More than a rugby coach: Venter the visionary September 2, 2010 MAYBE it’s because Brendan Venter spent the summer back home in South Africa working as a doctor in his own practice, an environment in every sense half a world away from top-level English sport. Or perhaps it’s down to his singularly utopian philosophy for running Saracens, where he insists rugby is “a side issue” and [...]
If it’s an improvement on last year, we’re in for a real treat September 2, 2010 LAST season was a fantastic year for Premiership rugby, culminating in one of the best finals I have ever seen. Leicester and Saracens went hammer and tongs at each other in a high-quality game, which swung from one end to another right to the very last passage of play. On reflection, it was a season [...]
When Ryder Cup golf was disgraced September 2, 2010 IN an extract from his new book, Sam Torrance, part of Europe’s team, recalls his reaction to exuberant and premature US celebrations that marred a thrilling end to the match, which they ultimately won. I’VE called it the most disgusting and disgraceful day in the history of professional golf, and so that’s on the record. [...]
Imperious Fed looks Beck to his best September 2, 2010 FIVE-TIME champion Roger Federer continued his love affair with the US Open after cruising into the third round at Flushing Meadows. The Swiss second seed eased to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory over German Andreas Beck to earn a third round clash with either Paul-Henri Mathieu or Guillaume Rufin. Meanwhile, Russian sixth seed Nikolay Davydenko [...]
Tears for injured Onions September 2, 2010 CRICKET: Seamer Graham Onions has been ruled out of the Ashes series against Australia after being told he needs surgery on a back problem. The 27-year-old Durham bowler has been plagued by a stress fracture and could be sidelined for up to nine months. “Obviously I’m shattered to miss the Ashes with the prospect of [...]
Comeback kid Moore misses out September 2, 2010 RACING: Champion jockey Ryan Moore missed out on a winner on his long-awaited return to the saddle at Salisbury yesterday after three weeks out with a wrist injury. The 26-year-old was injured riding Rocket Rob at Windsor on 9 August, dashing his hopes of a fourth title. Moore finished fourth on Sir Michael Stoute’s Caraboss [...]
Lucky Sevens for Bath September 2, 2010 RUGBY UNION: Bath have completed the signing of France Sevens international winger Jacques Boussage, 25, after he impressed on a trial. Rivals Leicester, however, have brought in second row Ben Gulliver on a three-month loan from Cornish Pirates.
Hatton questions his future September 2, 2010 BOXING: Former world light-welterweight champion Ricky Hatton has revealed for the first time he is unlikely to fight again. The 31-year-old has not fought since losing to Manny Pacquiao in May 2009. He said: “You can never say never, but if I was to put my last pound on it I would say ‘no, I [...]
Sprint King David Nicholls set to strike again with Regal Parade September 2, 2010 TOMORROW’S Group 1 Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock Park (3.35pm) is the final top quality sprint race of the UK flat season and last week it looked as if it would be run on bottomless ground. The weather has since improved and come tomorrow afternoon conditions should be absolutely perfect. David Nicholls is normally associated [...]
Big spenders Bath can pip Tigers and Sarries September 2, 2010 SPORT TRADER CITY AM’S RUGBY EXPERT DAVID WILD TAKES A LOOK AT EACH TEAM’S CHANCES AS THE DOMESTIC RUGBY UNION SEASON GETS UNDERWAY STARTS TODAY – 7.45PM Since Geordan Murphy lifted the trophy and Leicester Tigers were crowned Premiership Champions for the second successive time back in May, it’s been all change in club rugby. [...]