Ross Moriarty: ‘I fell back in love with rugby in France’
Signing for Ospreys is a homecoming for Moriarty, the son of former Swansea back-row Paul who grew up in the city and took his first steps in rugby with the region’s academy before forging his professional career at Gloucester. “It’s quite funny that I’ve come full circle,” he said. “I always had an ambition to play for the Ospreys, but it didn’t go that way for me at the time (at the academy), he said. “This is where I’m from, my family, my wife, so it makes sense. It’s great to be back.” Moriarty has started all three United Rugby Championship fixtures so far this season, impressed with a typically aggressive performances that could fit new Wales head Steve Tandy’s approach. The 31-year-old insists Wales selection – Tandy names his autumn squad next week – is not his focus. But having rediscovered his spark, selection would mark an impressive return for the back-row more than three years since he won the last of his 54 caps.
Starmer says ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending Aston Villa game is ‘wrong decision’
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 Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the ban on supporters of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv attending their team’s match against Aston Villa is “the wrong decision”. The move to prohibit Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending their Europa League game at Villa Park on Thursday, November 6, was made amid public safety fears. But Starmer has criticised the decision. He said in a post on X: This is the wrong decision. “We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. “The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.” Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group – the body responsible for issuing safety certificates for every match at Villa Park – informed Villa that no away fans will be permitted to attend next month’s fixture in Birmingham. The move was condemned by Jewish political leaders. It was also branded a “national disgrace” by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and a “shameful decision” by Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar. On X, she posted: “This is a national disgrace. “How have things come to this? “Starmer pledged that Jews are welcome and safe in Britain. That he stands shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community and will use the full force of his government to prove it. “Will he back those words with action and guarantee that Jewish fans can walk into any football stadium in this country? “If not, it sends a horrendous and shameful message: there are parts of Britain where Jews simply cannot go.” Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar called it a “shameful decision”. He added: “I call on the UK authorities to reverse this coward decision!” The Jewish Leadership Council criticised the decision not to permit Maccabi supporters to attend the Villa game, saying: “It is perverse that away fans should be banned from a football match because West Midlands Police can’t guarantee their safety. “Aston Villa should face the consequences of this decision and the match should be played behind closed doors.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “A serious mistake by WM Police. You don’t tackle antisemitism by banning its victims. This decision must be reversed.” Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the move “takes racial discrimination to a whole new level”, while an MP in his party, Danny Kruger, said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood should consider sacking the chief constable responsible. The game is due to be played at Villa Park in November (David Davies/PA Wire) Baroness Luciana Berger, a former Labour MP who quit the party in 2019 amid its antisemitism scandal before rejoining in 2023, said: “This is a shameful decision. “If @WMPolice (West Midlands Police) & Birmingham council can’t guarantee safety for this 1 match then the city’s ability to host forthcoming major international events should be reviewed.” West Midlands Police said they had classified the Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv fixture as high risk based on “current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 Uefa Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam”. Violent clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli fans erupted around the Uefa Europa League football match between Dutch club Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv last year. Five men were given prison sentences and more than 60 people were detained in the riots, which prompted accusations of deliberate antisemitic attacks. Ayoub Khan, the pro-Gaza Independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, welcomed the decision. He said: “From the moment that the match was announced, it was clear that there were latent safety risks that even our capable security and police authorities would not be able to fully manage. “With so much hostility and uncertainty around the match, it was only right to take drastic measures.” The Palestine Solidarity Campaign had called for the match to be cancelled, saying on X: “Israeli football teams shouldn’t play in international tournaments whilst it commits genocide and apartheid.”
Top four football teams to compete at Community Cup – FBC News
Four of Fiji’s best football district teams, Rewa, Labasa, Ba and Lautoka, will be competing in the 2025 Pacific Community Cup in New Zealand next month. Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel confirmed the lineup, highlighting that the tournament will provide valuable regional exposure for the players. The annual event brings together top teams from Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States for five days of intense competition. Article continues after advertisement “It allows our clubs to gain exposure, compete against quality opposition, and connect with Fijians living abroad who continue to support football passionately. The inclusion of youth teams this year shows the tournament’s commitment to developing the next generation of players.” This year’s tournament will also include an under-16 boys’ division, featuring teams from Canada, Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand. The youth competition aims to strengthen development pathways and promote unity through sport across Pacific communities. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Jody Cundy wins 22nd world track title in Rio
Jody Cundy claimed his 22nd world track gold medal with victory in the 1km time trial at the Para-Cycling World Championships in Rio de Janeiro. Cundy, 47, led home a British one-two in the men’s C4 event, finishing 1.7 seconds ahead of Archie Atkinson. It is an incredible 16th C4 1km world title in a row for the English rider. Cundy – who has six Paralympic golds in cycling and three in swimming, first competed at the track worlds in 2006, two years after team-mate Atkinson was born. Reigning champion Blaine Hunt was second in the MC5 1km time trial, with Matthew Robertson third in the MC2 10km scratch race. The finals run until Sunday and are the fourth edition of the event to be held in the Olympic Velodrome in Rio, after 2018, 2021 and 2024.
