Tonight’s rugby news as rising star suffers crushing injury blow and Lions announce historic move
Lions announce historic fixture
It has been confirmed that the British and Irish Lions will play Argentina in Dublin prior to their tour of Australia in 2025, making history.
For the first time ever, the Lions will play in Ireland on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Aviva Stadium as they battle for the Lions 1888 Cup. It comes after the team defeated Japan 28–10 in a match played in Edinburgh in preparation for their tour of South Africa in 2021.
The Lions will also be playing Argentina for the first time since their 25-25 draw in Cardiff in 2005.
Tickets will be released in March 2024, with Sky Sports also showing the match live. The tour of Australia begins against Western Force on June 28 and ends with the third and final test against the Wallabies on August 2.
“This fixture is set to be an amazing occasion as well as an important part of our preparation ahead of the 2025 Tour, as we bid to claim our first Lions Series win since 2013,” said Lions chairman Ieuan Evans. “It’s hugely exciting for the players selected on the Tour to play a Lions fixture in Aviva Stadium and I’m sure it is something they will all relish.
“Aviva Stadium is one the most iconic venues in World Rugby and has been the scene of some of the greatest moments in rugby over the years. What’s more, Dublin is an amazing sporting city, and many rugby and sporting fans will have enjoyed the camaraderie and the warm welcome over the years. It is a wonderful destination for Lions fans and a brilliant setting for our pre-Tour fixture.”
Nagy suffers cruel blow
Ospreys in full flight Max Nagy will be sidelined for an extended period of time due to an ankle dislocation.
The 27-year-old had surgery this afternoon after suffering an awkward fall on his ankle during the Ospreys’ close loss to Benetton last Saturday. Ospreys head coach Toby Booth stated, “It’s really unfortunate that Max has an operation this afternoon because he’s been one of our best players this year.”
“Until that is opened up and examined, it appears to be a dislocated ankle. As far as we can tell, there is a ligament repair rather than a bone injury. He will undoubtedly be sidelined for several weeks.”
Due to his exceptional play for the Ospreys, many experts predicted that the full-back, who was born in England, would earn honors on the international stage.
In order to ascertain whether Nagy, a former Swansea University student, is currently eligible for Wales, the Ospreys are awaiting clarification.
“He finds it disappointing because he has performed remarkably well, but on the bright side, something better comes along for someone else. Max has had such a great start to the season, so we send him our best wishes and sympathies. It’s really unfortunate for him,” Booth said.
“When people inquire about his Welsh qualifications, it shows that everyone is enthusiastic about him.”
Wallabies coach denies assault allegations
Former Australia coach Alan Jones has denied allegations that he sexually assaulted several young men.
After coaching the Wallabies from 1984 to 1987 and helping them win the Bledisloe Cup for the first time in almost 40 years, Jones went on to pursue a career in media, rising to prominence as a breakfast radio host in Australia.
Five men have now come forward with allegations that Jones misused his position of authority by groping, indecently attacking, or inappropriately touching them without permission, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Through his attorneys, Jones has angrily refuted the “demonstrably false” accusations, and according to them, he is currently preparing to file a lawsuit against Nine newspapers.
Farrell back in action after bombshell announcement
When Saracens kick off their Investec Champions Cup campaign on Saturday, Owen Farrell will make his first appearance since he announced his decision to give up Test rugby.
The captain of England, Farrell, decided to prioritize his and his family’s mental health over his career and will not be available for the Six Nations later this season.
He then suffered a knee injury that kept him out of Saracens’ Gallagher Premiership loss to Northampton. However, Mark McCall, the rugby director for Saracens, has confirmed that the 32-year-old fly-half will play in Pretoria against the Bulls, a formidable rival from South Africa.
“He’s available and he is going to play this weekend,” McCall said. “He has trained fully over the last two days. He
has enjoyed spending time with his teammates, and it’s a wonderful chance for us to all get away from the British winter for a little while.
“Alex Goode and he have likely played in more European Cup games than anyone else at the club, though I’m not sure how many he’s playing. He is respected by all members of the club and serves as both our captain and our leader. Of course, having him on the field is very advantageous.
“Having him in the team room and during meetings, in addition to having him on the field… It’s wonderful to have him here with us, and his contribution is enormous.”
