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Glasgow mount incredible comeback to stun Toulouse

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Glasgow Warriors 28 (0)

Tries: McKay, Brown, Tuipulotu Cons: Hastings 4

Toulouse 21 (21)

Glasgow Warriors mounted an epic comeback from 21-0 down to beat French giants Toulouse in the Champions Cup on one of the club’s greatest nights.

In torrential rain and gale-force winds, the six-time champions were still able to display all their signature power and precision in the first half as they threatened to comprehensively outclass their hosts.

Antoine Dupont, making his first start in eight months after a serious knee injury, got the ball rolling with the opening try and a double from Kalvin Gourgues saw the visitors race into what looked like an unassailable lead at half-time.

Warriors re-emerged like a team possessed and stunned Toulouse with tries from Josh McKay, Gregor Brown, Sione Tuipulotu and Gregor Hiddleston to send Scotstoun into raptures.

A big cheer went up when Dupont’s name was read out by the stadium announcer ahead of the match, and the little maestro wasted no time in showing his class.

Thibaud Flament burst through the Warriors defence and galloped into the 22, finding Dupont on his shoulder and he glided over for the opening try in a little over six minutes.

Dupont was instrumental as Toulouse struck again moments later, though the home crowd were furious as they were convinced his pass to send Gourgeus over for the second try was forward.

Warriors seemed to be on referee Matthew Carley’s bad side, with the penalty count and the pressure cranking up against them.

The home side were grimly hanging on for half-time, but Gourgeus shrugged off a weak tackle from Josh McKay to go over for his second and Toulouse’s third.

Glasgow survived another scare in the final play of the half when Ange Capuozzo’s try was ruled out after he was just bundled into touch as he grounded in the corner, but at 21-0 at the break, the contest was all but done.

Or was it? Glasgow needed something to offer a glimmer of hope and they got it when some slick handling set McKay free up the touchline to run in for the try.

Whether it was some strong words at half-time from head coach Franco Smith, or turning around to play with the wind now at their backs, a flick had switched and suddenly Warriors were putting it up to their illustrious opponents.

The Glasgow bench was making an impact and one of the substitutes, Brown, blasted over from close range to reduce the arrears to seven points and bring Scotstoun to life.

The roof nearly came off the place when Tuipulotu finished off an a period of intense pressure on the Toulouse line, and when Adam Hastings banged over the conversion we were all square.

Still Glasgow came. They had Toulouse rocking and they landed another blow, a rolling line-out maul thundering over the try-line with substitute Hiddleston touching down to give Warriors the lead for the first time.

Line-ups

Glasgow: McKay; Steyn, McDowall, Tuipulotu, Smith; Hastings, Dobie; McBeth, Hiddleston, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Cummings, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.

Replacements: Stephen, Sutherland, Talakai, Craig, Brown, Miller, Horne, Lancaster.

Toulouse: Ramos; Capuozzo, Costes, Gourgues, Kinghorn; Ntamack, Dupont; Ainuu, Marchand, Aldegheri, Brennan, Flament, Willis, Banos, Jelonch.

Related topics

  • Glasgow Warriors
  • Rugby Union

Glasgow mount incredible comeback to stun Toulouse

SNS
  • 71 Comments

Glasgow Warriors 28 (0)

Tries: McKay, Brown, Tuipulotu Cons: Hastings 4

Toulouse 21 (21)

Glasgow Warriors mounted an epic comeback from 21-0 down to beat French giants Toulouse in the Champions Cup on one of the club’s greatest nights.

In torrential rain and gale-force winds, the six-time champions were still able to display all their signature power and precision in the first half as they threatened to comprehensively outclass their hosts.

Antoine Dupont, making his first start in eight months after a serious knee injury, got the ball rolling with the opening try and a double from Kalvin Gourgues saw the visitors race into what looked like an unassailable lead at half-time.

Warriors re-emerged like a team possessed and stunned Toulouse with tries from Josh McKay, Gregor Brown, Sione Tuipulotu and Gregor Hiddleston to send Scotstoun into raptures.

A big cheer went up when Dupont’s name was read out by the stadium announcer ahead of the match, and the little maestro wasted no time in showing his class.

