EuroFlag 2025: Great Britain’s women and men both reach semi-finals
Great Britain women are through to the last four as they aim to defend their title at the European Flag Football Championships. After topping their group with a 100% record from four games, GB beat Slovenia 51-14 in the quarter-finals in Paris on Friday. The European champions will now take on hosts France on Saturday (07:00 BST) while Spain – who GB beat in the 2023 final – face world number two Austria in the other semi-final. The winners will meet in the final at 13:15 BST. GB women came into the European Championships in encouraging form having claimed a fifth-placed finish in their maiden World Games last month, when only the women’s event was contested. The GB men’s team has also reached Saturday’s semi-finals, where they will face Italy (08:15 BST). France take on Austria in the other semi, with the winners to contest the final at 14:30 BST. After winning four of their five group games, GB’s men beat Denmark 32-19 in the quarter-finals to ensure they will improve on their sixth-placed finish in Ireland in 2023. The semi-finalists in each event have all qualified for next year’s World Championships in Germany. Ranking points are also on offer in Paris as the teams prepare for flag football to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Bath blow away Harlequins in ominous display of strength in depth
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more After 29 years without a top-flight title, could Bath go back-to-back? Certainly little has changed dramatically to suggest that Johann van Graan’s side will be anything other than top contenders as they bid to defend their Prem Rugby crown. Missing three fly halves and thus fielding a centre in the No 10 shirt, they still had too much for Harlequins on a day that illustrated the difference in depth between the two sides. With Finn Russell on mandatory rest after a draining British and Irish Lions summer, Santiago Carreras otherwise occupied with Argentina’s looming tussle with the Springboks and the immensely talented Ciaran Donoghue injured, it was Max Ojomoh pulling the strings for the visitors. Usually sighted at inside centre, this was a rather respectable job as a fill-in, illustrating the passing range that make him a player of real interest to England head coach. In consort with the ever impressive Ben Spencer, Ojomoh steered the league’s best forward pack effectively around the park and let them do their game-wrecking work. open image in gallery Max Ojomoh filled in impressively at fly half for Bath (Getty Images) It had been a summer of upheaval for Harlequins, one that began with a coaching change as director of rugby Billy Millard departed and ended with another, senior coach Danny Wilson off to Wales just a week or so before the start of the season. But Quins have done some of their best work in times of chaos in the past, and started as if they had a point to prove, Will Evans taking namesake Jarrod’s neat pass to cross after little more than 90 seconds. Barely six minutes later, the flying flanker had a second, Fin Baxter’s sharp transfer at the line sending the openside through a gaping hole in the Bath defence. The champions, who had declared their own intent on the opening weekend a year ago by knocking off then-holders Northampton at The Rec, had not yet turned up, though Tom Dunn soon shoved over from a meaty maul. open image in gallery Will Evans scored a hat trick in the first half for Harlequins (Getty Images) Evans, though, had a third soon enough, courtesy of an Alex Dombrandt offload off the deck. With Jack Kenningham in a typically busy and effective mood, and Chandler Cunningham-South a physical presence relocated a row further forward than usual, the quartet of England hopefuls remain an area of strength for new senior coach Jason Gilmore. But Bath have a capacity to make teams pay quickly for failing to fully assert their advantage. With Cunningham-South dispatched to the sin bin for an offside tackle after a quick-tap, Vilikesa Sela first thundered through following a neatly worked move close to the line before fellow prop Beno Obano provided the finishing touches to a sustained series of phases that followed a searing Henry Arundell break. A moment of misfortune soon piled problems on the home side. With starting hooker Jack Walker already forced off, Scotland international George Turner got his head on the wrong side of a tackle, ending his Prem debut early. Baxter was pressed into duties as an emergency lineout thrower, and a wobbly first effort was turned over; a few phases later, a glorious pass from Ojomoh allowed Arundell a try on his return. Bath’s depth soon showed. While Harlequins had plenty of back row riches in their starting side, the visitors could bring England internationals Ted Hill and Sam Underhill off the bench, along with capped Welsh tighthead Archie Griffin – fourth choice, remarkably, at the position for his club. When veteran centre Chris Harris was introduced for the player for he had been signed as injury cover, it summed up Bath’s strength – and it was mightily pleasing to see Ollie Lawrence back from a torn achilles way ahead of schedule. open image in gallery Henry Arundell crossed twice on his return to English rugby (Adam Davy/PA Wire) Underhill and Griffin snared scores five and six, and though Kenningham earned Quins a bonus point and Tyrone Green crossed later on, Arundell’s second meant Bath were long since out of sight.
