Slider1
Slider2
Slider3
Slider4
previous arrow
next arrow

Latham’s Bears arrival delayed by hand injury

Features of Rex
  • 3 Comments
A pre-season injury issue has affected Warwickshire, which will prevent Tom Latham’s arrival at Edgbaston from being available for main international signings.

Before this week’s Plunket Shield game in Wellington, wicketkeeper Latham, 32, broke his finger while practicing in the nets for his domestic club Canterbury.

In any case, the Bears’ opening game against Sussex, which will start at Edgbaston on April 5th, was already scheduled to miss the New Zealand Test captain.

However, he may now be sidelined for a few more games in addition.

Bears’ captain Alex Davies reported to BBC Sport that Tom was “always missing the first game.” However, he has now caused a little harm to his hand, so we have to wait until next week to see if he can.

Rob Yates and I always had the opening act, with Tom joining at three. Rob has now earned England Lions recognition and established himself as the leader of the pack.

Following the premature retirement of Michael Burgess over the winter, Davies admits that he, Latham, and highly regarded 20-year-old Kai Smith, who are all in the running for his Bears first team debut, are all in the frame.

Davies remarked, “We haven’t yet made that call.” Of course, I spent years doing it with Lancashire, but Tom [Latham] can also be a substitute when he’s fit.

Davies is “desperate” to take the title with Bears.

Davies, who is currently the county captain for Warwickshire, cannot conceal the desire to win the title.

Prior to their most recent success four summers ago under the now-defunct Will Rhodes, Lancashire’s books included him when they ended their long title drought in 2011, the year before the Bears won it in 2012. The Bears’ team also included new first-team coach Ian Westwood, the replacement when Mark Robinson was fired on February 13, and he was listed on Lancashire’s books when they finally won it in 2012.

Although I was the only academy player there in 2011, Davies recalled how he felt the buzz while watching it. “Warwickshire has won two of their past matches.” There are many men in this dressing room, Westy one of whom is a master.

Bears captain Alex Davies crouching like a tigerGetty Images
Before Surrey’s three-season dominance erupted, Warwickshire were the last team to win the title in the opening post-Covid season of 2021.

After a 2024 summer that the Bears only won once out of 14 games, Davies acknowledges that a lot of work must be done.

He said, “Last season was a middling year.” Sometimes we played really good cricket, but there were also times when we weren’t quite good enough.

“It’s all about being consistent and eradicating those awful days.” We must correct that because we had too many injuries and were unable to take 20 wickets.

related subjects

  • New Zealand
  • Warwickshire
  • County cricket
  • Cricket

IGF optimistic over mixed event at 2028 Olympics

Images courtesy of Getty

Officials are hopeful that the proposal will be accepted by the International Olympic Committee because they believe it to be “optimistic” that golf will include a mixed competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

A meeting on Monday will discuss golf’s proposal to include a two-day mixed event that would take place in the men’s and women’s individual competitions.

Golf’s resumption of the Olympics has been deemed to be a smashing success. In Rio de Janeiro, Justin Rose won the first Olympic golf championship in 112 years.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler won the men’s title in Paris last year, while Lydia Ko of New Zealand won the women’s title, completing a personal collection of gold, silver, and bronze medals.

However, opponents claimed that the sport’s lack of a combined mixed team competition was a trick.

In the interim between the 60-player individual tournaments, the International Golf Federation (IGF) has indicated that it wants to add an event where one pair from each competing country will square off in a two-day competition.

We’re just one of many submissions, but LA28 and NBC have both expressed strong support for broadcasters like NBC, according to IGF executive director Antony Scanlon, who also spoke to BBC Sport.

“Hopefully the submission will be viewed in the appropriate light on Monday, with that support.”

“I’ve always had optimism,” I said. I wouldn’t want to waste anyone’s time on this.

It has fantastic merit, especially coming out of Paris and the outstanding support from all the male and female athletes.

Players who are supporting the bid include Ko and Shane Lowry, who carried the Irish flag at the opening ceremony in Paris.

Scanlon remarked, “We should be a part of the program, and it’s very compelling.