Thibaud Flament burst through the Warriors defence and galloped into the 22, finding Dupont on his shoulder and he glided over for the opening try in a little over six minutes.

Dupont was instrumental as Toulouse struck again moments later, though the home crowd were furious as they were convinced his pass to send Gourgeus over for the second try was forward.

Warriors seemed to be on referee Matthew Carley’s bad side, with the penalty count and the pressure cranking up against them.

The home side were grimly hanging on for half-time, but Gourgeus shrugged off a weak tackle from Josh McKay to go over for his second and Toulouse’s third.

Glasgow survived another scare in the final play of the half when Ange Capuozzo’s try was ruled out after he was just bundled into touch as he grounded in the corner, but at 21-0 at the break, the contest was all but done.

Or was it? Glasgow needed something to offer a glimmer of hope and they got it when some slick handling set McKay free up the touchline to run in for the try.

Whether it was some strong words at half-time from head coach Franco Smith, or turning around to play with the wind now at their backs, a flick had switched and suddenly Warriors were putting it up to their illustrious opponents.

The Glasgow bench was making an impact and one of the substitutes, Brown, blasted over from close range to reduce the arrears to seven points and bring Scotstoun to life.

The roof nearly came off the place when Tuipulotu finished off an a period of intense pressure on the Toulouse line, and when Adam Hastings banged over the conversion we were all square.

Still Glasgow came. They had Toulouse rocking and they landed another blow, a rolling line-out maul thundering over the try-line with substitute Hiddleston touching down to give Warriors the lead for the first time.

Line-ups

Glasgow: McKay; Steyn, McDowall, Tuipulotu, Smith; Hastings, Dobie; McBeth, Hiddleston, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Cummings, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.

Replacements: Stephen, Sutherland, Talakai, Craig, Brown, Miller, Horne, Lancaster.

Toulouse: Ramos; Capuozzo, Costes, Gourgues, Kinghorn; Ntamack, Dupont; Ainuu, Marchand, Aldegheri, Brennan, Flament, Willis, Banos, Jelonch.

Related topics

  • Glasgow Warriors
  • Rugby Union

Saturday News Recap: ISWAP Repelled, Salah Assists, Chelsea Win, Oyedepo Rejects Politics, Wike Defends Loyalty To Tinubu +More

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Welcome to Channels Brief, your window into the stories shaping today’s world. Whether you’re joining us from Nigeria, London, New York, Nairobi, or anywhere across the globe, this newsletter brings you punchy, reliable, and timely updates in a format made for the modern digital audience.

Dive in to catch up on the major headlines, explore emerging trends, and stay connected to the conversations that matter most to you.

Here are the top stories curated for you today:

ISWAP Repelled

CCTV footage confirmed that several terrorists were killed and others sustained serious injuries.

Nigerian Troops Foiled Terrorists’ Attack With VBIEDs In Borno

Nigerian troops under Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a major assault by ISWAP terrorists in Guzamala, Borno State. The attackers deployed two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), both of which were neutralised before they could breach the military base.

Several insurgents were killed, weapons and logistics recovered, and the terrorists’ operational capacity was significantly degraded.

The army confirmed no breach of the Forward Operating Base, with aggressive patrols now dominating the area to reassure local communities. The operation underscores the resilience of Nigerian forces and their determination to secure the northeast against terrorist threats.

Chelsea, Liverpool Win

Salah and Palmer

Palmer Shines, Salah Sets Up Goal For Liverpool

Liverpool and Chelsea both secured morale-boosting victories in the Premier League on Saturday, with Mohamed Salah returning to set up a goal in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brighton and Cole Palmer inspiring Chelsea’s 2-0 triumph against Everton.

At Anfield, Hugo Ekitike struck within 46 seconds before heading home Salah’s corner in the 60th minute, sealing the points for the Reds after a turbulent run of form. Salah’s comeback, greeted by huge cheers, offered reassurance to fans amid speculation about his future.