Vatukoula out to prove themselves – FBC News
Vatukoula are preparing for one of their biggest matches in years as they take on holders Naitasiri for the prestigious Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy tomorrow. The team has a largely young squad with just one senior player and limited training time together, yet they are determined to rise to the occasion. Vatukoula head coach Emori Ratu says many of the players are originally from Naitasiri but raised in Vatukoula, adding extra meaning to the challenge. Article continues after advertisement “We know that Naitasiri is a champion side and I’ve been advising my players on the importance of this match and I keep challenging them to rise to the occasion since it’s been a long time and we get to challenge the Farebrother Trophy again. We’re grateful to be given a chance to challenge the trophy.” Emori Ratu Despite their youth, Vatukoula’s players have been training in the afternoons around their work commitments, showing commitment and unity ahead of the match. Ratu says that history and personal ties will give his team added motivation. “Most of our boys are originally from Naitasiri and were only brought up here in Vatukoula and we’re confident to give them a good match tomorrow.” Tomorrow’s clash will be a rare chance for Vatukoula to test themselves against one of Fiji’s strongest provincial rugby sides and possibly create an upset. Kickoff is at 3pm tomorrow at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva and it will air LIVE on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Orlando Pirates coach on fans insulting his team
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has rushed to the defence of his players. The Buccaneers are slowly finding their feet under their new coach after a sluggish start to the season. In recent years, the club have won a number of trophies but they’ve ultimately fell short in the most important races, the league and CAF Champions League. Mamelodi Sundowns have been a dominant force where Pirates fell short. In their dominance, many believe Orlando Pirates are not on level of the continent’s top brass. Orlando Pirates coach defends players The Buccaneers are gearing up to face Lioli in the CAF Champions League preliminary round on Saturday. After picking up a convincing 3-0 win in the away leg, Ouaddou has urged his players to make a statement against the Lesotho side in the second leg. “Tomorrow, I really want my players to show their superiority. I want them to also show the level of Orlando Pirates because I cannot accept as a coach that we are insulting my players to say that we are overrated. My players are not overrated,” Ouaddou said as quoted by FARPost. Abdeslam Ouaddou has also urged his team to show they’re the best on the continent. “We are Orlando Pirates. This is one of the best clubs. We are also one of the best clubs on the continent. Tomorrow I’m expecting a lot of motivation from my players just to show really the level we on.” Second-leg details Ouaddou’s side host Lioli in the return leg at the Orlando stadium on Saturday afternoon. Kick-off is scheduled at 15:00. The match will be televised live on SABC1. The first leg ended 3-0 in favour of the Buccaneers. Pirates are also on a seven-game winning streak across all competitions heading into this clash. Additionally, they’ve lifted the MTN8 title.
