Sale Sharks have appointed Marco Bortolami as head coach to work alongside director of rugby Alex Sanderson.
The ex-Italy forward replaces Paul Deacon, who left the club on Wednesday after holding the role since 2020.
Bortolami, 45, has been head coach of United Rugby Championship (URC) club Benetton for the past four years.
His Benetton contract ran until June 2026, but in February the Italian club announced it would be terminated early and he would leave at the end of the season.
The former captain won 111 caps during a playing career which included four years in the Premiership with Gloucester.
“I’m really excited and honoured to be part of this family,” Bortolami told the club’s website.
Sale finished third in the Premiership, losing at Leicester Tigers in their play-off semi-final on Saturday.
It was the fourth time in the past five seasons the Sharks have finished in the top four, but they have not been champions since 2006.
Now Bortolami will bring his experience to the coaching team, having worked at Benetton since he retired from playing in 2016, firstly as an assistant before taking the top job.
For Sanderson, having someone of Bortolami’s stature can help the club’s push to take that next step.
“This is a huge coup for the club because Marco is an international-level coach,” he said.
Karen Millen has come under fire after she sparked fury by claiming breastfeeding an infant after six months is ‘selfish’ as she appeared on Vanessa Feltz’s Channel 5 show
Karen Millen’s apology slammed by angry fans after she makes harmful breastfeeding comments
Fashion designer Karen Millen has come under fire after making a series of damaging claims about breastfeeding during her appearance on The Vanessa Show earlier this week.
Karen, 63, issued an apology via Vanessa Feltz’s eponymous Channel 5 programme after claiming it was ‘selfish’ for mothers to continue to breastfeed their children after six months of age – which sparked anger online.
As she appeared on the programme on Wednesday, Karen discussed a video of a mother breastfeeding her three-year-old. She said: “There’s no benefit, is there? For a child to be breastfed beyond six months, really. I think it’s quite a selfish thing on the mother’s part.”
READ MORE: JULIE DELAHAYE: ‘Karen Millen’s breastfeeding comments are an infuriating example of mum-shaming’
Karen Millen has come under fire for her comments about breastfeeding(Image: jeremyvineon5/instagram)
Vanessa, 63, asked: “Do you?” To which Karen replied: “I do, actually.” When asked why she feels that way, Karen explained: “Well, I just think, you know, that’s not good emotionally for that child.”
Karen’s comments sparked fury online, and she later issued an apology via The Vanessa Show. Vanessa shared a video on her Instagram to speak on behalf of Karen in an apology which has also come under fire. Vanessa said in the video: “Karen has faced some backlash for what she said yesterday on the show and some social media clips, too, have been quite antagonistic. And she’s now said she’d like to apologise and she’s given us this exclusive statement.”
Article continues below
The video then cut to footage of Karen who addressed the issue to the camera, as she said: “I know I’ve upset a lot of your viewers and that was not my intention. The question was aimed at a three-year-old being breastfed and my thoughts on that and my answers reflected that, not the subject of breastfeeding. I have three children and I breastfed all three of them up until six, seven months. Despite it being incredibly painful, I got mastitis each time and cracked and sore nipples. But I did it because I knew it was the best thing for them for at least six months. So, you know, I think my issue was more on the fact that, you know, as a baby breast milk is the best.
Karen apologised in a video and said she had breastfed all three of her children(Image: jeremyvineon5/instagram)
“And beyond being a baby, growing into being a toddler, I just found it more difficult to come to terms with how that would benefit a three-year-old toddler. So, anyway, everyone has their own personal choice and decision in these things and I respect that.
“And, as a woman to women, I do respect your choices and I do want to support you. So, my apologies once again. I hope you forgive me.”
The clip then cut to Vanessa again who added: “Now the World Health Organisation recommends infants are breastfed exclusively for the first six months of their lives and then up to the age of two and beyond that if it suits the family.”