The 72-hole men’s tournament would move one day ahead of the scheduled opening day of the Games, which are scheduled to take place on July 14th, 2028, to finish on Saturday.

“We’ll play foursomes and alternate shots on Sunday, with the mixed and the mixed. Therefore, those who have been playing the day before are less burdened. We’ll have fourballs on Monday (the second week).

Although it may seem like a lot of golf, I believe the male and female players will be up for it.

On Wednesday, the women’s tournament would begin.

There will be room for female players who aren’t competing on the Riviera Country Club course, which will host the tournaments, with just one pair per nation.

Competitors who have their regular schedules disrupted by Scanlon believe they will find it appealing to win extra medals.

He said, “It will show how good our female players are when they play with their male partners.”

When there is a mixed format, the tours will then begin to examine how they can cross-pollinate for individual and team events.

“If we get it, there will be some positive momentum for the sport itself as a result.”

The LA Games’ earlier date, which conflicts with the traditional mid-July date in golf’s regular schedule, causes a headache for the top golf administrators.

The championship will take place in 2028, but it has not yet been announced.

Scanlon stated, “We’re working toward a positive outcome right now.”

On April 9th, 2018, it is anticipated that a decision will be made regarding the inclusion of a mixed-use tournament in golf in 2028.

At least 36 sports will be played in Los Angeles, including golf.

related subjects

  • Golf
  • Olympic Games

Wales’ Pyrs and Crabb back to start against England

This video is not playable.

JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.

  • 5 Comments

Wales vs. England at the Women’s Six Nations

Cardiff Principality Stadium Date: Saturday, March 29 Kickoff: 16:45 GMT

In front of a record-setting crowd in Cardiff on Saturday, Wales head coach Sean Lynn made two changes to his starting XV as they face England in the Women’s Six Nations.

Gwenllian Pyrs and Gwen Crabb, both of whom have been evaluated for fitness, will play at Principality Stadium.

Wales lost to Scotland last weekend in Edinburgh, but the duo made a comeback from scratch.

For Sale Sharks loose-head Pyrs, Scotland marked their first appearance since undergoing disc replacement and fusion procedures in November.

Crabb most recently started for Wales when they faced Scotland in the WXV in September. Alaw, Gwenllian Pyrs’ sister, falls to the bench after her return.

Donna Rose will take over from Jenni Scoble of Gwalia Lightning at tight-head, and the other two players from Wales will start. The rest will play in English rugby’s top flight.

Lisa Neumann and Carys Cox, who are Lisa Neumann and Carys Cox, complete the back three, remain in Lynn’s full-back position.

The game has sold more than 18, 000 tickets, which is already a record for a women’s sports event in Wales.

The previous highest female rugby player attendance was 10, 592 when Wales hosted Italy at Principality Stadium in the 2024 Six Nations.

In a Euro 2025 play-off against the Republic of Ireland, Wales’ female footballers set the previous best domestic record of 16 845.

After guiding Gloucester-Hartpury to a third successive Professional Women’s Rugby title in England, Lynn is in charge of his second Wales game.

He continued, “To have so many of the Welsh rugby family members recognize these players as being their representatives and turning out to support is an exciting and humbling moment for all the players, coaches, and staff.

The fact that we made the first move against Scotland in the home of Welsh rugby, the Principality Stadium, is a sign of the expansion of the women’s game.

Wales: Jasmine Joyce, Lisa Neumann, Hannah Jones (capt), Kayleigh Powell, Carys Cox, Lleucu George, Keira Bevan, Gwenllian Pyrs, Jenni Scoble, Abbie Fleming, Gwen Crabb, Kate Williams, Bethan Lewis, and Georgia Evans.
What data are gathered from this quiz?

related subjects

  • Welsh Rugby
  • Rugby Union

Wales’ Pyrs and Crabb back to start against England

This video is not playable.

JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.

  • 5 Comments

Wales vs. England at the Women’s Six Nations

Cardiff Principality Stadium Date: Saturday, March 29 Kickoff: 16:45 GMT

In front of a record-setting crowd in Cardiff on Saturday, Wales head coach Sean Lynn made two changes to his starting XV as they face England in the Women’s Six Nations.

