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Lions Tour 2021 - RSA: British and Irish Lions News
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Meet Australia's secret weapon for the British and Irish Lions tour: Wallabies recruit expert for 2025 series
18/04/24 12:58
Parling, 40, had previously worked with England as a set-piece expert and has been based in Australia since joining the Melbourne Rebels in 2018. He will be familiar with his surroundings at the Wallabies , having worked as assistant coach under Dave Rennie in 2020....read
Elimination Chamber was a raging success for both WWE and Perth... with both The Ashes and the British and Irish Lions tour heading there in 2025, how is Western Australia becoming a sporting hotspot?
22/03/24 12:20Just as much as WWE is proving they are a true, global entity that takes their product to all corners of the world, Pert, Australia proved they are committed to becoming a sporting hotbeds too
Wales icon Sam Warburton SLAMS 'arrogant' Scotland stars as he reveals their 'cocky' beer-fuelled celebrations in Cardiff... insisting they will 'never win a Championship with these players'
20/03/24 00:08Former British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton has labelled Scotland 'cocky' and lacking 'the mindset of a Championship team' after accusing two unnamed players.
Barry John dead: 'The King' of Rugby who is considered one of the sport's all-time greats dies aged 79
04/02/24 17:38A statement released by John's family read: "Barry John died peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving wife and four children.
Grand Slam winners Ireland name the squad for their Six Nations defence - as Andy Farrell names Peter O'Mahony as Johnny Sexton's replacement as captain
17/01/24 15:02Munster flanker O'Mahony takes on the role from Johnny Sexton, who retired following last year's Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to New Zealand in Paris.
England star Mako Vunipola announces international retirement as the Saracens prop admits 'all good things must come to an end' after 79 caps
12/01/24 16:33The 32-year-old Saracens forward missed last year's World Cup because of back surgery but was expected to be involved in the upcoming Six Nations.
Andy Farrell is CONFIRMED as head coach for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2025
11/01/24 11:43Farrell was named World Rugby Coach of the Year for 2023 for his work in charge of Ireland, having guided them to World No 1 ranking, a Six Nations Grand Slam and a Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
Wales rugby legend JPR Williams, fearless Lion with iconic sideburns and valiant to the end, dies aged 74
08/01/24 21:00ALEX BYWATER: The rugby world mourned the loss of Wales and British & Irish Lions great JPR Williams on Monday night after he passed away aged 74.
'He helped save my life that day': Will Greenwood and Thom Evans lead tributes as legendary Scotland doctor James Robson confirms he will retire after the Six Nations
16/12/23 11:04Robson was first involved with Scotland as a physio, then team doctor, before becoming chief medical officer for Scottish Rugby in 2005. He recently completed his eighth and final rugby World Cup.
Former Ireland and Lions prop Syd Millar dies aged 89... with World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont leading tributes to 'a giant of the game'
11/12/23 00:23Millar, born in Ballymena, was capped 37 times for Ireland and made nine Test appearances for the Lions in a successful playing career. He then coached the Lions in 1974.
British and Irish Lions set to play historic warm-up Test against Argentina in Dublin before heading to Australia in 2025... with move fuelling suggestion Andy Farrell will lead side
07/12/23 12:32Taking on the Pumas will ensure that the four-nation touring team will have some meaningful, competitive game-time before making the trip to Australia.
Rugby Australia makes yet another shocking mistake with embarrassing Mark Nawaqanitawase poster blunder after Wallabies star defected to the NRL
07/12/23 09:54The sport was rocked this week when its most marketable player, Nawaqanitawase, signed with the Sydney Roosters in a major boost for rugby league after the Wallabies poached Joseph Suaalii.
Warren Gatland reveals he is stepping away from the British and Irish Lions and insists Andy Farrell would have his backing to coach the squad for the 2025 tour of Australia
31/10/23 12:00The Wales head coach has led the Lions out in their last three tours in Australia (2013), New Zealand (2017) and South Africa (2021) - with one win, one draw and a loss to his name.
South Africa's secret weapon in tonight's rugby showdown... glamorous physio accused of 'dark arts' on the pitch
20/10/23 23:43Physiotherapist Rene Naylor has played a key role in the reigning champions' success and is being accused of passing messages on from the coaching team in violation of the rules
Sir Clive Woodward claims Rugby Australia were WRONG to hire Eddie Jones and believes bosses were 'hoodwinked' by the Wallabies coach... as England legend pinpoints why it all went wrong at the Rugby World Cup
09/10/23 13:16Jones replaced Dave Rennie as head coach nine months before the Rugby World Cup in France, but oversaw a dreadful campaign in which they crashed out at the pool stage.