England face day of destiny against Canada as World Cup final launches women’s rugby into ‘new era’
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Wedding tradition dictates that it is poor form for the bridesmaid to be sporting a white dress but in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, England are used to be being upstaged. In each of the last six editions of the tournament, the team now commonly known as the Red Roses have reached the World Cup final; only once have they been celebrating in glorious rugby union at its end. But there is hope that a road pockmarked with mistakes and misfortune may be at an end as England’s day of destiny arrives. Where New Zealand could count on a home crowd three years ago in Auckland, this time the 82,000 guests arrive at England’s invitation to a southwest London venue ready to bounce to a new beat and celebrate the changing face of a game unlocking new audiences. The Red Roses have not lost since the Black Ferns stole their thunder – and lineout – at Eden Park; turn a record 32 game unbeaten run into 33 and they will finally have the grand prize to truly crown their dominance. open image in gallery England believe they are ready to finally win a third World Cup (Getty Images) “We always ask more of ourselves,” head coach John Mitchell said on Thursday, confident his side would rise to the occasion. We probably don’t even know what that ceiling is – it’s probably wrong of us to set a limit. These girls are driven, they want to get better. “Ultimately this tournament is probably the one tournament in the world that you respect. It puts curve balls in, um, you have to deal with a lot of adversity to get to this point, and Saturday will be no different. But the difference, this time you’ve got one and two in the world in the final, which is, which is so good for the game. It’ll require an 80-minute performance, which we will have to earn.” There are two strands to every World Cup final – the game itself and the occasion that accompanies it. Perhaps more so than ever before, it is on that latter element that the focus has fallen this week. Gathered together to reflect on the men’s and women’s Six Nations campaigns in April, Rugby Football Union (RFU) executives teed up this tournament with a PowerPoint slide with a single date on it. It was not, however, the date of the World Cup’s start but its end, not to show arrogance but the sense of expectation and recognition of what the hosts making it to the showpiece decider would mean. When Mitchell took his role as head coach in 2023, he spoke of filling the deep green seats of Twickenham, a goal that England will fulfil with their home sold out for the final. There will be plenty at the RFU, in World Rugby and beyond who are glad we do not have to consider the prospect of a finals day in which England featured in the third-place play-off that serves as a curtain-raiser but having made it to the big dance, a new record crowd for any women’s rugby match is sure to be set. For the hundreds of players, coaches and executives who fought battles seen and unseen in pursuit of this sort of epochal change, there will be tears in the eyes as they make their way into Allianz Stadium on Saturday afternoon. open image in gallery Twickenham will be full for the first time for a women’s international (Getty Images) “We’re so excited to experience it,” England captain Zoe Aldcroft said this week. “It’s something that we’ve never experienced but we’ve wanted for so long. It’s just going to be so exciting to see where we have pushed women’s rugby to, and I’m just excited for this new era of women’s rugby on Saturday.” Harnessing the power of that crowd will be vital for the Red Roses in a contest that promises so much; figures like Ellie Kildunne, Meg Jones and Hannah Botterman will be key in that sense. The omens, if one indulges in such things, are already good. It is not the unconquerable final boss that awaits England in the final but Canada, the side who they beat when last they claimed the coveted crown in 2014. New Zealand’s early – at least by their standards – exit has somewhat lessened any sort of revenge or redemption narrative, but Mitchell and his squad had already sought to move their story on to the task at hand rather than overly reflect on past failings. open image in gallery Figures like Ellie Kildunne (left) will hope to harness the home crowd for England (PA Wire) Certainly, though, they will have to be better than they have been all tournament to deny the developing force that is Canada a first World Cup crown. A simply sensational first half against New Zealand was proof of just how special a spirit and side head coach Kevin Rouet has fostered, with support from Rugby Canada topped up the generosity
Susau out to stamp his mark – FBC News