Six Kings Slam: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to meet in final of Saudi tournament
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 The Six Kings Slam finalists have been revealed after Thursday’s semi-finals. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will face each other in yet another decider after the pair easily navigated their ties in the last-four. The top-two in the world will renew acquaintances on Saturday, and organisers of the exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia will hope for another fine instalment after stellar battles at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and at the US Open earlier this year. open image in gallery Sinner eased past Novak Djokovic in his semi-final (AFP via Getty Images) Six-time grand-slam champion Alcaraz comfortably beat Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-2 and Sinner claimed victory by the same score over an ailing Novak Djokovic later on the second day of the contentious event, which is not ATP-sanctioned and has attracted criticism. Top seed Alcaraz, who argued pre-match that players can be vocal against the packed tennis calendar and play short exhibitions, never looked back against Fritz after a break to move 3-2 up. open image in gallery Alcaraz overcame America’s Taylor Fritz (FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images) After Alcaraz clinched the opener with his second set point, a superb drop shot sealed the first break of the second set in the fifth game and five games in a row sent the Spaniard into Saturday’s showpiece where a reported six million dollars is on offer for the winner. Sinner made light work of Djokovic after similar one-side battles over the past 12 months with the 24-time major champion. The Italian was able to break Djokovic in the third game after an excellent rally and two aces closed out set one. When Djokovic was broken at the start of the second set, the writing was on the wall for the 38-year-old who suffered a seventh successive defeat to Sinner.
Byrne to remind team of purpose ahead of tour – FBC News
[File Photo] FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne says the team’s first priority before the November tour will be to reconnect with their purpose and what they represent. With players coming together from different rugby environments, Byrne believes they must start by realigning around a shared understanding of why they’ve been called into camp. He says that foundation will set the tone for everything that follows in their preparations. Article continues after advertisement “The first thing we have to do is understand why we’re all in the same room. If you ask me exactly what the first thing will be, that’s exactly what it will be. Then after that, we’ll just get our game plan sorted, start our clarity work, making sure everybody understands what we’re doing.” Once the group has had some hard-hitting discussions about their purpose, the focus will shift to the tactical side of the program, which involves developing clarity in their structures and ensuring everyone is on the same page. The Flying Fijians will open their November tour against England on 9th November at Twickenham Stadium, kicking off at 5:40 a.m. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Football gossip: Fernandes, Williams, Schlotterbeck, Vlahovic
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes interests Bayern Munich, Liverpool target Nico Williams and Nico Schlotterbeck, while Barcelona weigh up move for Dusan Vlahovic. Manchester United would want around £40m to allow their 31-year-old captain, Bruno Fernandes, to leave for another European club, with Bayern Munich heavily linked with a move for the Portugal midfielder. (Teamtalk), external Liverpool are eyeing a 90m euros (£78m) move for Spain and Athletic Club forward Nico Williams, 23. (Fichajes – in Spanish), external Liverpool are also expected to make an approach for Borussia Dortmund and Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck, 25, over a summer move. (Sports Illustrated), external Barcelona are considering a move for Juventus and Serbia forward Dusan Vlahovic, 25, who will be a free agent next summer. (AS – in Spanish), external Bayern Munich are also said to be a contender for Vlahovic’s signature, with the German giants wary another club could activate a release clause to buy England forward, Harry Kane, 32, from them. (Mirror), external England international Elliot Anderson, 22, is certain to feature on a long list of summer transfer targets for Newcastle, who are keen to bring the Nottingham Forest midfielder back to the North East. (Mail – subscription required), external Real Madrid are closely monitoring Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, 26, with the France international out of contract next summer and prepared to listen to other offers. (Fichajes – in Spanish), external Real Madrid could send Endrick, 19, out on loan in January, but West Ham are not viewed as a viable destination for the Brazil forward. (Teamtalk), external Real Madrid are also bracing themselves for offers for forward Gonzalo Garcia in January. The 21-year-old impressed at the Fifa Club World Cup, but has fallen down the pecking order. (Marca – in Spanish), external Barcelona are watching Hoffenheim and Kosovo forward Fisnik Asllani, 23, who could leave the German club next summer. (Sky Germany), external Red Bull Salzburg’s 20-year-old midfielder Bobby Clark, who is currently on loan at Championship Derby, is set for a January switch to Scottish Premiership champions Celtic. (Times – subscription required), external