Gwenllian Pyrs and Gwen Crabb, both of whom have been evaluated for fitness, will play at Principality Stadium.

Wales lost to Scotland last weekend in Edinburgh, but the duo made a comeback from scratch.

For Sale Sharks loose-head Pyrs, Scotland marked their first appearance since undergoing disc replacement and fusion procedures in November.

Crabb most recently started for Wales when they faced Scotland in the WXV in September. Alaw, Gwenllian Pyrs’ sister, falls to the bench after her return.

Donna Rose will take over from Jenni Scoble of Gwalia Lightning at tight-head, and the other two players from Wales will start. The rest will play in English rugby’s top flight.

Lisa Neumann and Carys Cox, who are Lisa Neumann and Carys Cox, complete the back three, remain in Lynn’s full-back position.

The game has sold more than 18, 000 tickets, which is already a record for a women’s sports event in Wales.

The previous highest female rugby player attendance was 10, 592 when Wales hosted Italy at Principality Stadium in the 2024 Six Nations.

In a Euro 2025 play-off against the Republic of Ireland, Wales’ female footballers set the previous best domestic record of 16 845.

After guiding Gloucester-Hartpury to a third successive Professional Women’s Rugby title in England, Lynn is in charge of his second Wales game.

He continued, “To have so many of the Welsh rugby family members recognize these players as being their representatives and turning out to support is an exciting and humbling moment for all the players, coaches, and staff.

The fact that we made the first move against Scotland in the home of Welsh rugby, the Principality Stadium, is a sign of the expansion of the women’s game.

Wales: Jasmine Joyce, Lisa Neumann, Hannah Jones (capt), Kayleigh Powell, Carys Cox, Lleucu George, Keira Bevan, Gwenllian Pyrs, Jenni Scoble, Abbie Fleming, Gwen Crabb, Kate Williams, Bethan Lewis, and Georgia Evans.
What data are gathered from this quiz?

related subjects

  • Welsh Rugby
  • Rugby Union

How Welbeck’s FA Cup goal left Ferguson ‘buzzing’

Images courtesy of Getty

An unexpected name appeared on Danny Welbeck’s phone after Brighton reached the FA Cup quarter-finals thanks to the extra-time winner against Newcastle.

He claimed that Sir Alex Ferguson called me after the Newcastle goal, according to Football Focus.

He discussed the performance and the goal. He was buzzing and seemed to have that kind of connection. He is a manager who is constantly looking out for his players, constantly wants the best for them, and maintains contact with them.

Welbeck’s professional career began with Ferguson at Manchester United, where he was a member of the squad that won the 2013 Premier League.

As the Seagulls prepare to face Nottingham Forest in the quarter-finals on Saturday, the striker will help them win the FA Cup twice when he moves to Arsenal the following year.

It was a good pair of managers for him to have worked with, and two of whom he claims have had an influence on who he is today, with Ferguson and then Arsene Wenger.

Arsene Wenger had success in his own way, he continued, “Sir Alex Ferguson had success in his own way.” There are many different ways to succeed.

“They two played a significant role in my life, not just my career,” I said.

Watch Welbeck’s full interview on BBC One’s Football Focus on Saturday, March 29, at 30 GMT.

Welbeck hopes to once more experience “special” feeling.

This video is not playable.

JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.

Welbeck is currently employed by Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler.

Welbeck is 34 years old, two years older than Hurzeler, but the German has had a significant influence on the veteran forward, which has enabled him to produce some of his best work of his career.

He has seven Premier League goals so far this season, more than he has managed in any of his previous four games with the Seagulls.

Welbeck compared Hurzeler to Hurzeler, noting that “His age is never a topic around the training ground.” That speaks volumes about him, I believe.

He stated, “From the first time we met, he was so authoritative and crystal clear about what he was saying.” He is just the manager, and I never consider his age.

Hurzeler has continued his success with Graham Potter and Roberto de Zerbi’s excellent work this season, making the club competitive for Europe.

Welbeck hopes to make amends for Brighton’s FA Cup runaway success this term, which they did in 1983.