Suva Grammar School Under 18 captain Tane Susau After making a strong impression in the local secondary school’s rugby competition, Suva Grammar School Under 18 captain Tane Susau is now aiming to shine on the regional stage. The 17-year-old will make his national debut next month as part of the Fiji Schoolboys under-18 team during their upcoming tour of Australia. The youngster began his rugby journey in class seven at Gospel Primary School. Article continues after advertisement His raw talent was nurtured at the Eastern Saints Rugby Club’s kids program, run by former Flying Fijians star and current national kicking coach, Seremaia Bai. “My Rugby journey really started when I joined Suva Grammar School and trialed for the Under 14 Grade and I never looked back. Mr Epeli Osborne was my first coach from Under 14 through to my senior grade and he really helped me face my challenges.” Earlier this year, Susau captained the Suva Grammar under-18 team to the Vodafone Deans Trophy semi-final against Ratu Kadavulevu School. He also led the Drua Development team to a dominant 40-17 win over Australia’s Melbourne Brothers Club in April. Now one of the youngest players in the national camp, Susau says he feels honored to train alongside some of the country’s top schoolboy talent. Originally from Oinafa, Rotuma, he credits his family as his strongest support system and gave special recognition to his secondary school coach for helping shape his development on and off the field. The team is set to play the Australian Schoolboys Under-18 next Monday and again on the 4th of next month, hoping to repeat last year’s back-to-back wins. Both their matches start at 2pm and you can watch it LIVE on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
World Triathlon Championship: Beth Potter joint leader after Weihai gold
The Paris 2024 double bronze medallist held the lead, allowing her to ease off for the victory lap and comfortably cross for her second series gold. “I’m just thinking about myself, about my race processes and I’m really happy with that,” Potter said. “I don’t take winning for granted so it’s great to back up my win in Karlovy just 12 days later. “I’m feeling quietly confident and good in myself, trusting the training and it’s coming good.” In hot, humid conditions in Weihai, Potter’s compatriot Sophie Alden earned a sixth-place finish on her debut at this level while in the men’s race, Jack Willis and Connor Bentley ran in 11th and 13th respectively for Great Britain. “Beth once again delivered a masterclass and showed that she’s getting right back to her very best,” British Triathlon performance director Mike Cavendish said. The 2025 World Triathlon Championship series will conclude in Australia on 15 October.
Tottenham takeover: Spurs ‘not for sale’ as owners ‘unequivocally reject’ expression of interest
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more An expression of interest to buy Tottenham Hotspur by a consortium led by a US tech entrepreneur has been “unequivocally rejected” by the club’s owners. A report on Thursday night stated Brooklyn Earick was ready to launch an overall £4.5bn takeover bid for the Premier League club. Spurs’ majority owners ENIC, which is run by the Lewis family trust, earlier this month rejected expressions of interest from Amanda Staveley’s PCP International Finance and a consortium of investors led by Dr Roger Kennedy and Wing-Fai Ng through Firehawk Holdings Limited. A club statement at the time insisted “Tottenham Hotspur is not for sale” and a source close to the Lewis family reiterated that message on Thursday night to the PA news agency. ENIC owns 87 per cent of Spurs, but due to the remaining shares being publicly traded, the club is subjected to the UK Takeover Code. This means any expression of interest or bid must be lodged with the Takeover Code panel and made public. On Friday, a statement by the board of Tottenham on London Stock Exchange read: “The club is aware of recent media speculation and confirms that its majority shareholder, ENIC Sports & Developments Holdings Ltd (“ENIC”), has received, and unequivocally rejected, an informal expression of interest in relation to a proposal to acquire the entire issued, and to be issued, share capital of the club from a consortium led by Mr Brooklyn Earick. “The board of the club and ENIC reconfirm that Tottenham Hotspur is not for sale and ENIC is not looking to sell its stake in the club.” The Sun claimed Earick – who was involved earlier this year in a failed acquisition of Formula E team Maserati – was set to launch a £3.3bn takeover bid with a number of NFL and NBA investors, with a further £1.2bn set aside as transfer funds for new boss Thomas Frank. If the overall £4.5bn package were successful, it would have exceeded Todd Boehly’s takeover of Chelsea for £4.25bn in 2022. The Lewis family trust earlier this month asked Daniel Levy to step down from his role as Tottenham chairman after 24 years due to a desire for the club to target “more wins, more often”. Levy revealed last year the club were in talks with “prospective investors” over selling a minority share, although discussions involving Qatar Sports Investments were denied. PA understands the Lewis family trust is open to external investment, but the main focus is on providing the required support to new non-executive chairman Peter Charrington, chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and head coach Frank, all whom have been appointed in 2025, to help deliver greater on-field success. A source close to the Lewis family told PA: “This unsolicited and unnecessary interest does nothing to change the family’s resolve and commitment to do whatever it takes to drive success on the pitch. The club is not for sale.”