Novak Djokovic sums up brutal reality after defeat to Jannik Sinner: ‘He kicked my ass’
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 Novak Djokovic admitted Jannik Sinner “kicked my ass” after a heavy defeat to the World No 2 in the semi-finals of the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia. Sinner had won his last six competitive matches against the 24-time grand slam champion, including straight-sets victories in the semi-finals of Roland Garros and Wimbledon this season. The 38-year-old Djokovic said Sinner and World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz were “too good” over best-of-five sets following his semi-final defeat to Alcaraz at last month’s US Open. But Djokovic fared no better over the shorter format in Riyadh, as Sinner produced a masterclass of serving to thrash the Serbian 6-4 6-2 and set up another final against Alcaraz on Saturday. open image in gallery Djokovic was thrashed as Sinner won 6-4 6-2 in their Six Kings Slam semi-final (Getty Images) Djokovic has accepted that Alcaraz and Sinner, who have won the last eight grand slam titles between them, are a level above what he can produce at the age of 38 but said that he would keep trying to find a way to beat them. “Excuse my language, but it’s never nice when somebody kicks your ass like this on the court,” Djokovic told the crowd with a laugh, during a rare on-court interview involving the losing player. “But it’s definitely is amazing that I’m still being able to play at a high level, being top-10, top-5. It’s a good good feeling. I’m trying my best. I have the body that I have, I’m grateful for everything that the God has granted me in my life. “It’s been an incredible journey, an amazing career, there’s so much to celebrate, but I would like it if somebody can trade a younger body with me. That would be nice, just for a year so I can try to keep winning against these guys. “Jokes aside, I still have the drive. Obviously I know that it’s it’s becoming much more difficult for me to to get a win against Jannik and Carlos particularly. I’m gonna still keep on challenging them and until it happens, let’s see.” Djokovic will return on Saturday for the third-placed match against Taylor Fritz and said the defeat was still “worth it, because the love for the game and the passion for tennis”. He added to the crowd: “I’m sorry you couldn’t see a longer match today, it’s his fault, not my fault! I tried to intimidate him a little bit at that last game with the 0-15 point, but it didn’t work. open image in gallery Djokovic said he faced a ‘runaway train’ in Sinner (Getty Images) “Look, it felt like a runaway train. He was smacking the ball from all corners. I was just trying to hang in there, but he was just too good, so well done to him and good luck in the finals.” It was then Sinner’s turn to address the crowd, with the 24-year-old starting off by saying: “You know, I think he said everything, no? “He’s such a great role model for especially us, the younger generation. Seeing him competing, seeing him practice and training for these moments. “It’s amazing. What he has achieved in his career, it’s incredible and you know I see him as a real idol. To play against him is such a huge honour and and privilege. Obviously I’m happy about today, but I’m also happy to see him around.” open image in gallery Sinner produced a masterful performance, (Getty Images) Sinner produced a near-perfect display, firing 27 winner to just five unforced errors, and dropping just eight points on serve throughout the match. The Italian was particularly pleased with his improvements on serve since the US Open. “Yes, I do feel that way,” Sinner said when asked if it was one of the best serving performances. “I wish it would be every, every time like this, but no we try to, to work on things, we try to get better as a player,” Sinner continued. “You have days where certain or particular things work very well, so obviously today the serve worked really, really well. We all try to improve, so let’s see. “We worked a lot in the past month, we’re serving hours and hours. But if this is the result, I’m very happy.” open image in gallery Alcaraz beat Fritz in the other semi-final to join Sinner in the Six Kings Slam final (AFP via Getty Images) After competing against each other in the finals of Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open this season, Saturday’s Six Kings Slam exhibition will mark the latest meeting between Sinner and Alcaraz. Sinner triumphed over Alcaraz in last year’s Six Kings final, and will be out to defend the $6m overall prize, but Alcaraz has had the upper hand in their recent head-to-head. The World No 1 defeated Sinner in last month’s US Open final to avenge his loss in the Wimbledon final, and has won seven of their last eight official matches on tour.
