Pro-Palestinian protesters obstructing the La Vuelta cycling race’s stage 11 finish line in Spain forced the organisers to end it three kilometers before the finish line. Several riders reportedly requested that the Israel-Premier Tech team be removed from the three-week race out of concern that demonstrators would disrupt the event.
Pool A of the Rugby World Cup for women: England v. Australia
Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium Date: Saturday, September 6th, 2017 Kick-off: 17:00 BST
The final round of Brighton World Cup pool matches has sparked a growing buzz in women’s rugby circles.
The Wallaroos are currently battling it out against England in a historic match between all sports and sexes to advance to the quarter-finals following their draw with the USA.
And in a glorious grudge match against Ireland in the city that arguably hosted the greatest men’s rugby world cup upset, when South Africa defeated Japan in 2015, in a stunning grudge match.
The unofficial nickname for the “gay capital of Britain” is also used by Brighton, and this last trait has contributed to the excitement, which is not something the women’s rugby team now despises.
Women’s rugby has long provided a welcoming environment for women’s team sports in Britain, but Alex Teasdale, executive director of the women’s game at the Rugby Football Union, calls it “special place” for the LGBTQ+ community.
“From the perspective of gay people, it just felt very, very accepting.” Women’s rugby has historically challenged gender stereotypes. And I think it’s been very interesting to see how safe this is, for the most part, for the time being,” she said.
Manchester’s Pride weekend and the opening weekend of the World Cup’s opening match in Salford coincided with the city’s Pride weekend, so Brighton will now host long-standing rugby fans and newcomers.
Most westernized cultures have normalized discussions about being gay, which is evident in Rugby World Cup 2025.
On their BBC Sounds podcast “Barely Rugby,” England players Meg Jones and Hannah Botterman have been making jokes, accepting, and challenging stereotypes about the game.
Some players in the England team have always felt most at ease being honest about their relationships. In addition to their frequent sharing of the ups and downs of playing alongside and against one another, props Sarah Bern and Mackenzie Carson are partners. In the past, Falconer Marlie Packer and lock Rosie Galligan have engaged.
Influencers and journalists have been asked to count the number of openly gay players on each team, another emerging social media trend. The majority of the posts have been thoroughly researched and have undergone verification that the subjects are happy to discuss their sexuality.
Kate Zackary, the head of the USA team, and Charli Jacoby, the team’s captain, joked that they wanted a “recount” of their side’s gay players because “we belong on a podium.”
This is a new theme of the tournament, according to Teasdale, who added, “It is really interesting, the changing openness, particularly from the perspective of rugby for gay women.
I don’t believe that would have happened if you had gone back more than ten years, but perhaps even five.
Although the gay community in Britain is largely safe, there is no denying the fact that homosexuality is viewed as inadmissible or illegal in some cultures, religions, and nations.
Teasdale hopes the RFU will continue to be “respectful” about this subject, but also believes that others will look to see how some of this kind of work can be done.
The Brighton and Hove Sea Serpents RFC, a men’s side that claims to be the “South’s first gay-inclusive rugby team,” is based in Brighton.
There are now 41 clubs in the UK listed on the website of the organization, including the London-based Kings Cross Steelers, which were the first to be established under the auspices of International Gay Rugby (IGR).
According to Teasdale, Brighton offers “the iconic” status to the sport, adding, “I think it’s something really, really special about the fabric of this city and the people who live there and the people who visit and feel part.
Former Wales captain Gareth Thomas revealed he was gay after playing in the same league as former Saracens and England Sevens players Sam Stanley, and it has happened to referees Nigel Owens and Craig Maxwell-Keys as well.
The South African nation’s legacy was the subject of a movie and Heyneke Meyer’s apology to the match’s legacy.
Teasdale and Brighton councillors frequently discuss the effects of the game on the city during meetings where they discussed how many Japanese tourists remain in the area ten years later.
According to Teasdale, “They’ve had to add additional kinds of activations and cultural elements” to Brighton’s Japanese and Asian visitors.
This weekend in Brighton, we’ve obviously got a slightly different set of fixtures coming up. However, how amazing would it be if, in 10 years, the council had to install all kinds of installations for visitors from other countries because of women’s rugby.
Due to pro-Palestinian protesters who had marched to the finish line on stage 11 of the Vuelta a Espana, race organizers had to end the competition on Wednesday.
With about 20 kilometers to go, the announcement about the early finish on the stage in Bilbao was made.
The race director on Radio Vuelta stated that “we have decided to take the time three kilometers before the line” due to some events at the finish line.
There won’t be a stage winner, the statement said. We won’t compete at the finish line, but we will give the mountain classification and the intermediate sprint points.
When the performance came to an end, British performers Tom Pidcock and Jonas Vingegaard were in charge.
The UCI “strongly condemns” the “actions that resulted in the reversal of the 11th stage.”
The governing body of world cycling stated in a statement that “major international sporting events embody a spirit of unity and dialogue, transcending differences and divisions.”
