Latest news with #WillReed
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Fly-half Reed to leave Dragons for Worcester
Dragons fly-half Will Reed will leave the region at the end of the season to join Worcester 23, made his senior debut in March 2022 and has gone on to score 167 points in 50 appearances."I came through the academy system and in the senior set-up with several players who will always remain the closest of friends," Reed said."I want to wish the Dragons all the best for next season and beyond."I'll always remain a Dragon and supporter and look forward to coming back to show my support from the stands." Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia said Reed is a "very good professional who conducts himself in the right way and works hard, on and off the field."Will is always welcome at Rodney Parade. This is his club, he will always be a part of the Dragons, and we look forward to watching the next chapter of his career," Tiatia will link up with former Wales scrum-half Lloyd Williams at Worcester after his Ealing Trailfinders departure.
South Wales Argus
26-04-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Dragons head coach names team for Ospreys derby clash
The former Wales and British & Irish Lions flanker, who will retire at the end of the season, starts at seven after coming off the bench during last Saturday's Judgement Day defeat by the Scarlets at the Principality Stadium. Wales U20s star Harry Rees-Weldon, who recently signed a new contract with the club, will make his debut on the wing, meanwhile Will Reed is set to make his 50th Dragons appearance from the bench. Elsewhere in the backs, there are starts for Joe Westwood in the centre, while Che Hope and Huw Anderson return to the bench. In the pack, Rhodri Jones, Brodie Coghlan and Chris Coleman are an all-change front row with Joe Davies replacing the injured Ben Carter to partner Ryan Woodman, while George Young comes onto the bench in the place of Taine Basham. Lydiate isn't the only one heading back to his former stomping ground with head coach Tiatia returning to take on the side for whom he played 99 times during a glittering playing career. 'It's a great opportunity for us," said Tiatia. "We're under no illusion of what Ospreys bring, and the style they play - a strong set-piece, very good scrum, their collision work is very good. "We've got to get our processes right and stay in the game and win moments, similar to what we did against the Scarlets, 'We've been working on our discipline and making sure that we don't give Ospreys opportunities in our 22. 'We're really clear on, the couple of areas we need to work on and then try and execute it on Saturday afternoon.' Dragons RFC: Ewan Rosser; Harry Rees-Weldon, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen (CAPT), Jared Rosser; Angus O'Brien, Rhodri Williams; Rhodri Jones, Brodie Coghlan, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, Ryan Woodman, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Dan Lydiate, Aaron Wainwright. Replacements: Elliot Dee, Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Nathan Evans, Barny Langton-Cryer, George Young, Che Hope, Will Reed, Huw Anderson.
Associated Press
26-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Spark Capital Leads Underdog Series C, Pushing Valuation Over $1.2 Billion
In a landmark moment for the online sports gaming industry, Spark Capital is leading Underdog's Series C funding round, with a $70 million first close on a round expected to exceed $100 million. The raise values Underdog – the fastest-growing sports gaming company in the U.S. – at $1.225 billion pre-money, nearly tripling its Series B valuation from 2022. Spark's investment underscores market confidence in Underdog's continued growth and potential. It marks the sports gaming industry's largest investment from a top-tier Silicon Valley venture capital firm. Underdog's focus is creating the best experience for American sports fans, which has driven the company's rapid growth. In an industry dominated by third-party software and platforms originally designed for international markets, Underdog is the only top operator in sports gaming built on its own technology, providing a unique ability to create innovative products and the best customer experience. As Underdog continues its rapid growth, the funding will primarily allow the company to further invest in creating the best products for sports fans in the U.S. and continuing to bring top-tier talent into the company. 'Spark's investment is a real accelerator,' said Jeremy Levine, CEO and founder of Underdog. 'We're going to continue to invest in people and product – and as fast as we can. There is so much more to build, and we're going to keep building.' Founded in 2020, Underdog has become a dominant player in sports gaming with nearly four million customers nationwide and is now the fourth most downloaded sports gaming app in the U.S., measured by including all sports betting and fantasy sports apps. Underdog's comprehensive offering combines original fantasy sports games and sports betting options with breaking news coverage and a growing roster of original sports programming, including shows like Gil's Arena, which is now the fifth-largest daily sports show in the country, measured across all mediums. 'This investment fits Spark's philosophy of backing products we love from creators we admire,' said Will Reed, General Partner at Spark Capital. 'Underdog has proven they can win where it matters most: product. They've also shown they can attract top talent from gaming, tech, and sports. Their unwavering focus on product and customer experience is why they've emerged as the most innovative player in sports gaming. We see massive opportunity ahead and are thrilled to be on the journey with them to make sports more fun.' About Underdog Underdog, the fastest-growing sports gaming company in the U.S., was founded in 2020 with a simple objective to make sports more fun. The company's core operating principle: There's so much more to be built for sports fans in America. As the only top-tier sports gaming operator in the country built on its own proprietary technology, Underdog has a unique ability to create new, engaging products for the U.S. consumer. Underdog's products provide the best way to enjoy fun, approachable sports games. The company offers fantasy sports games, licensed sports betting, and a growing media network featuring former professional athletes, coaches, analysts, and the fastest breaking news. Underdog is built for and by sports fans to make sports more fun. For more information, visit SOURCE: Underdog Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 03/26/2025 10:30 AM/DISC: 03/26/2025 10:29 AM