At Stamford Bridge, Palmer marked his first start since September with a 21st-minute opener, ending Chelsea’s four-game winless streak. The England midfielder, back from groin and toe injuries, lifted the Blues back into the top four and underlined his importance to their attacking play. Both results provided timely boosts for clubs chasing Champions League qualification, with Liverpool steadying their campaign and Chelsea regaining momentum.

Farmers’ Protection

Farmers weed a rice paddy in an irrigation farm near Sokoto River, in Argungu on April 12, 2025. (Photo by Suzanne Lassen / AFP)

Nigerian Army Clears Bandit Hideouts In Taraba

Similarly, troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have cleared bandit hideouts in Takum, Taraba State, to protect farmers during harvest season. Working with hunters and vigilantes, soldiers secured farmlands and combed Zambana Forest, disrupting criminal operations.

Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa assured residents of full deployment to safeguard lives and livelihoods, urging communities to support security agencies with timely intelligence. The operation aims to guarantee a peaceful harvest and festive season.

Oyedepo Rejects Politics

Bishop David Oyedepo. Facebook/Winners Chapel International

Cleric Vows Never To Join Politics, Even For $1bn

Bishop David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel has declared he would never enter politics, even if offered $1 billion. Speaking at Shiloh 2025, he stressed that politics was outside his divine calling, urging Christians to focus on their spiritual assignments.

He warned that those not called to politics risked losing dignity and emphasised that believers must manifest solutions to crises in the order of biblical figures like Joseph and Daniel.

Wike Defends Tinubu Support

Tinubu
FILE: President Bola Tinubu (L) and ex-Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike (R)

Ex-Rivers Gov Insists Loyalty To President Unblemished

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike says he has no regrets about supporting President Bola Tinubu since 2022. At his 58th birthday celebration, Wike insisted his stance was based on equity and justice, recalling his role in Rivers State during the 2023 elections.

Political allies praised his leadership, describing him as a consistent and influential figure. Wike pledged continued collaboration with his supporters, dismissing criticism as motivation to keep pushing forward.

PDP Leaders Visit Obasanjo

PDP Leaders with former President Olusegun Obasanjo

Opposition Party Vows To Challenge Ruling APC

PDP National Chairman Taminu Turaki led party leaders to meet former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, declaring the party “battle-ready” for the 2027 general elections. He said PDP would first reclaim Ekiti and Osun states before challenging the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the national level.

Obasanjo was praised for his democratic contributions, with leaders describing the visit as a “new dawn” for the party. Turaki urged unity, stressing that Nigerians were tired of APC governance and ready for change.

Top Videos

Beggan the hero as Scotstown end Ulster drought

Inpho

Scotstown were crowned Ulster champions for the first time since 1989 after a dramatic extra-time victory over Kilcoo.

On a night when county stars like Paul Devlin, Conor McCarthy and Kieran Hughes all contributed significantly to a gripping final, it was Scotstown goalkeeper Rory Beggan who had the most telling say in the 0-19 to 0-16 win.

The 2018 All-Star kicked 11 points for his side in a game it felt they had to win twice over.

The Monaghan champions, who were making their fourth attempt at a fifth provincial crown, had led by as many as eight points midway through the first half and were three ahead at the beginning of injury time.

Whether it has been their nip-and-tuck county final against Inniskeen Grattans, or their titanic tussle with Newbridge in the semi-finals, Scotstown games are, however, nothing if not value for money.

And so it proved again as Kilcoo, displaying all the steel that took them to an All-Ireland title in 2021, staged a furious comeback to level at 12 points apiece with virtually the last kick of regulation.

Kilcoo leave it late to force dramatic finale

Paul Devlin celebratesInpho

The seemingly unlikely comeback at the end of regulation came after a dramatic second-half that had begun with Scotstown leading 0-6 to 0-1.

Kilcoo were playing into the considerable wind in the first half with the conditions hampering their attacking efforts.

Despite a sizeable edge in possession through the opening period, there were just five minutes until the break before they registered their sole score of the first half.

The point was provided by Eugene Branagan, but even the wavering trajectory of the ball as it bisected the posts was evidence of the difficulties endured by the Down side’s players when shooting into the swirling breeze.