He's come a long way from playing rugby with coconuts on beaches of Samoa. Now he's facing his homeland in the World Cup and, as his brother Freddie Tuilagi tells Mail Sport, it's... Manu's massive moment!
06/10/23 21:30CHRIS FOY IN LILLE: After all these years as a force of nature at Test level, Manusamoa Tuilagi will finally play against the homeland he was named after
Gregor Townsend makes four changes as Rory Sutherland and Chris Harris are restored to the Scotland XV for Sunday's World Cup pool B match against Tonga
22/09/23 07:36Head coach Gregor Townsend has made four changes in total to his starting line-up for the must-win encounter in Nice, with Scott Cummings and Kyle Steyn also added.
Ireland make one change for South Africa showdown on Saturday, with scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park back to partner captain Johnny Sexton
21/09/23 13:35SHANE MCGRATH: Andy Farrell is banking on Ireland's guile and speed to defuse the Springboks, with the coach once again trusting his key lieutenants ahead of Saturday's World Cup blockbuster in Paris.
The Lions blueprint will give Scotland and Gregor Townsend the key to a massive shock against reigning world champions South Africa... Be brave and be quick!
09/09/23 23:57EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY CALUM CROWE: When it comes to beating the Boks, Ali Price is one of the very few Scotland players who can speak from knowledge and experience.
Wales rugby legend Clive Rowlands - who led them to third place at 1987 World Cup and coached British and Irish Lions to victory in Australia - dies aged 85
30/07/23 10:46Clive Rowlands was the mastermind behind one of the greatest eras in Welsh rugby history and the man known as 'Top Cat' was heralded as such after his death on Sunday aged 85.
Rugby Australia boss makes the startling claim that 'lots of NRL players' are knocking his door down so they can swap codes - as he reveals the one thing that decides which stars he'll target
26/04/23 23:28Confirming a raid on NRL talent, Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan has made the startling revelation 'lots of league players' are hunting a code swap to the 15-man game.
Former Wales rugby star Dafydd James reveals he has early onset dementia and admits he has 'answers' after struggling with depression for years... with the 47-year-old joining a lawsuit against World Rugby
04/04/23 10:42James, who won 48 Wales caps, is among a group of former players to join a lawsuit against World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and Welsh Rugby Union.
Bitter war of words over Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's defection to the Wallabies continues…with Rugby Australia boss told to 'grow up and be a man' following scathing criticism
30/03/23 01:42The war of words following Joseph-Akuso Suaalii's defection to the Wallabies has continued, with NRL journalist Paul Kent stating RA boss Hamish McLennan needs to 'grow up and be a man.'
Scotland's all-time top try scorer Stuart Hogg is set to RETIRE from rugby after the World Cup later this year with the Exeter Chiefs star, 30, claiming his body 'can't achieve the standards I expect' as he vows to end his career on a high
27/03/23 12:47Sportsmail understands that the 30-year-old, who has 100 Scotland caps and is his country's top try-scorer with 27 touchdowns, is ready to step away from both club and international rugby.
Australia's brightest young NRL star is set to sensationally ABANDON the code to play for the Wallabies in one of rugby union's biggest coups in decades
24/03/23 03:20Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has made no secret of his desire to poach some of the best young talent in the NRL, and now rugby union has reportedly got a player who fits that bill to a tee.
Ominous sign that Roosters star Joseph Suaalii is looking to switch to rugby union after his NRL contract finishes next year
21/03/23 04:09The cross-code battle for the services of NRL young gun Joseph Suaalii could intensify after his controversial manager Isaac Moses reportedly renewed his accreditation with Rugby Australia.
Rugby Australia wants another all-star team to join combined Wallabies and All Blacks side in playing the British and Irish Lions on 2025 tour
11/03/23 09:08Plans for an all-star team comprising the best players from Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea are afoot, with Rugby Australia keen for the side to play the British and Irish Lions in 2025.
Wales Grand Slam winner and Pontypool legend Tony 'Charlie' Faulkner - who was part of the legendary front row known as the 'Viet Gwent' alongside Bobby Windsor and Graham Price - dies aged 81
10/02/23 00:13The former Pontypool loosehead prop earned 19 caps for Wales between 1975 and 1979, winning four Five Nations titles and the Grand Slam twice.
Shirt in which Gareth Edwards scored the 'greatest try of all-time' for the Barbarians against New Zealand in 1973 expected to fetch £200,000 at auction as Wales and British Lions legend puts several rare items under the hammer
31/01/23 12:26ALEX BYWATER: Sir Gareth Edwards declared it 'the end of an era' after the Wales, Lions and Barbarians great confirmed a collection of his playing shirts will be auctioned.