Women’s Rugby World Cup: Final predictions – will England or Canada win?
Alphonsi: “England will win but it is going to be close. I am going to say by two points.” Merchant: “England win. They’ve been dominant for so long. Last year they were putting in amazing performances and everything was clicking. “Watching the WXV tournament, there wasn’t a single team in the world that could beat them on form. The more you’ve seen teams show up this World Cup – like Canada – the more you get worried.” Orchard: “By hook or by crook it will be ugly, but England will scrap themselves over the line. “John Mitchell has had this England team for a number of campaigns. This is also his fifth World Cup as a coach – four with different men’s sides. “He was hired to help manage the occasion and if they don’t come out with the trophy at the end there has got to be a big review and questions asked about the approach. “The amount of money the RFU (Rugby Football Union) have pumped into women’s rugby – they should be winning a World Cup.” McKenzie: “Canada. We are aware of the speed and intensity Canada will bring and they will start strongly as they have done throughout the tournament. “England have not started fast. That is going to be a telling first 20 minutes, but the back 20 minutes are going to be the most impactful.” Monye: “It will be an open game. When it is 50-50, as an Englishman, I have to say the Red Roses win.” Thomas: “Canada. They have played much better rugby than England for the past five weeks and I think they have got such a grounded coach in Kevin Rouet and a strong connection. “I have been convinced by Canada and I haven’t been by England.”
Gordon’s return a major boost for Newcastle against Arsenal, says Howe – FBC News
Anthony Gordon’s return from suspension will be a huge boost for Newcastle United when they host Arsenal this weekend, manager Eddie Howe said as his side seek their second victory in the Premier League this season. Gordon was sent off for a rash tackle in last month’s 3-2 Premier League defeat by Liverpool at home and the England international, who had nine goals and seven assists in all competitions last season, missed the last three league games. The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here. Article continues after advertisement Gordon returned to action in Newcastle’s midweek 4-1 victory over Bradford City in the League Cup but Howe’s 13th-placed side face a test when they welcome second-placed Arsenal at St James’ Park. NEWCASTLE STRUGGLE FOR GOALS Newcastle have struggled without Gordon’s creativity and new striker Yoane Wissa, who remains sidelined with a knee injury, with Howe’s side scoring only one goal in their last three Premier League matches. “It is a big boost for us to have him back fully. He can really focus on the few games we have ahead of the next international break,” Howe told reporters ahead of Sunday’s game. “I thought he was excellent against Bradford. He is a player that rises to the occasion, and we are going to need everyone to do that on Sunday.” Newcastle have beaten Arsenal in their last three home games across all competitions, games which have often been feisty, and Howe said such fixtures bring out the best in his team. “It has always been a competitive game against Arsenal, and there has been an edge to those games as both teams want to win,” Howe said. “The more competitive we are, the better we play. We need to bring that to the game on Sunday.” HOWE SEES WOLTEMADE AS A NINE With new striker Nick Woltemade still adapting to the Premier League, Howe was asked what the German striker’s best position was after the club record signing, who cost 63 million pounds ($84.11 million), scored one goal in four games. “It is difficult to see him as a number 10 considering we do not play with somebody in that position. I see him as a nine,” Howe said. “I see him as a nine who plays it slightly differently to other nines that we might have had in the past. You can’t compare Nick to Callum Wilson, for example. They are two totally different profiles of player.” Howe also said midfielder Jacob Ramsey, who was signed from Aston Villa for 40 million pounds, is recovering well from an ankle injury he sustained in his second appearance for the club last month. “He is on the grass, working hard and building his fitness back up,” Howe said. “The plan was the first game after the international break ahead of us. If it is any earlier than that then he is ahead of schedule.” Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.