By that stage, Beggan had already kicked the first pair of two-pointers among his tally and there seemed only one winner when his side’s lead was stretched to eight midway through the second half.

But, having struggled to find their range with the wind at their backs in the early stages of the second half, Kilcoo belatedly mastered the conditions to reel Scotstown in.

Devlin finally got his side off the mark in the second half with a two-pointer 13 minutes after the restart, with the forward adding a further three points as the Down champions cut the deficit to only a point in the closing stages.

A drilled effort from Kieran Hughes was matched by Tommy Mallen from just inside the arc, before Beggan stepped up with another two-pointer to give his side that seemingly crucial three-point cushion heading into injury time.

But his Kilcoo counterpart Niall Kane answered in kind with the clock already well in the red.

Rather than mere consolation, Kilcoo regained possession with the three minutes of indicated added time already up and Callum Rogers gathered and spun brilliantly to send the game into extra time.

Rather than be flattened by letting the long-sought title slip from their grasp, Scotstown lifted themselves from the floor in extra-time with Beggan kicking two frees and a 45, in addition to three points from Conor McCarthy, to end their 36-year wait.

Strictly’s Balvinder says Hollywood star knows who she is after five dance-offs

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EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal and professional partner Julian have fought into the Strictly Come Dancing semi-final after surviving five dance-offs, and this Hollywood musical star has taken notice of the pair

Strictly Come Dancing’s most resilient couple have done it the hard way, but Balvinder Sopal and her professional partner Julian have finally danced their way into the semi-final – and now even a Hollywood superstar knows exactly who they are.

Balvinder, 47, best known to millions as Suki Panesar in EastEnders, has become one of this year’s most talked-about Strictly contestants after repeatedly surviving the dreaded dance-off and refusing to let setbacks derail her journey. The actress and first-time Strictly pro Julian have faced the dance-off an extraordinary five times, more than any other couple this series, earning a reputation as the competition’s ultimate fighters.

And while the pressure has been intense, the pair admit the outpouring of support following last weekend’s emotional performance has been overwhelming – including a message relayed from Hugh Jackman via a mutual friend.

READ MORE: ‘Long-lasting’ Hugo Boss fragrance half-price in deal perfect for Christmas

“I’m still trying to process it,” Balvinder laughs. “He asked how we’d got on and my friend messaged me saying, ‘He knows who you are.’ I’m working on getting that message sent to me – ideally on video!” The semi-final milestone still hasn’t quite sunk in for either of them, with Balvinder admitting the reality only hits in small, surreal moments.

“We’re honestly still in disbelief,” she says. “It feels completely surreal to be standing here talking about the semi-final after the journey we’ve had.” That journey reached an emotional peak last weekend when Balvinder was left in the spotlight alone at the end of her dance, prompting an explosive reaction from the audience and visibly moving the actress to tears.

Reflecting on the moment, Balvinder explains that it was the crowd’s response that first overwhelmed her, before the judges’ comments finally broke through her emotional defences.

“Julian leaving me in the spotlight was such a generous thing to do, and we had spoken about it in rehearsals, but I don’t think I realised how big that moment would feel until it happened,” she says. “Listening to the applause and then hearing the judges say things I’ve never heard said about me throughout this competition was incredibly overwhelming.”

It was judge Motsi Mabuse’s words about the emotional toll of repeatedly fighting back from the dance-off that ultimately tipped Balvinder over the edge. “When she talked about how demoralising it must be to keep coming back and fighting every week, it all just hit me,” she admits. “It was like a release – just relief pouring out.”

Despite the repeated dance-offs, Balvinder and Julian insist they never allowed themselves to become bitter or defeated, instead choosing to embrace the narrative of being the competition’s fighters. “At a certain point, we just had to accept that this was our journey,” Julian explains. “Every series has a couple who has to fight for everything, and this year that’s been us.”

The mindset shift proved crucial, with both agreeing that once they stopped fearing the dance-off, they were able to enjoy the competition more fully. “No one is going to give this to you,” Julian adds. “We had to go out there, claw for it and give absolutely everything every single time.”