Return of the Wallaby! Eddie Jones returns for a second stint as Australia head coach, replacing Dave Rennie - with ex-England boss taking the reins of his homeland through to 2027 (meaning two World Cups and the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour)
15/01/23 22:50The 62-year-old left Twickenham last month but Sportsmail understands he will be appointed as Wallabies coach on Monday, with Dave Rennie set to be put on gardening leave.
EXCLUSIVE: Qatar begins major move into rugby by holding talks about hosting a British and Irish Lions Test in 2025... as the gulf nation looks to capitalise on staging the World Cup with more mega-events in the country
20/12/22 17:00EXCLUSIVE BY MATT HUGHES: Sportsmail has learned that the Qatar Rugby Federation are eager to capitalise on the World Cup by bringing other major events to the country.
EXCLUSIVE: Anthony Watson spent nine years at Bath before being told he wasn't in their plans prior to this season - now a Leicester Tiger, he insists his acrimonious exit is 'buried' as he relishes his first return to The Rec
11/11/22 18:41EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY LUKE AUGUSTUS: Premiership Rugby has had its fair share of storylines already this season and on Friday night another is about to develop at The Rec.
Push for combined All Blacks and Wallabies ANZAC team to take on Lions receives HUGE boost as NZ Rugby announces it's backing the concept
03/11/22 08:58A heavyweight bout between a combined All Blacks-Wallabies side and the Lions has received a major boost after the NZ Rugby boss gave a strong indication that a 2025 clash could go ahead.
EXCLUSIVE: ANZAC team in talks to take on the Lions in 2025 with the Wallabies and All Blacks to join forces for the first time in 36 YEARS to stage the showpiece fixture in Melbourne
02/11/22 02:48EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON: Daily Mail can reveal the southern hemisphere heavyweights want to join forces for the first time in 36 years to stage the showpiece fixture.EXCLUSIVE: ANZAC team in talks to take on the Lions in 2025 with the Wallabies and All Blacks to join forces for the first time in 36 YEARS to stage the showpiece fixture in Melbourne
01/11/22 22:30EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON: Sportsmail can reveal the southern hemisphere heavyweights want to join forces for the first time in 36 years to stage the showpiece fixture.
'I can go even faster!' Lightning Louis Rees-Zammit worked on his speed and all-round game at US boot camp before scoring stunning length-of-the-field try in Gloucester's comeback win over Wasps
13/09/22 07:51ALEX BYWATER: The Wales wing's long-range effort at Kingsholm was all the more impressive given he had taken a knock to his back earlier in the game and the lace on his boot had broken.
EXCLUSIVE: A women's British and Irish Lions team looks set to be given the green light with a three-Test series in France under consideration
05/09/22 22:04EXCLUSIVE BY MATT HUGHES: A women's British and Irish Lions team looks likely to be given the green light with a three-Test series in France under consideration.
'I've achieved far more than I ever dreamed of': As Wales legend JAMIE ROBERTS brings the curtain down on a phenomenal career - including Lions and Grand Slam glory - he looks back on his 15 years as a rugby player in a special Sportsmail column
12/07/22 16:58JAMIE ROBERTS: Growing up as a kid in Wales, there was only one sport I wanted to play. That was rugby union. The rugby pitch was where I always felt a sense of belonging.
Thousands pay tribute to former Wales and British and Irish lions captain Phil Bennett after his death aged 73 as remembrance service is held in Llanelli
24/06/22 17:19Bennett, who died earlier this month after a long illness at the age of 73, captained Wales and the British and Irish Lions. He won 29 Wales caps between 1969 and 1978.
Ex-England rugby star Tom Youngs' wife loses brave cancer battle: Tragedy as mother-of-one, 35, dies from Hodgkin Lymphoma... four years after being told she was in remission
08/06/22 13:15Youngs' wife was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2014 and three years later, was told her illness would be terminal. In 2018, she then heard she was in a state of remission.
Former England and Lions hooker Tom Youngs announces his retirement from rugby with immediate effect... with Leicester forward now set to continue taking care of his wife who is battling Hodgkin Lymphoma
27/04/22 13:48Youngs' wife was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2014 and three years later, was told her illness would be terminal. In 2018, she then heard she was in a state of remission.
Former Scotland and Lions rugby star Tom Smith, 'one of the great props to play the game', dies aged 50 after a lengthy battle with colon cancer
06/04/22 19:18Smith, who captained his country, played 61 times for Scotland and was part of the team that won the 1999 Five Nations. He also played a key role in the successful 1997 British and Irish tour.