Karen’s apology via Vanessa has sparked further outrage and done little to pacify mothers and breastfeeding experts – including celebrity mums. Comedian Katherine Ryan, who recently announced she is pregnant with her fourth child, jibed at Karen’s apology as she sarcastically wrote in the comments section: “Everyone knows: an infant baby becomes a FULL CALF at six months old and that’s when milk from a natural source (cow) becomes more suitable than milk from its mother of the same birth species. #science”.
Comedian Katherine Ryan made a sarcastic jibe in response to Karen’s apology(Image: Getty Images for SXSW London)
While Ferne McCann shared a post about Karen’s comments on her own Instagram feed. She posted a video of herself breastfeeding her daughter Finty, who turns two in July, and wrote in the caption: “A few of you have messaged me about the recent Karen Millen comments on breastfeeding. While I’m really passionate about this subject, I think it’s more powerful to encourage open conversation than to shut people down for having a different opinion and here’s why.
“I’ve actually been on the other side of this before when I shared how much I loved breastfeeding. I got messages saying it was insensitive to those who couldn’t. So I really do understand that this topic stirs strong feelings on all sides.“But what’s important here and actually very positive is breastfeeding IS being spoken about more.“Conversations like this can shine a light on just how many mums want to try breastfeeding but don’t feel confident or supported enough to do it.“The UK has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world. The studies show the biggest reasons are that many new mums feel unsure, judged, or alone so opt out before even trying.“The more we talk, the more we normalise. And the more we normalise, the more confident we become.“Above all, every mum deserves to make her own choices (whatever she feels is right for her) free from shame, and full of confidence.”
Mum-of-two Ferne McCann, who is a breastfeeding advocate, also weighed in(Image: PA)
The NHS states and the World Health Organisation both have information on breastfeeding. The NHS recommends that mothers “breastfeed your baby exclusively (give them breast milk only) for the first 6 months of their life.
“Breastfeeding still has lots of benefits for you and your baby after 6 months. It protects them from infections and there’s some evidence that it helps with the digestion of your baby’s first solid foods. It also continues to provide the balance of nutrients your baby needs.”
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation states: “WHO recommends you keep breastfeeding your child up to two years and beyond and for as long as you both want to continue. Breastfeeding never stops protecting children from infectious disease.”
Karen’s comments have caused a stir online as experts and mums commented on the apology post from Vanessa. One said: “When discussing topics like this on TV, it would be beneficial to also have an expert in infant feeding available, to negate opinions that the general public may deem as truth. Ie “breastfeeding isn’t beneficial after 6 months, it’s selfish”.”
Another added: “This really isn’t a full apology and it continues to spread misinformation. A 6 or 7 month old is not a toddler. Breastfeeding beyond infancy is normal, beneficial and recommended by the World Health Organization. The original statements about it being ‘selfish’ or causing ‘attachment issues’ were incredibly damaging to parents – and they remain untrue. If you’re going to use your platform to comment on infant feeding, please take the time to understand the evidence first. So many mums already feel guilt and pressure around feeding – this kind of messaging only makes it worse.”
And a third said: “I think this has made the situation worse, firstly the apology isnt really an apology, secondly they are justifying her answer with the 6 months comment at the end and “for longer if suits the family” but do not mention all the benefits up to the age of 2? It’s not just because it “suits” the family..”
Meanwhile, angry social media users are taking to Karen Millen’s brand page to share their anger over her recent comments as one said: “Donating all of my clothes with your label to charity and boycotting you for life. I’m currently breastfeeding a 4.5-year-old and, if you’d like to learn about the benefits, just visit the WHO and NHS website. Get yourself educated on breastfeeding before you spout incorrect information. You are entitled to your own opinion, but don’t state things as fact that aren’t.”
Another wrote: “This is actually breastfeeding friendly. Shame I would never purchase anything from a brand which shames the most selfless gift a mother can give her little one.” As a third wrote: “Stick to the dresses, let actual lactation consultants give advice on breastfeeding”.