Physically, however, the toll has been undeniable, with Balvinder admitting her body is now paying the price for weeks of intense training. “I’m basically held together with sports tape at this point,” she jokes. “My Achilles are hurting, my rib’s been sore, I’ve pulled my glute – it’s probably quicker to say what isn’t hurting.”

Yet she is quick to praise Strictly’s support system, stressing that both physically and emotionally the show has looked after them. “There’s so much care here – physios, welfare teams, people checking in on you all the time,” she says. “Knowing that support is there really helps your mental health too.”

Julian, meanwhile, has been praised by viewers for his calm, intuitive partnership with Balvinder during his very first season as a Strictly professional, but insists he has never focused on viewer loyalty or voting patterns. “All of that is completely beyond my control,” he says. “All I can focus on is being the best teacher and support system I can be for Bal.”

The pair were also left devastated by the departure of Lewis and Katya last week, admitting that as the competition draws to a close, the bonds backstage have only grown stronger.

“At this stage, Strictly really does feel like a family,” Balvinder says. “Whoever leaves, it’s heartbreaking. They were the cream of the crop. That dance off was insane. Lewis and Katya created history.”

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With the semi-final now looming, Bal and Julian who danced the Waltz to Michael Buble’s ‘At This Moment’, the couple are determined to savour every remaining moment – whether or not Hugh Jackman’s message ever makes it to Balvinder’s phone.

“He hasn’t sent the video yet,” she laughs. “But the fact he knows who we are at all feels pretty magical.”

Phoenix Nights star Justin Moorhouse heartbroken as ‘beautiful’ son dies

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Justin Moorhouse has announced the death of his son, Barney. The Phoenix Nights star, who played Young Kenny took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news on Saturday.

Sharing a snap of Barney, the comedian, from Ashton-under-Lyne, said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts I have to tell you our beautiful boy Barney has passed away. Me, his mum and step mum, his sister, cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents and his gorgeous friends are besides ourselves with grief.

“I am consoling myself as much as I can knowing that he loved us all and knew we loved him. He was so happy, content and excited about the future. The sweetest, kindest soul.

“He just went to sleep and didn’t wake up. I can’t imagine how the next days and weeks will unfold but I know we are able to cope – love always helps. I am him and he is me. Sleep tight Barney. Dad.

“Appreciate your kindness and sensitivity towards the family at this time.” Justin’s daughter, Isobel said: “The best brother. I will miss you always, love you.”





Justin shared a snap of Barney as he announced the devastating news





The star said his son was the 'sweetest, kindest soul'


The star said his son was the ‘sweetest, kindest soul’
(
Daisybeck Studios Ltd)

Meanwhile, Barney’s close friend said on Justin’s post: “The best friend I could’ve ever asked for. It was only a few days ago we were having a daft conversation about being each others best men if we ever get married. Feel like I’ve lost my other half. Won’t ever be the same without him. The best person I ever knew. Love you all.”

Tributes have since flooded in on social media, with John Bishop saying: “Justin this is so heartbreaking. I remember the kind fun little boy who grew to be a man to be proud of . There are no words. All of our love goes out to all of you at this time.”

Sacha Lord added: “I’m so so sorry. During his time at WHP he was a kind, gentle, funny soul. My love and thoughts to Barneys family and friends. I’m in shock.” Omid Djalili replied: “This has crushed me. Your comedy family mourns with you tonight.”

Former Coronation Street actress Kimberly Hart-Simpson penned: “This is incredibly sad. You will be in my thoughts.” Journalist Nooruddean Choudry commented: “That thing about knowing he was loved is everything mate. May we all live our lives knowing we were loved, just as Barney did. Top guy. He was and is a credit to you and your beautiful family x.”

Comedian and actress Jessica Fostekew said: “Oh Justin. I can’t begin to imagine the agony you must be in – sending you all the love and strength in the world. I’m so so so sorry.”

Justin’s Looking for Eric co-star, Steve Evets penned: “Justin, my heart goes out to you and all your family and friends of Barney. I can never imagine the grief you all must be in right now and I know my words are meaningless to you all but please take my best wishes to you all at this terrible loss.”

Jen Brister added: “Justin, this is devastating. There are no words but sending you all the love.”

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