Click:electronic distributor All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named a new look back-row for the first Bledisloe Test on Thursday at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. Hoskins Sotutu starts at number eight in the absence of talisman Ardie Savea who is unavailable due to the birth of his child. At the same time, Scott Barrett shifts to the blindside flank to replace Shannon Frizell, who is unavailable due to injury. Improved form A resurgent Sam Cane leads the team from the side of the scrum as he looks to continue to prove doubters wrong after his blockbuster performance against Argentina last time out. Brodie Retallick starts alongside Sam Whitelock in a…

RFI are reporting that the Ibrahim Koné, the President of Etoile Sportive d’Abobo, has informed them that current Monaco forward on loan at Amiens, Lacina Traoré, changed his identity and his age around 10 years ago. Ibrahim Koné told the outlet: “In 2005, I recruited Lacina Traoré who was then called Traoré Ménéné. Then, he was side by Stade d’Abidjan. And to my great surprise, he had changed his age and his first name. This problem has persisted for 13 years… it is not fair from in a sporting sense and this is why I am bringing a legal case against him.” The problem? The Abobo team do not figure…

Stormers coach John Dobson said his side is looking to make the people of Cape Town proud again as they begin their United Rugby Championship title defence against Connacht in Stellenbosch this weekend. The Cape-based side defied all odds last season, putting together a sensational run in the latter stages to claim the inaugural URC title by beating local rivals the Bulls in the final. First trophy The win was a landmark moment in the club’s history, being the first piece of silverware in the Stormers’ history. Dobson is a Western Cape local and is heavily connected to the area and its rugby culture – something he wants to do…

In a seemingly freak injury sustained in last night’s Europa League semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid, Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny has ruptured his achilles and is now fully expected to miss this summer’s World Cup. The French international defender was scheduled to retire from national duty after this tournament, in an injury that comes as a crushing blow to his desire to win the World Cup in France. Click Here: Neymar Jersey Sale Although the French national set-up has yet to confirm Koscielny’s absence from the tournament in Russia, it is almost certainly a matter of when and not if they do so.

Worcester Warriors have been suspended from all competitions with immediate effect after failing to meet the Rugby Football Union’s deadline at 5pm on Monday. The club were required to produce evidence of insurance cover, proof of funds to complete monthly payroll and a credible plan for Worcester’s future. Failure to meet deadline The club have failed to meet the deadline, and RFU chief Bill Sweeney released a statement outlining the situation, “We appreciate this is incredibly difficult news for fans, staff and players. We would like to thank the staff and players who have worked tirelessly over recent weeks to enable matches to continue,” the statement wrote. “We met with…

Speaking to SFR Sport following Manchester City’s Premier League title winning celebrations, French international full-back Benjamin Mendy had a message for Didier Deschamps. “I will do what everyone else will do, I will try and get as many minutes under my belt as possible. We will see when the list comes out. Physically and mentally, I am there and I am ready to go to Russia.” Click Here: Son Heung-min Jersey Sale

Worcester Warriors’ liquidation is set to take place on Wednesday at the high court in a development which could see several players leaving the Sixways-based outfit. HM Revenue and Customs is pursuing the Warriors for unpaid tax which is roughly £6million and will go ahead with the winding up petition knowing the club is in not in a position to clear the debt. While the Warriors are in administration, the company that holds player and some staff contracts – WRFC Players Ltd, a subsidiary of WRFC Trading Ltd – is still operational and is the subject of HMRC’s action. Unless the high court opts for an adjournment, WRFC Players Ltd…

Northampton Saints have announced the signing of talented English fly-half Fin Smith, who joins from Worcester Warriors on a long-term deal. Due to all the contracts of Worcester players being cancelled after WRFC Players Ltd was liquidated, the 20-year-old is free to join with immediate affect. Smith excelled for England at U20 level and enjoyed plenty of first team experience while at the Warriors. The youngster will initially battle for a place in the squad with Dan Biggar and James Grayson but, with the Wales international set to depart at the end of the season, he is seen as a long-term project. Skill set and attitude “Fin is definitely a…

Speaking on Téléfoot this morning, Lyon attacking midfielder Nabil Fékir was asked again about links to Premier League side Liverpool. “I am not close to joining Liverpool. There are discussions with several clubs and we will take good time to think them over.” Click Here: fermanagh gaa jerseys

Springbok Jaden Hendrikse says the Sharks are looking to improve their defence whilst sticking to the DNA of the side. Hendrikse is expected to make his first appearance for the Sharks this season alongside debutants Eben Etzebeth and Vincent Tshituka, while Springbok stars Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi and Ox Nche are also set to return in what should be a blockbuster line-up. The scrum-half himself has grown tremendously in 2022 and has established himself at the top of the pecking order for the Springboks. Stars hoping to slot in seamlessly Hendrikse says the returning stars are looking to slot into the team whilst maintaining the Sharks‘ DNA in their play…