Article continues below
The brand has now since issued a statement on their Instagram story, which read: “We hear and understand the concerns regarding Karen’s comments. To be clear, while Karen founded the brand, she is no longer involved in the business, and her comments do not reflect the views or values of our brand. We recognise the decision to breastfeed is deeply personal, and we fully support every parent in making the choices that are right for their family.”
The Lekki Toll Gate, a key location associated with protests, particularly the End SARS nationwide protests, is currently experiencing an unexpected calm.
The development comes as Nigeria marks this year’s Democracy Day on June 12.
As at 9:30 a.m. when Channels Television visited the arena, there were no visible signs of protests, gatherings, or any activities indicating an imminent demonstration. Business activities went on as usual.
Despite the peaceful atmosphere, security forces, including the Nigerian Police and other agencies, have been deployed to the area as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order and prevent any potential disturbances.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Playing Politics Rather Than Working For Nigerians — Peter Obi
Despite the quiet at Lekki, protesters on Thursday gathered in the Ikeja area of Lagos for the #EndBadGovernance rally.
Glastonbury Festival’s Emily Eavis revealed the changes she’s made to the site to help avoid overcrowding at this year’s event
Glastonbury Festival’s Emily Eavis revealed the changes she’s made to site to help avoid overcrowding at this year’s event(Image: Getty Images)
The organiser of Glastonbury Festival has revealed one major change they made to this year’s festivities, which meant a number of people missed out on tickets. Organiser Emily Eavis sat down with DJs Annie Mac and Nick Grimshaw for a special episode of their BBC Sounds podcast ‘Sidetracked’ to talk all things Glasto.
Emily spoke about the behind the scenes work, performance secrets, and changes for this year’s event, including the change to the capacity of the festival. She revealed that some areas of the iconic festival have shifted slightly to make way for extra space for visitors, in places such as the South East Corner.
The festival even purchased an extra field on the perimeter of the site to help fit in changes made to areas and crews in the South East Corner for the night-time performances.
This is to help festivalgoers avoid herds of people all moving in one direction as they move from stage to stage at busier times of the day.
Tickets for Glastonbury 2025 sold out within 30 minutes(Image: Getty Images)
However, one major factor in the site changes was a reduction in the number of tickets sold for this year’s event, which was reduced by “a few thousand.”
Article continues below
Emily told the podcast hosts: “The other thing is that we’ve sold a few thousand less tickets. So it will be interesting to see how that affects the dynamics on site.”
She explained the reason for this is to see if fewer numbers of people will make an impact on crowds at busier times of the festival.
Glastonbury has had the capacity to host a massive 210,000 people on site for the five-day festival.
In previous years, concerns were raised about the overcrowding in areas of the festival during certain performances.
Nick and Annie pointed out that the likes of Charli XCX and Doechi would be likely to pull massive crowds, but that it’s “hard to predict” the reality.
The changes have been made to avoid overcrowding in certain areas(Image: Getty Images)
Emily explained that with the help of Glastonbury Festival app, the organisers are able to keep on top of crowd control using a colour-coded system.
She said that if a stage or field is signified by ‘red’ then it’s likely the field would have to be closed, persuading festival goers to take alternative routes.
Glastonbury Festival will kick off on Wednesday, June 25, with headliners The 1975, Neil Young, and Olivia Rodrigo.
Article continues below
There are a number of TBAs (to be-announced acts) on the line-up, including on the Pyramid Stage at 4.55pm before Alanis Morrissette.
Another act dubbed ‘Patchwork’ has been listed for Saturday on the Pyramid Stage at 6.15pm.
Cardiff City have confirmed the departure of Aaron Ramsey, with the midfielder set to move to Mexico.
Ramsey has agreed a deal to sign for Mexican side Club Universidad Nacional – known as Pumas UNAM.
Wales captain Ramsey, 34, was appointed Cardiff interim manager for the final three games of the 2024-25 Championship season after the club sacked Omer Riza, but was unable to prevent relegation to League One.