WORLD EXCLUSIVE - 'I'm not the monster who ruined rugby. After that video I was crying in my room': South Africa's Rassie Erasmus breaks his silence on the Lions storm that split rugby and almost cost him his career
05/03/22 22:32WORLD EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: This is the first time Erasmus has spoken in public since last July, when the South African director of rugby's world blew up in a cloud of controversy.
Jonny Wilkinson's mentor and former Newcastle United coach Steve Black passes away at the age of 64... with Alan Shearer and Danny Cipriani leading the tributes to an 'unbelievably special human'
20/02/22 12:29A former doorman, Black held a variety of coaching roles in two spells with Newcastle Falcons and also worked with Wales and the British & Irish Lions.
'Everyone has written us off': Dan Biggar says Wales have been unfairly overlooked as Six Nations contenders - despite the defending champions heading to Dublin with EIGHT key players missing
04/02/22 22:58Wales have been dismissed as Six Nations contenders but with the words of Olympic legend Usain Bolt ringing in their ears, Wayne Pivac's side believe they can cause a big Dublin upset.
'Never say never': Wayne Pivac refuses to rule out Alun Wyn Jones from playing 'some part' in Wales' Six Nations campaign despite a shoulder injury... but admits it is a 'big ask' for the country's talisman to be fit in time
26/01/22 15:40Wales captain Jones, who has played in a world record 161 Tests for Wales and the British and Irish Lions, has undergone two operations since he was hurt against New Zealand in October.
Dan Biggar is named Wales captain for the Six Nations as boss Wayne Pivac reveals his injury-decimated squad contains three uncapped players but is missing EIGHT Lions stars
18/01/22 13:21The squad includes three uncapped players in hooker Dewi Lake, his Ospreys colleague - flanker Jac Morgan - and Cardiff number eight James Ratti.
Rugby must do MORE to protect referees and stamp out intimidation, insists Gregor Townsend, who welcomes the decision to hand South Africa chief Rassie Erasmus a two-month ban for his tirade on officials
18/11/21 22:30Townsend was Warren Gatland's assistant during the summer tour of South Africa, when Erasmus recorded a scathing one-hour critique of referee Nic Berry - which has now earned him a lengthy ban.
South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus is BANNED for two months after his tirade at referees during this summer's Lions tour - and he will MISS their clash against England at Twickenham on Saturday
17/11/21 18:53Almost four months after his hour-long video caused uproar, Erasmus was found guilty on six charges. He will not be at Twickenham after being suspended from all rugby duties for two months.
Australia will urge British & Irish Lions to face one of the Pacific Island nations during 2025 tour after depleted club sides were swept aside on tour of South Africa
11/11/21 10:33After the blow-out results on the British and Irish Lions' South African trip, there is a desire to include Fiji, Samoa or Tonga in the fixture list in four years time to beef up the midweek schedule.
EXCLUSIVE: 'I've had a few laughs at death's expense, but I don't want to go just yet': Doddie Weir tells Sportsmail he hasn't lost his lust for life (or red wine)... and why he won't stop fighting for all MND sufferers
22/10/21 23:56EXCLUSIVE: 'Rob, my boy, my favourite,' booms the great man, eyeing the white chocolate buttons in my hand as I walk through to where he's sitting in his favourite chair. 'Bring them in and let's get stuck in.'
Worcester new boy Duhan van der Merwe insists he won't let fame from 'the best eight weeks of my life' on Lions tour of South Africa change him
21/10/21 21:30Duhan van der Merwe might be Worcester's box-office signing after the Lions tour, but he is determined only to be the big man on the field - not off it.
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend names 12 uncapped players in his 42-man squad for autumn Tests, alongside captain Stuart Hogg and star player Finn Russell
20/10/21 13:03Scotland's full British and Irish Lions contingent involved in this summer's South Africa tour feature, while Townsend has also selected 12 uncapped players, including the likes of Josh Bayliss.
Rugby bosses ready to bring the hammer down on South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus for his extraordinary hour-long rant about referees online during Lions series - and ALL sanctions remain firmly on the table
07/10/21 19:49The video - which Erasmus maintains was leaked - saw him claim first Test referee Nic Berry was biased and showed no respect for the Springboks or their captain Siya Kolisi.
Dan Biggar opens up on 'hurt' of not winning Lions series in South Africa, but accepts he has to move on and sets sights on a century of caps for Wales as he nears Premiership return for Northampton
29/09/21 21:35EXCLUSIVE: The 31-year-old Wales fly-half is primed for a return to Premiership action in the Saints' home clash with London Irish on Saturday - eight weeks after his last appearance ended in agony.
