote.. 'Beep Beep'. No doubt Wheatley knew all about the countries leading try scorer and made sure he was heavily marked. Soon surrounded, instead of being bundled into touch, Will cleverly kicked back infield for others to chase. Ensians tenacity was soon rewarded with a penalty just 10m out. A quick tap from Lofty was popped to Jay Walsh, who hit the line at pace. Taking two men with him as he bundled his way over to score. Bentley's conversion typified his current form; not even needing to watch the ball sail through the sticks. The sound of the strike confirmation enough, as he turned back towards his teammates. At 21-14 Ensians couldn't afford to relax, as Hills were constantly pressing back. They were almost through for a 'leveller' but super tackling from Connor Bateman hindered their ambitions. Still under pressure Harry Wales did well to stop Hills' oncoming flanker, allowing Eaves to 'pick his pocket' in the tackle. Quickly throwing over head to Cowdell who sent a super kick back upfield. Just a yard short of making a 50:22. The gains were sadly soon lost as Hills brought play back into Ensians half, but they couldn't manage to improve their tally before the halftime whistle blew. No doubt with a stern team talk, Hills increased the pressure and caught their own kick from the restart, but Ensians' mettle shone bright as they met every attack head-on. For a good ten minutes they were forced to make tackle after tackle. Eventually Eaves relieved the pressure with a long kick to touch near the half way line. John Neal did well to steal the lineout and return possession to the blues. The next phase saw young hooker Alex Gillson split the Hills back line, as he 'gassed' towards the try line. With Howarth to his left, he weighed up his options and sensibly passed left for Will to cover the remaining 20m to score. Again the conversion on target increased the lead to 28-14. Moments later Ensians had to scramble to defend their line, as Hills forwards attacked. Miraculously the blues kept them out again and forced a goal line drop out. Bentley kicked long up to the halfway line, but sadly the ball glanced the chalk and was sent back for a 5m scrum. Eventually Hills passed the ball wide and their winger charged into the corner. The missed conversion set the score at 28-19 to Ensians. Hills looked worn out, but the score gave them hope the game wasn't lost and from the restart they did well to drive play deep inside Ensians 22. On the eighth phase they lost the ball in the tackle and Cowdell quickly passed wide to Bateman. Connor took play from inside his own 22 into the opposition half, before releasing Haworth on the wing. Will shot down the left to score. Bentley's conversion again perfect, gave the blues a little breathing space with a 16-point lead. The restart didn't go 10 and Hills were walked back for a scrum on the halfway line. A no.8 pickup from Cowdell, was passed on to Harry Bentley and then to Bateman. Hitting the line at full tilt, there was no stopping him. His score under the posts gave Bentley his easiest of the day. At this point Wheatley's frustrations were understandable. They tried to fight back, but the wind wasn't in their favour. Seconds after the restart a hills knock on saw Cowdell scoop up the lost ball on his 10m line. He trampled over his much bigger opposite man and made a solo dash for the line. With defenders hot on his heels, he did well to make it 50m to score. The successful conversion marked Jake's 20th in a row over the last few matches and took the score to a respectable 49-19. Ensians were relentless and soon Hills' composure cracked when their winger lost the ball in a perfectly timed tackle. The resulting melee should have seen a Hills man walk, but the referee decided a yellow card to each team would suffice. With adrenaline pulsing through their veins Hills attempted a final attack, but again the blues held firm defending their line until the final whistle blew.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Sam Underhill banned for Premiership play-offs in huge blow for Bath
Bath's hopes of securing a trophy treble have suffered a blow with flanker Sam Underhill set to miss the Premiership play-offs after receiving a four-match ban. Underhill was shown a yellow card after making head-on-head contact with Lyon's Davit Niniashvili during the first half of Bath's Challenge Cup final win on Friday night. The 28-year-old back row was subsequently cited, however, with a disciplinary panel deeming that his tackle had reached the red card threshold. Having served a two-match ban earlier this season following a similar incident against Pau, and completed 'tackle school', Underhill's sanction has only been reduced by two weeks from a six-week entry point. His suspension therefore appears set to end his club campaign, with Underhill ruled out of table-toppers Bath's final regular season fixture at Saracens on Saturday, a home semi-final and the Premiership final should Johann van Graan's side reach the Twickenham showpiece. He may also miss the first game of England's summer programme if selected by Steve Borthwick to take on a France XV, Argentina and the USA. Underhill's non-sending off proved key as Bath emerged comprehensive 37-12 victors in Cardiff to secure their second trophy of the season. Referee Hollie Davidson deemed there was significant mitigation to not show a red card to the flanker after consultation with television match official Mike Adamson. Bath won the Premiership Rugby Cup in March and now set their sights on ending a nearly 30-year wait for a Premiership title. They were beaten in the final by Northampton last year but have emerged as favourites to go one better on 14 June, and will host the first semi-final eight days prior at The Rec. Underhill's fellow openside Guy Pepper has enjoyed an impressive season after a move from Newcastle last summer, and featured off the bench in the Challenge Cup final.
Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso returns in England squad with 13 uncapped players
Such youth is counteracted by the experience of Jamie George, George Ford and Henry Slade. Fin Baxter, Joe Heyes, Tom Willis, Ben Curry, Harry Randall and Tom Roebuck are among the cohort to win caps for England already this year. George Martin and Chandler Cunningham-South have been named in a separate rehabilitation group, though Feyi-Waboso is another welcome presence. The 22-year-old has not played since suffering his injury on December 21 while in action for Exeter Chiefs against Sale. An operation was initially delayed in the hope of having Feyi-Waboso fit for the end of the Six Nations. However, those ambitions were subsequently dashed. England internationals to have been called up to the British and Irish Lions squad, which was confirmed by Andy Farrell earlier this month, have also been omitted. A two-day training camp at Pennyhill Park will begin preparations for the one-off fixture between an England XV and a France XV at Twickenham on June 21 as well as the subsequent trip to Argentina, where England take on the Pumas in a two-Test series, and the USA. England training squad Forwards Joe Batley (Bristol Bears) Fin Baxter (Harlequins) Richard Capstick (Exeter Chiefs) Arthur Clark (Gloucester Rugby) Ben Curry (Sale Sharks) Theo Dan (Saracens) Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins) Afolabi Fasogbon (Gloucester Rugby) Jamie George (Saracens) Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers) Emeka Ilione (Leicester Tigers) Nick Isiekwe (Saracens) Jack Kenningham (Harlequins) Gabriel Oghre (Bristol Bears) Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Shark) Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks) Tom Willis (Saracens) Backs Charlie Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby) Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby) Oscar Beard (Harlequins) Joe Carpenter (Sale Sharks) Tobias Elliott (Saracens) Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs) George Ford (Sale Sharks) Rekeiti Ma'asi-White (Sale Sharks) Cadan Murley (Harlequins) Luke Northmore (Harlequins) Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks) Harry Randall (Bristol Bears) Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks) Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs) Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers) Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers)
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NICE Announces Interactions International 2025, Accelerating Global Customer Service Automation Adoption – Featuring Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Jonny Wilkinson and the Kaiser Chiefs
During the event in London attendees will hear how leading broadband provider TalkTalk is leveraging CXone Mpower to drive impactful business outcomes HOBOKEN, N.J., May 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NICE (Nasdaq: NICE) is excited to announce Interactions International 2025, the premier customer experience (CX) event of the year, taking place July 1-2, 2025, at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, London. This two-day conference will unite 1,000 industry leaders, customer experience (CX) professionals, experts and partners to explore the AI-powered innovations shaping the future of customer service. To register for Interactions International 2025, or to learn more click here. As AI and automation continue to transform customer service, Interactions International 2025 will be the ultimate destination to explore NICE's most advanced innovations in AI-driven orchestration, customer service automation, and agentic workforce augmentation. Across two action-packed days, attendees can experience the future of customer service with 25+ interactive demos—including the game-changing CXone Mpower Orchestrator—as well as share best practices, exchange ideas, and seize this career-defining AI opportunity. This year's event boasts an exceptional lineup of speakers, including Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web and one of TIME magazine's "100 Most Important People of the 20th Century", as well as former rugby legend and World Cup hero, Jonny Wilkinson. Attendees will also hear from TalkTalk, a NICE CXone Mpower customer driving real business value, along with visionary keynotes from NICE CEO Scott Russell and NICE President CX Barry Cooper as they unveil the next chapter of AI-powered customer service. Kicking off on July 1, the event begins with hands-on EDU Training sessions to help NICE users unlock the full potential of AI and automation to uncover immediate results. Attendees can also dive into dynamic breakout sessions across four focused tracks, offering practical insights on implementing and scaling AI-driven CX strategies. Learn directly from top brands like Openreach, DPG Media, SSE Airtricity, Halfords, and many more. The conference will close with a legendary "Party-on-the-Pitch", featuring a live performance by the Kaiser Chiefs. Darren Rushworth, President, NICE International, will deliver the opening keynote address at the conference. "Our commitment to AI-powered innovation has never been stronger. At Interactions International 2025, we will present groundbreaking advancements that empower organizations across EMEA and APAC to deliver proactive, personalized and automated customer service experiences at scale – and seize the once-in-a-career opportunity ahead of them." About NICE With NICE (Nasdaq: NICE), it's never been easier for organizations of all sizes around the globe to create extraordinary customer experiences while meeting key business metrics. Featuring the world's #1 cloud native customer experience platform, CXone, NICE is a worldwide leader in AI-powered self-service and agent-assisted CX software for the contact center – and beyond. Over 25,000 organizations in more than 150 countries, including over 85 of the Fortune 100 companies, partner with NICE to transform - and elevate - every customer interaction. Trademark Note: NICE and the NICE logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of NICE Ltd. All other marks are trademarks of their respective owners. For a full list of NICE's marks, please see: Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements, including the statements by Mr. Rushworth, are based on the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of NICE Ltd. (the "Company"). In some cases, such forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "believe," "expect," "seek," "may," "will," "intend," "should," "project," "anticipate," "plan," "estimate," or similar words. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results or performance of the Company to differ materially from those described herein, including but not limited to the impact of changes in economic and business conditions; competition; successful execution of the Company's growth strategy; success and growth of the Company's cloud Software-as-a-Service business; changes in technology and market requirements; decline in demand for the Company's products; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; difficulties in making additional acquisitions or difficulties or delays in absorbing and integrating acquired operations, products, technologies and personnel; loss of market share; an inability to maintain certain marketing and distribution arrangements; the Company's dependency on third-party cloud computing platform providers, hosting facilities and service partners; cyber security attacks or other security breaches against the Company; privacy concerns; changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates, the effects of additional tax liabilities resulting from our global operations, the effect of unexpected events or geo-political conditions, such as the impact of conflicts in the Middle East that may disrupt our business and the global economy; the effect of newly enacted or modified laws, regulation or standards on the Company and our products and various other factors and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting the company, refer to the Company's reports filed from time to time with the SEC, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise them, except as required by law. View source version on Contacts Corporate Media Contact Christopher Irwin-Dudek, +1 201 561 4442, media@ ETInvestors Marty Cohen, +1 551 256 5354, ir@ ETOmri Arens, +972 3 763 0127, ir@ CET Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