He continued, “I’ve had some really special experiences with the FA Cup.”

The memories that will stick with you forever are the true highlights of my career.

Arsenal players celebrate lifting the FA CupImages courtesy of Getty

“Injuries improved me as a person and player.”

Welbeck’s career has been hampered by injuries despite having won a sizable amount of silverware.

He previously had knee surgery and missed 42 games at Arsenal because of his broken ankle, which caused him to miss almost a year.

However, he has managed to avoid major injuries this season, which has allowed him to experience some of his best performances of his career.

As he sits alongside Pascal Gross at the age of 30, he is one goal away from becoming Brighton’s undisputed all-time top scorer in the Premier League.

In the past, I’ve had a lot of injuries, including knee injuries, people who fell into your knee, and people who fell awkwardly on your feet,” said Welbeck.

There are times when it’s difficult to go through them, but they have helped me become a better player and person because there is always something positive to consider when things turn bad.

In those challenging circumstances, I always try to see the positive and strive to improve.

related subjects

  • FA Cup
  • Football

How Welbeck’s FA Cup goal left Ferguson ‘buzzing’

Getty Images

After Danny Welbeck scored the extra-time winner against Newcastle to send Brighton into the FA Cup quarter-finals, an unexpected name popped up on his mobile phone.

“[Sir Alex Ferguson] actually phoned me after the Newcastle goal,” he told Football Focus.

“He talked about the goal and the performance. He was buzzing and to have that sort of connection, he is a manager who is always looking out for his players, always wants the best for them, and still to this day is in contact.”

Welbeck’s career started under Ferguson at Manchester United where he was part of the squad that won the Premier League in 2013.

The striker moved to Arsenal the following year and helped them to lift the FA Cup twice, something he is now hoping to help Brighton achieve as the Seagulls prepare to host Nottingham Forest in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

With Ferguson and then Arsene Wenger, it was not a bad pair of managers for him to have worked under, and two who he says influence who he is today.

“Sir Alex Ferguson got success in his own way, Arsene Wenger had success in his way,” he added. There’s different ways to reach success.

“Them two managers played a huge part in my life, not just my career.”

Watch the full interview with Welbeck on Football Focus, BBC One, Saturday 29 March 11:30 GMT.

Welbeck hoping to experience ‘special’ feeling again

This video can not be played

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

Welbeck is now working under Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton.

At 34, Welbeck is two years older than Hurzeler but the German has had a strong impact on the veteran forward that has helped him produce some of the best form of his career.

He has hit seven Premier League goals so far this season – more than he has managed in any of his previous four campaigns at the Seagulls.

“His age is never a topic around the training ground,” Welbeck said of Hurzeler. “I think that speaks volumes of him.

“From the first meeting with the group he was so authoritative and so clear with his ideas. Now I never think about his age, he is just the manager.”

Hurzeler has continued the good work of his predecessors Graham Potter and Roberto de Zerbi, and he has the club challenging for Europe this season.

But Brighton have never won the FA Cup, finishing runners-up in 1983, and Welbeck hopes to rectify that this term.

“I’ve had some really special times with the FA Cup,” he added.

“It has been proper highlights of my career and they are memories that stay with you forever.

Arsenal players celebrate lifting the FA CupGetty Images

‘Injuries made me a better person and player’

Despite having won an impressive amount of silverware, Welbeck’s career has been hampered by injuries.

He previously had almost a year out after knee surgery and also missed 42 games at Arsenal because of a broken ankle.

This season, however, has seen him stay largely injury free and that has helped him to enjoy some of the best form of his career.

He is now one goal away from becoming Brighton’s outright all-time top scorer in the Premier League as he sits on 30 alongside Pascal Gross.

“I’ve been really unlucky with injuries in the past – contact ones like knee injuries, people falling into your knee and you fall into awkward positions,” said Welbeck.

“It is difficult to go through those moments but they have made me a better person and a better player because there’s always positive you can look into with the negative side of things.

“I always try to see the positive and try to make myself better in those difficult situations.”

Related topics

  • FA Cup
  • Football