Champions

Ulster 25 Harlequins 24  John Cooney’s long-range penalty two minutes from time secured a 25-24 Champions Cup comeback win for Ulster over Harlequins. Ulster trailed 24-22 in the closing stages after two second-half tries from Quins hooker Elia Elia had edged the visitors in front. But an Adam McBurney try and Cooney’s conversion left Ulster within range and Cooney’s penalty made it three wins from three and left them on top of pool three.  Sean Reidy and Stuart McCloskey claimed Ulster’s other tries, which were both converted by Cooney, who also landed two penalties. Quins, who earned a losing bonus point, had a try from Alex Dombrandt, in addition to Elia’s double. Marcus Smith converted... … [Read more...] about John Cooney strikes late on as Ulster edge out Harlequins to top Champions Cup pool

Gloucester 26 Connacht 17 Waving, not drowning, Gloucester signalled their intent to keep afloat in the Champions Cup, with a gritty, if error-flecked, bonus-point victory that keeps them alive in Pool Five, although they will probably have to win their three remaining matches in this group to have any chance of qualification. The margin ought to have been greater but in keeping with their recent woes, Gloucester’s confidence is low and they failed to capitalise fully on their superiority. It took a yellow card against Connacht wing, Kyle Godwin, midway through the second half for Gloucester to rid themselves of their angst and score the two tries in four minutes that gave them the all-important... … [Read more...] about Gloucester keep Champions Cup hopes alive with bonus-point win over Connacht

As Sam Simmonds unfortunately discovered for himself earlier this year after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, beyond the official recovery time, roughly between six to nine months, there are the extra weeks, maybe months, that it takes to truly feel comfortable out on the field again. Simmonds initially returned for three matches off the bench for Exeter at the end of last season. Physically he was fully conditioned to get back out there, but mentally? That part has taken a little longer.  Now, however, the 25-year-old England No 8 looks back to his athletic, devastating best with ball in hand, ahead of facing Sale Sharks on Sunday in the Champions Cup. Which is good news for Exeter... … [Read more...] about Sam Simmonds interview: England No 8 on trusting his body again after ACL injury, missing the World Cup and Exeter’s Champions Cup hopes

Rob Messel from the US strutted his way to success at the annual Air Guitar World Championships in Finland on Friday. Messel, whose stage name is "The Marquis," won the event at the third attempt after missing out on the top prize on two previous occasions. 'The Marquis' takes the plaudits as he becomes Air Guitar World Champion The US national champion beat stiff competition from Australia's Alexander "Jinja Assassin" Roberts who finished second, and third placed Frederic "French Kiss" Reau of France. The reigning world champion, Namami "Seven Seas" Nagura of Japan, seemed to be somewhat out of tune this year as she tied for fourth place with another US entry, Will "The WizAIRd of Rockenroll" Herndon. "The Marquis" admitted to nervously pacing up and down just hours before the final but the butterflies did not seem to do him any harm as he won the championships without missing a beat. Fake blues Contestants are judged by a jury of five on their ability to pretend to strum … [Read more...] about American Rob Messel named air guitar world champion

ANTHONY JOSHUA shared an inspirational message after becoming the two-time heavyweight world champion. The British star, 30, reclaimed his WBA, IBF and WBO belts with a unanimous points win over Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia last night. View this post on Instagram My hope is that someone sees my page and decides not to give up. Clean hearts win 🖤 A post shared by Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) on Dec 8, 2019 at 1:41am PST And now on the morning after his professional performance inside the ring, Joshua is hoping his victory and bounce back can motivate others to keep going in their own individual battles. Accompanying a photo in the ring holding his belts, AJ wrote: "My hope is that someone sees my page and decides not to give up. Clean hearts win." Joshua suffered one of the biggest shocks in heavyweight boxing history in June when he was knocked out by the unfancied Mexican-American. But he made certain that he would be flying back to the UK with the belts by … [Read more...] about Anthony Joshua shares inspirational message on social media after becoming a two-time world champion against Andy Ruiz