In accordance with the Olympic movement’s founding principles, the UCI reiterates its commitment to political neutrality, independence, and autonomy.
On the final climb, Pidcock moved, and Vingegaard was the only rider who could accompany him.
“It’s difficult to honestly describe the disappointment.” Pidcock said, “It seemed like today was my day.”
Vingegaard declared, “I wanted to win for my son because he is one year old today.”
It’s a shame that we worked all day for it, and it’s obvious that we didn’t get the chance.
Riders had met for a safety meeting prior to stage 11, whereas the Professional Cyclists’ Association had demanded better security for a competition where the Israel-Premier Tech team had been targeted.
Protestors waving pro-Palestinian flags and banners held up the Israel-Premier Tech team on stage five.
Italian competitor Simone Petilli also fell on stage 10 as a result of a road-rage incident.
I get that’s not a good situation, but I crashed yesterday due to a road protest,” Petilli wrote on social media.
“We are just cyclists and we are doing our jobs, but if it keeps going like this, we feel in danger,” the cyclists are. We only want to compete.
Following stage 11, Pidcock said, “Putting us in danger won’t help your cause.”
The UCI added that it “always expresses its full support and solidarity with the teams and their staff, as well as the riders who “they said” must be able to exercise their profession and passion in the most conducive to safety and serenity.”
In response to the Hamas-led attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the hostage taking of 251, Israel’s military launched a campaign in Gaza.
Since then, according to the health ministry of the territory, at least 63,633 people have died in Gaza.
Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, blasted Donald Trump’s claim that Russia, China, and North Korea were conspiring against the United States, calling it “sense of humor.” Putin stated at the Chinese Victory Day parade that everyone backed the Alaska summit last month to put an end to the Ukrainian conflict.
Jake Wood has finally made his long-awaited return to EastEnders after four long years.
The actor, 53, who plays Albert Square’s biggest womaniser – Max Branning – has made an epic and unexpected return as viewers finally discovered who it Max behind the mysterious phonecalls being made to Zoe Slater following her recent return and reunion with estranged mum, Kat Slater.
When he left the BBC soap, Jake’s final scenes aired in February 2021, although it was previously announced in September 2020 that he would depart after 15 years on the show. Jake first appeared on Albert Square way back in 2006 when his character Max arrived with wife Tanya and their two daughters Lauren and Abbey.
Now that Jake has finally made his comeback to Walford, we take a look at his personal life behind-the-scenes when the cameras stop rolling.
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Jake’s character Max is known for his lengthy string of complicated relationships, and difficulties keeping to one woman at a time.
However, the actor himself remains positively smitten with his loving wife of over 22 -ears, Alison Wood. The couple met back in 2001, when Jake was just 23, and have been by each other’s side ever since.
In 2017, the happy couple decided to celebrate their enduring love for each other by renewing their wedding vows in a festival-themed ceremony, surrounded by loved ones and, of course, plenty of fellow soap stars.
Opening up about the secret to their successful marriage, Jake told OK! Magazine: “We obviously love each other a lot but also we’ve always wanted the same things. You’ve got to work hard at it and you’ve got to talk. Alison’s taught me that.”
He added: “We always have a date night once a week when we just hang out, catch up and talk. It’s a chance for us to check in with one another to make sure we’re still on track.”
Jake shared a sweet black and white couple’s snap via Instagram, alongside the caption: “Wedding anniversary today, 22 years married to this incredible woman. We’ve had so much fun over the years, plenty more to come. Luckiest man.”
Life in the Branning household was certainly eventful, with poor Max even having to suffer through being buried alive in a coffin by vengeful wife Tanya (Jo Joyner).
Luckily, Jake’s family life away from the ups and downs of Walford appears to be much more harmonious. Jake and Alison live in Hertfordshire with their teenage children Amber and Buster, and their two adorable dogs, Buddy and Chip.
Sharing an Instagram pic of daughter Amber to mark her 18th birthday, the proud dad wrote: “Happy birthday you amazing human being – we are so proud of the kind, caring and effortlessly cool and stylish person that you are – you keep being you Amber we love you.”
Jake regularly shares family updates with his wife and children, and just a couple of weeks ago, the actor posted a series of snaps from their summer of fun which included wholesome family hikes, BBQ’s, and karaoke nights.
While Jake has won many an award for his incredible acting skills, the soap star also has another amazing talent up his sleeve.
In an unexpected turn of events, Jake revealed his incredible artwork and his amazing creative talent after leaving EastEnders.
The actor made his debut in the art world at a gallery soft launch in St Albans in March 2025, displaying his artwork and offering signed prints. His first original piece, titled ‘CHILL WINSTON’, was purchased by actor Ray Winstone.
Jake earned himself an impressive £1m the year after leaving the popular BBC soap.
The Max Branning actor managed to boost his bank balance without appearing on television – with the actor raking it in thanks to stints on the stage and some lucrative audio projects.
Jake quit EastEnders in 2020, explaining at the time that he was excited “to see what new horizons are around the corner.” And after his final scenes aired in early 2021, the popular actor kept himself busy – with his new projects proving to be financially beneficial.