Jamie George will 'stand up to the challenge' following shock Lions and England snubs, insists Mark McCall... with Saracens coach believing Eddie Jones will see a 'response' from hooker
29/09/21 21:00The hooker, 30, was a shock omission from the most recent national training squad picked by Eddie Jones having not featured in any Lions Tests against South Africa this summer.
'There's more to rugby than the flash stuff!': Sam Underhill defends amount of kicking in game as England flanker hits back at critics of under-fire Lions tour, insisting 'rugby is very much a live sport'
16/09/21 21:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY WILL KELLEHER: Rugby is in one of its existential crisis modes. Is the sport any good? What are we doing this for? Does it need major change?
World 12s concept could be the spark rugby needs after 'dull' Lions Tour of South Africa, according to Danny Care... as former England scrum half backs idea
09/09/21 22:12WILL KELLEHER: The former England scrum half, 34, and Premiership champion with Quins, was left bored by the Lions' Tests against South Africa while excited to see fly-half Smith briefly involved.
Eddie Jones offers scathing criticism of 'DISRESPECTFUL' Rassie Erasmus after the South Africa coach posted an extraordinary hour-long rant about referees online during the Lions series
06/09/21 17:38The Springboks leader attacked the officials with an extraordinary hour-long video targeting their decisions after the first Test in July; World Rugby's investigation is yet to conclude.
World Rugby vow to 'gather evidence' and will hold talks over calls to ban SUBSTITUTIONS - except for injuries - after Lions legends said 'fresh giants crashing into tiring opponents' make the sport 'unnecessarily dangerous'
18/08/21 09:04Their pleas were documented in a frank letter sent to rugby's governing body last week signed by McGeechan, Willie John McBride, Sir Gareth Edwards and Barry John.
LIONS SERIES RATINGS: Stuart Hogg has a tough time in South Africa while Maro Itoje can expect to be back at the heart of the 2025 team after his supreme performances
08/08/21 21:37PLAYER RATINGS: The British and Irish Lions are flying home empty handed after losing the Springboks decider and losing their South Africa series 2-1.
Alun Wyn Jones opens-up on his emotions for the Lions as captain walks away insisting 'it would be a travesty' if rugby lost historic Tours
08/08/21 21:30Alun Wyn Jones waited until the final moments of his final act as a Lion to lay bare the full spectrum of emotions he felt at being part of this iconic team.
Lions hierarchy want Warren Gatland to remain in charge for 2025 tour of Australia despite series defeat against South Africa with chairman Jason Leonard saying: 'He bleeds Lions'
08/08/21 21:30CHRIS FOY: Having presided over a series victory in Australia in 2013 and a draw against the All Blacks in 2017, this was a comedown for Gatland at the end of his third stint as head coach.
LIONS FAN'S VIEW: A Test that couldn't have been tighter saw South Africa worthy winners... but it was good to see Warren Gatland's men play some attacking rugby
08/08/21 08:27LIONS FAN'S VIEW: With two games apiece, in this third and final Test, the teams threw the kitchen sink at each other. On the whole, it was quite a frustrating match.
Australia plan to include Pacific Island nations in 2025 Lions tour as chairman hopes for 100,000-strong crowds with promises of 'a very different style of rugby' to South Africa series
08/08/21 07:38EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON IN CAPE TOWN: The next hosts want a blockbuster spectacle for returning fans, with a pledge for entertaining rugby and the possibility of 100,000-strong crowds.
MIKE BROWN'S LIONS RATINGS: Liam Williams missed a chance for a certain try and Tom Curry was very quiet but Courtney Lawes was brilliant AGAIN and is a candidate for player of the tour
07/08/21 19:46The final South Africa test ended in frustration for the British and Irish Lions, as the Springboks triumphed 19-16 to seal a 2-1 victory in the series.
Devastated Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones laments 'a couple of disappointing calls' and the pace of the game being 'too slow' in deciding loss to South Africa but 'feels huge pride' in the team
07/08/21 18:54South Africa prevailed with a 19-16 victory, with Morne Steyn scoring a penalty late on. Wyn Jones was left frustrated at a couple of refereeing decisions.
Heartbreak for the Lions! Cheslin Kolbe comes up trumps for the Springboks with a superb solo try before veteran Morne Steyn kicks the winning penalty with just minutes to go AGAIN as Warren Gatland's side lose the series 2-1 in Cape Town
07/08/21 15:14NIK SIMON: Deja-vu and despair for the Lions. History repeated itself as Morne Steyn came back to haunt the tourists by kicking South Africa to series victory, just as he did in 2009.
SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: Lions can roar to glory if they just speed it up! Tap penalties, quick lineouts and getting the X-factor stars on early should all mean the Springboks are beaten in a series decider made for champions
06/08/21 21:31SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: South Africa start as favourites but make no mistake, the Lions can still win in Cape Town and take the series. It will need a Herculean effort, but victory can be theirs.
The cornered Lions are ready to bite back against South Africa... a place in the pantheon awaits if Warren Gatland's team are able to wrestle back the series in decider
06/08/21 21:31CHRIS FOY: For Dan Biggar and the Lions, a lifetime of ambition and two months in a strict tour bubble have led to this - the day when they can ascend into British and Irish rugby's hall of fame.
South Africa fire one last shot at the Lions ahead of the series decider with coach Mzwandile Stick inviting the tourists to play 'touch rugby' in a jibe at Warren Gatland's comments over world champions' style of play
06/08/21 21:31NIK SIMON IN CAPE TOWN: Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick responded to Warren Gatland's comments that South Africa prefer to play a slow, set-piece-dominated game.
THREE KEY CLASHES in the Lions' series decider: Ali Price must step up the pace against Cobus Reinach, Wyn Jones will want to use his strength in the scrum to quell Frans Malherbe... and Handre Pollard will test 'bomb-defuser' Liam Williams
06/08/21 21:31It has come down to the final Test of the series as the British and Irish Lions chase sporting supremacy in South Africa. Ahead of the decider, Sportsmail has singled out three key clashes in Cape Town.
FORM GUIDE: Maro Itoje has grown in stature for the Lions over the tour, but Cheslin Kolbe has had little chance to show off his Springboks magic... how each Lions and South Africa player ranks ahead of the series decider
06/08/21 21:30The Lions will aim for a superb series triumph when they take on South Africa in the nail-biting, winner-takes-all decider this weekend. Sportsmail's NIK SIMON has rated each of the players.
British and Irish Lions are NOT granted special exemption to fly straight back to the UK with South Africa still on the red list... despite Warren Gatland's squad remaining in strict bubble for the last eight weeks
06/08/21 08:54Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has previously made quarantine exemptions for sporting teams but the Lions have not been granted any special assistance.
Lions hooker Ken Owens insists they have a 'blueprint' for victory over South Africa but concedes Springboks have the momentum going into the third and deciding Test in Cape Town
05/08/21 15:54Warren Gatland's men came off second best last weekend in Cape Town as the Springboks left proceedings tantalisingly poised courtesy of a resounding 27-9 success.
No time for extra-time! Warren Gatland IS open for sudden death against South Africa if decisive third Test ends in a draw... but Lions boss's wishes are set to be denied
05/08/21 08:53CHRIS FOY IN CAPE TOWN: Warren Gatland has called for extra-time in the event of a draw in Saturday's third Test - but his wish to avoid the threat of another series tie is destined to be blocked.
CHRIS FOY: Lions have ANOTHER war in store in series decider against South Africa... Warren Gatland may be sending out fresh troops to get a different result but those hoping for a tactical revolution, look away now!
03/08/21 21:31Those hoping for a tactical liberation in the third Test should look away now. Six changes to the line-up for the decider have merely added further layers of armour to the ground troops.
SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: Warren Gatland's Lions selection feels a little conservative... while World Rugby's investigation into Rassie Erasmus' rant has come too late - his intimidating presence as bogus water boy is the bigger issue
03/08/21 21:30This team feels a little conservative to me. I was hoping for a statement at fly-half in the form of Finn Russell or even Marcus Smith. But it's Dan Biggar again, this time reunited with Ali Price.
Warren Gatland urges officials to watch out for South African time-wasting in decider as Lions coach wants fewer TMO reviews and stoppages after TWO HOUR second test
03/08/21 21:30NIK SIMON IN CAPE TOWN: After the second Test lasted more than two hours, the Lions coach wants to speed up the tempo with fewer TMO interventions and niggle-enforced stoppages.
Warren Gatland insists Lions have PRAISED referees and not criticised them during South Africa tour following World Rugby's statement warning tourists of their conduct after questioning TMO contingency planning
03/08/21 14:34The British & Irish tourists and Springboks have been part of a series full of back-biting and bad blood, culminating in Rassie Erasmus' extraordinary hour-long savaging of the officials after the first Test.
