New Zealand rugby union star, versatile back and leader for club and country
England has named its half-back combination for the Rugby League World Cup opener against Tonga after a 30-12 loss in the warm-up, with Harry Smith and George Williams at half-back and Mikey Lewis among reserves. The squad also features AJ Brimson at full-back amid a heritage-spot strategy ahead of games against France and Papua New Guinea.
The edited set of interviews and comments from Sue Gray and related sources show a culture of leaks and briefings in No 10 amid leadership changes. Gray says the atmosphere was unbearable and that actions from Keir Starmer’s team were insufficient to curb negative briefings.
South Africa has taken a 2-1 lead in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, with Baltimore set to host the fourth Test. World Rugby is exploring US games to boost revenue and profile, while unions weigh the idea against potential backlash from traditional locales.