Premier League clubs divided over spending limit proposals
Premier League clubs are divided over whether to introduce a controversial new ‘salary cap’ prior to next month’s vote on financial regulations, BBC Sport has been told. The ‘top-to-bottom anchoring’ model – or TBA – would restrict the amount any club can spend on player wages, agents and transfer fees to five times the income earned from broadcasting and prize money by the bottom club in the English top flight. The approach means that a cap would be imposed on clubs’ spending, regardless of their own income. TBA is currently being trialled by the Premier League, alongside a ‘squad cost ratio’ (SCR) system of financial control that allows clubs to spend up to a percentage of their total revenues on squad-related costs. On 21 November the Premier League will meet and vote on whether to adopt either, or both, models, and replace the current Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) that allow losses of £105m over a three-year reporting cycle. Nine of the Premier League’s 20 clubs already have to comply with Uefa’s SCR rules as a result of qualifying for Europe, and some believe it makes sense to align the regulations. In order to encourage sustainability, Uefa permits participants in its competitions to spend up to 70% of their revenues on their squads, while the Premier League has said it would allow a more generous 85%. However, BBC Sport has been told that a number of Premier League clubs would only vote for SCR to be implemented if it was accompanied by ‘anchoring’, so that those with the largest revenues did not get too far ahead of the rest, and competitive balance was protected. This stance has been hardened by the additional money being generated by expanded European club competitions and the Club World Cup. Last year 16 clubs voted to conduct detailed analysis of TBA, with only Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa voting against. All three were known to be concerned that being pinned to the revenue of the league’s bottom-placed club would risk putting them at a disadvantage compared to some of their European rivals, who only have to adhere to SCR rules. At the time, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said anchoring would “inhibit the top clubs in the Premier League, and the last thing you want is for the top clubs in the Premier League not to be able to compete with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain – that’s absurd”. In the 2023-24 season, 20th-placed Sheffield United earned around £110m. So last season no top-flight club would have been able to spend more than a total of £550m on player wages, amortised transfer fees and agents if TBA had been in force. Meanwhile, a European club generating revenues of £1bn, for example, would be able to spend £700m while still adhering to Uefa’s SCR rules. Manchester City spent £413m on wages last year, with total revenue of £715m. Ahead of its meeting next month the Premier League has now sent proposals to its clubs, which reportedly include a suggestion that those in breach of anchoring rules could be punished with a points deduction. Everton and Nottingham Forest were handed points deductions in 2023 and 2024 as a result of breaching PSR. Back in February the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) issued what the Premier League described as “legal demands” over concerns it had about the impact that anchoring could have on player contracts if introduced. The league said that the players’ union had been given “multiple opportunities to provide feedback”. The PFA remains opposed to TBA, and has hired barrister Nick de Marco in case it decides to launch legal action. In 2021 the PFA’s claim that a planned salary cap by the EFL for League One and League Two was “unlawful and unenforceable” was upheld by an independent arbitration panel.
Pacquiao ‘can be looked at’ for Crocker: Conlan – FBC News
[Source: BBC] A world title defence against Manny Pacquiao “can definitely be looked at” for IBF welterweight champion Lewis Crocker, according to the Belfast fighter’s manager Jamie Conlan. Crocker won the title with a split decision verdict against Paddy Donovan in September and he, along with Conlan, has met with Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith to explore what the next move will be. A February showdown with Conor Benn in London or voluntary defence in Belfast remain the two most likely options, but Conlan confirmed contact has been made with Pacquiao’s manager Sean Gibbons about the possibility of taking on the Hall of Fame inductee. Article continues after advertisement Pacquiao returned to the ring after a four-year absence in July to challenge WBC champion Mario Barrios with the fight ending in a majority draw. The 46-year-old former eight-division champion is keen to secure another crack at welterweight honours and is expected to challenge WBA champion Rolando Romero next, but should that fail to materialise, Conlan said the carrot of the IBF title could entice ‘Pac Man’ to look towards Crocker. “I reached out to Sean Gibbons of Manny Pacquiao’s team last night [Tuesday],” Conlan told BBC Sport NI. “They are trying to do ‘Rolly’ Romero but if that can’t be done, then we are going to have communication. “Romero and the WBA Pacquiao ‘can be looked at’ for Crocker: Conlan – FBC News is their first port of call, but he is strong on the idea if something can be done, it can definitely be looked at. What a rise it would be to fight Manny Pacquiao.” Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.