The Bluebirds have also confirmed the exits of Jamilu Collins, Raheem Conte, Anwar El Ghazi, Kieron Evans, Dimitrios Goutas and Yakou Meite.
The seven players will leave the Welsh club at the end of their contracts on 30 June.
Cardiff have held advanced talks with former Manchester City academy coach Brian Barry-Murphy as they close in on naming a new manager.
But they have issued a retained list of players before the start of their League One campaign in August:
Former Dance Moms star JoJo Siwa shared a lengthy response to Miley Cyrus’ relationship jibe and insisted the ‘in the closet’ comments by her former idol were not necessary
JoJo Siwa and Miley Cyrus(Image: itsjojosiwa/instagram)
JoJo Siwa didn’t take kindly to Miley Cyrus comments regarding her relationship with Chris Hughes and has defiantly hit back. Flowers songstress Miley, 32, caused outrage earlier in the week after a snarky joke about the 22-year-old former Dance Moms star’s sexuality.
She poked fun at JoJo in a clip shared at World Pride over the weekend. The video saw Miley speaking from inside a closet. She said: “Oh, my God, I haven’t been in here since sixth grade! Enjoy coming out of the closet if this Pride is the time for you. It shouldn’t be a month – it should be a year; it should be infinite.”
Despite the initial positive message, Miley then quipped: “I’m going back inside to get more pretzels and find JoJo Siwa and bring her back out.” However the comment wasn’t well received by the Karma singer who confessed the comment wasn’t “what the world, or myself needs to hear any day of the week”.
JoJo and Chris have been growing closer(Image: Instagram)
While there seemed to be discontent, JoJo tried to shake off the jibe, insisting it is “all love” between the duo. She admitted, however, that it is hard to hear such judgement from “someone you love, and look up to”.
JoJo took to Instagram to share a lengthy post about her admiration for Miley, showing snaps from her Miley-themed fifth birthday party. She also uploaded images of herself with her idol, as well as a picture of her in a jumper printed with the singer’s face on.
Article continues below
Explaining how the former Hannah Montana star had inspired her as a youngster, JoJo confessed she “wasn’t sure how I felt about things for a couple of days,” after hearing the comments. However, she has said she doesn’t think the quip was ill intended – simply calling it a not very good joke.
A young JoJo Siwa in a Miley Cyrus jumper(Image: itsjojosiwa/instagram)
She added in the upload’s caption: ” I messaged miley light heartedly about it and she replied and said “All love. Always.”
JoJo continued: “Honestly the most beautiful thing I’ve learned in the last 5 years is that love is a gorgeous rainbow. Don’t question yourself, don’t second guess yourself, just love. Love love love love love.
“People judge no matter what, and it can be very hard, especially when it comes from someone you love, and look up to… but if you feel happy and content with yourself, that’s most important. You get one life… hold onto it, make it yours, find your happy, and love.”
The comments came after JoJo and fellow Celebrity Big Brother housemate Chris went public with their relationship. The duo continue to showcase the blossoming romance in sweet social media uploads.
JoJo Siwa showed her past love for Miley (Image: itsjojosiwa/instagram)
Recently, JoJo spent time with the former Love Island star and his family in the Cotswolds. She also told Capital Breakfast presenter Jordan North earlier this week how tight their bond has become.
“You know what’s interesting? As hectic as life is, and as much as that noise goes on, I feel like Christopher and I discovered this beautiful house together,” she gushed. “And this house is earthquake proof, and it’s fireproof, and bulletproof.
Article continues below
“And you know, we discovered this house and found the keys, and we took the keys and locked ourselves in, and now it’s like… You know what I mean? I feel like that with myself, I feel like that with him.”
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs onTikTok,Snapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook,YouTubeandThreads.
READ MORE: Shoppers say ‘beautiful’ statement jewellery is a ‘compliment getter’