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New role for Sol
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Brazil legend Ronaldo hangs out with Bolt in Madrid as former sprint king continues to attract attention from Turkish side Sivasspor
Top of their sports
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Murray shows off ripped torso as he relaxes on Maldives beach and shoots golf balls into the sea ahead of injury comeback
Rough year behind him
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'Cats and dogs will not be exported anywhere': Liverpool star Salah posts picture with pets to protest 'Egyptian export of stray animals'
Animal rights
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'Thanks Uncle Pat': Welbeck mocks Evra after THAT raw chicken video as he celebrates his 28th birthday
Replaced ankle cast with protective boot
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Raikkonen's forced to put fire out on his own car in first drive for Sauber as Leclerc pulls on his Ferrari colours for the first time
Testing times
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'That's BS! I'm one of the strongest players in the league!': United star Lukaku hits back at body criticism
Unaffected by harsh words from Paul Scholes
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Guardiola shows off dance moves during Barcelona days as retro clip emerges of City boss strutting his stuff with a female friend
Pep-star!
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Pacquiao continues to prepare for showdown with Broner as his 70th professional fight awaits
Filipino currently training in Manila
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'Did more in one minute with Hart in middle than we did in 93': Burnley fans despair after limp defeat
Keeper played as makeshift midfielder
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After Ritchie's horror miss, we take a look at the 10 worst Premier League misses of all time
From Cristiano Ronaldo to Ronnie Rosenthal
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'Now a new chapter starts and I can't wait for it to begin': 17-year-old F3 driver Florsch prepares to fly home
After horror crash left her needing 11-hour surgery
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'He keeps unlocking new levels of life': Fans go mad after Messi's outrageous nutmeg on Luis... and they are convinced he meant it
Stunning moment
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Anderson on becoming England's first black player: 'The Queen sent me a telegram... but I just wanted to play'
Made history in 1978
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Klopp and Liverpool stars left stunned by magician at Milner's charity ball after victory over Watford
Squad attended the 'Creepy CarnEVIL' ball
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Liverpool striker Firmino poses in front of Rolls Royce Phantom with wife Larissa Pereira
Relaxed ahead of PSG Champions League tie
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Iniesta and Podolski embroiled in a mass brawl after their team throw away two-goal lead
Conceded equaliser 14 MINUTES into injury time
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Pacquiao gets back in the gym for his first training session ahead of January bout against Broner
Manny Pacquiao is back in the gym
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'We love you Mido!': Tottenham fans launch chant after spotting former Spurs star on Tube
On his way home from win over Chelsea
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Say WHAT? Maradona flummoxes Mexican TV pundits with bizarre post-match interview
Legendary star paused for over 10 seconds in latest erratic act
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'I'm your team-mate!': Watch the moment Costa shouts at Griezmann for siding with Umtiti
Tempers flared in Barcelona brawl
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Sing when you're winning! Root leads his players in dressing room sing-song
Guitar hero and his side celebrate historic whitewash of Sri Lanka
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De Gea gifts his gloves from 250th league game for Man United to non-league female goalkeeper
Suffered a stroke at the age of 18
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England boss Southgate enjoys 'physical and mental challenges' as he heads into the wilderness
With survival expert Bear Grylls
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Barcelona star Pique hit with £42,500 fine after being caught driving without a valid licence
Struck a deal with prosecutors
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Scolari gets drenched in press conference by celebrating Palmeiras players after clinching Brazilian Serie A title
Palmeiras players had fun
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'The world's messy, no Lionel': Man Utd flop Depay smokes cigar and shows off his rap skills in Instagram video
Celebrating 5million followers on the site
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Liverpool stars and their WAGs turn out in force to attend Milner Foundation's 'Creepy CarnEVIL' charity ball
Reds boss Klopp shows his support, too
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Sexton, Schmidt and the Ireland team all pick up trophies on night of extraordinary success at World Rugby Awards
Night to remember for the boys in green
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Hamilton reveals back tattoo on podium, while even Bottas was a winner at Yas Marina
Here are all the things you may have missed in Abu Dhabi
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Copa Libertadores final POSTPONED following two-hour delay after River Plate fans attacked Boca bus
Windows smashed and players pepper sprayed
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'He's sent him back to France!': Twitter pokes fun at Griezmann after incredible piece of Messi skill
Nowhere to hide for the World Cup winner
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'Get me out of here... there is fire, there is fire': Hulkenberg left hanging UPSIDE DOWN for three minutes 'like a cow' after horror crash
In final GP of the season
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'Are you racing or am I? You were the one who taught me how to drive!' Hamilton jokes around with pal Will Smith
Hamilton relaxed ahead of Abu Dhabi GP
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AC Milan boss Gattuso meets 100-year-old fan in team hotel ahead of clash away at Lazio
Presented fan Anna Vittorini with a signed shirt
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Did Liverpool's Salah send a message to Ramos with celebration against Watford?