After departing Albert Square, he launched a well-liked podcast, showed off his acting skills in the spine-chilling West End play called 2:22: A Ghost Story, and even bagged roles in Christmas pantomimes.
The company Jake runs with his business partner showed in 2024 that they had cash savings of over £200,000 in 2022. They also paid a hefty Corporation Tax bill of £169,151. This suggests Jake made about £1m that year! But there wasn’t any champagne flowing to celebrate as Jake gave up drinking 22 years ago.
In 2023 Jake shared an update on his sobriety milestone. On New Year’s Day, he said: “I am 20 years sober tonight. So proud of myself and for anyone out there on a similar journey.”
He also sent a supportive message to others going through the same thing, saying: “If you are struggling there is help out there, please reach out and believe me if I did it you can too. Sending you all love and strength and a happy and healthy 2024.”
Back in 2019, Jake opened up about his holiday horror when his wife was almost eaten alive by an alligator.
The EastEnders star was on holiday with his wife Alison and their children Buster and Amber when they came face-to-face with the terrifying creature. The soap star said he was on a boat in the Florida Everglades with his family when Alison decided to jump into the water, only to be confronted by the horrifying beast.
Jake, Buster and Amber were left looking on in horror as the alligator began heading for Alison. They screamed for her to climb back into the boat as their trip almost turned into tragedy.
Opening up about the horrific scare at the time, Jake revealed: “I almost lost my wife to an alligator in Florida.” He said when he first saw the alligator it was 15 feet away from his wife, but that he panicked when he saw it suddenly coming towards her.
“So I’m looking at it and thinking, ‘It’s got to be a log or something. Got to be a log’. All of a sudden it f***ing goes down and I f***ing see an eye. All the kids are screaming, I’m screaming, ‘Get back in the boat’.
“As soon as an alligator goes underwater you don’t know where it is, it was horrible. It was only about 15 feet away.”
Jake said he and his loved ones only realised how lucky they had been when they returned to the shop they’d hired the boat from and shared their story.
A shocked staff member told them he’d never go in the water, describing the alligator they’d encountered as a “maneater”. The terrifying incident took place in 2014, but Jake says it’s something that will always stay with his children.
“Good story,” he added. “Although it did scar the kids for life.” Jake admitted just thinking about the encounter now makes him “squiffy”.
In 2023, Jake reprised his role of Ben in the critically acclaimed supernatural theatre production 2:22 A Ghost Story. He was called in to replace actor Hugo Chegwin who fell ill last minute, leading to casting chaos before its official opening night.
In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, Jake warmly praised co-star Cheryl’s West End debut performance, hailing her the Girls Aloud singer as “fearless”.
He continued: “It’s quite remarkable to see someone who has never acted before come on stage at the West End, she is in the spotlight, with all that pressure. It’s quite amazing how resilient she is, really. And she is giving amazing performances, people are blown away by how good she is.”
Jake was among the original cast members of 2:22 A Ghost Story when it first opened in the summer of 2021, with his performance earning him the What’s On Stage Award for Best Supporting Actor. During an appearance on Loose Women in 2023, Jake remarked that he would be for a return to soap acting but appeared to be more interested in rival show Coronation Street.
No doubt dismaying many EastEnders fans, Jake proceeded to hint: “If they asked me if I would do another soap, then I would – when I was a young actor, I did a lot of northern parts. Yeah, people used to think I was from Manchester when I was younger – I love Corrie, so if they’re listening, give me a call.”
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In contention for Sunday’s Pool C decider is Ireland’s Aoife Wafer and Sam Monaghan, respectively, back row.
As a result of her knee surgery in July, key back row Wafer has missed Ireland’s victories over Japan and Spain.
Irish scrum coach Denis Fogarty criticized Monaghan for being “precautionary” in the victory over Spain.
Fogarty said, “We want to get them on the park if people are fit and ready to play,” but he would not say whether the duo would be chosen against New Zealand.
“Ultimately, we’re going out to actually win the game,” Fogarty said. “That’s been our goal the entire time.
Although I am aware that there will be a quarter-finale [the following week], we are fully focused on this game and making sure we have a performance ready to help us advance to the quarter-final.
In WXV1 in September, Ireland defeated reigning world champions New Zealand.
Whoever wins in Brighton on Sunday will advance to the last eight as Pool winners, with both teams already qualified for the quarter-finals.
Fogarty claimed that as she recovers from injury, Wafer, who won the tournament at this year’s Six Nations, has “continued on her progression.”
After continuing her rehab in Dublin, Wafer returned to the Irish squad following the opening victory over Japan.
He claimed that the 22-year-old had made “full contact” again in a controlled environment and that she would do so again.
The next step will be that. We’re optimistic that everything will go well for her and that she’ll win the weekend,” added Fogarty.
She is “bursting to go,” implying that if the game were available today, she would want to play it. There is a little bit of controlling and restraint against her.
She’ll be prepared, according to the statement, and “we have no doubts that she’ll be bullying everyone out when she plays.”