Appeared to imitate Real Madrid captain who injured his shoulder
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Don't panic! Arsenal's Torreira pictured wearing PSG kit... but it's only a basketball jersey
Was given a gift by his friend and countryman Cavani this week
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'I've got this crazy killer instinct!': Wilder issues warning to heavyweight rival Fury
JEFF POWELL IN ALABAMA: 6ft 7in Wilder is a menacing figure
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'My mum said she would kill me if I ever got a tattoo!': Saints star Redmond on family, form and THAT talk with Guardiola
PETER CARLINE
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'This is some crappy golf': Basketball legend Barkley lays into quality of Mickelson and Woods in 'The Match'
McDowell needed 'wine to get through it'
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Jockey loses his horse... and his trousers! Rider left red-faced after falling during race at Ascot
The National Hunt rider fell off Casse Tete
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New footage shows ex-Juve star Buffon's class as he gives Ronaldo a thumbs up right after bicycle kick
Happened in Champions League
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Ronaldo poses in novelty 'Cappy' as he is reunited with Juventus team-mates Pjanic and Dybala after international break
Oddball ace
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Mickelson, golf's greatest gambler, is an 'evil genius' who revels in taking his rivals' cash
Once had to pay $2MILLION of gambling debts to one man
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'It has been two beautiful years and I wish for more to come': Kante secures five-year deal with Chelsea
Mega deal worth £290,000 a week
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Bairstow marks England century with fiery celebration after returning to the side against Sri Lanka
Returned to bat at No 3 in Colombo
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Bamford earns a hug from Leeds manager Bielsa after outrageous volley in training
Sent the cross-field ball soaring over goalkeeper Will Huffer
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Van Aanholt reveals he almost quit football after five loans in six years... now he could end his career at Palace
EXCLUSIVE BY CHRIS WHEELER
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Ozil gifts Prince William signed Arsenal shirt as pair show support for 'Football for Peace' at charity event
Did it go down well with the Aston Villa fan?
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Happy Thanksgiving! DC United's Rooney celebrates American holiday with his family after a memorable week
With Coleen, Kai, Klay, Kitt and Cass
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Mendy returns to Manchester after City defender's knee operation in Barcelona
The France international was pictured at Manchester airport
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The megastar who's VERY down to earth: Inside Messi's 'normal life' - from picking his kids up from school with Suarez to BBQs
Grounded
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Astle's daughter hits out at Moore after West Brom boss suggests she should stay quiet amid PFA review
'We are bitterly disappointed and hurt'
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Dzeko doesn't mind fans don't recall the part he played in Man City's famous title-clinching win over QPR
'People remember Aguero but that's fine'
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'Really sorry I knocked you down but... I can pick you up at 7?': College football star who flattened ESPN presenter apologises
Then asked her out
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'Welcome home, LeBron James!' Cleveland Cavaliers pay tribute to former hero
Star of the show sank 32 points to help Lakers win in hometown
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Mendy follows team-mate Aguero by dying hair grey as injured Manchester City star continues rehabilitation on knee in Barcelona
New look, old colour
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Smalling pulls on his apron to serve food for Manchester's homeless as he raises £29,000 for charity
Food for thought on his birthday
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'You're a grown-a** man, deal with it': Lukaku fires message to Manchester United team-mates who have argued with Mourinho
Tumultuous season
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Hungry for success, Jose? Mourinho heads out for dinner in Manchester in full United tracksuit
He'll be chomping at the bit for club football action
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Ramos is a world champion again! Defender makes most of injury by watching his horse win title in Seville
It seems everything he touches turns to gold
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Tennis star Bouchard shows off her football skills on the beach
Picked up Most Valuable Player award in Sports Illustrated's 5-a-side tournament!
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'Knocking all top 10 fighters out one by one': Joshua makes a promise as he returns to the gym following holiday in Jamaica
Challenge to his rivals
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Israel players ensure young mascots stay warm by giving them their jackets during national anthems before clash with Scotland
Caring stars
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Leyton Orient fan in full kit draws laughter from the crowd by mimicking Bromley substitutes' warm-up
The Orient fans were already in high spirits
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'You cut my mouth!': Manchester City star Sterling has playful scrap with one-year-old son Thiago as he enjoys family time in Dubai
Well-earned break
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Sanchez makes Chile fan's dream come true as he gifts emotional boy his shirt and boots in the dressing room
Following win over Honduras
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Gunter breaks appearance record for Wales as he claims his 93rd cap
A bittersweet night after defeat to Albania on Tuesday evening
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'If we carry on flooding market with foreign kids what chance do British lads have?': Barton on the crisis facing young players in football
Fleetwood boss talks
