Tries: Conan, Barrett, Van der Flier, Gunne Cons: Prendergast2, R Byrne Pens: Prendergast 2
Bulls: 7 (0)
Leinster won the United Rugby Championship for the first time since 2021 as they produced a dominant display to beat the Bulls at Croke Park.
Leo Cullen’s side raced ahead through early tries from Jack Conan, the departing Jordie Barrett and Josh van der Flier, while rendering the South African visitors scoreless at half-time with a terrific defensive effort.
Replacement Akker van der Merwe’s try briefly sparked hopes of a comeback from the unusually lacklustre Bulls, but Fintan Gunne crossed late to help the hosts to a resounding win.
Storming start helps end four-year title wait
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Leinster were on the front foot from the off and immediately won a pair of penalties for the scrum collapsing and the Bulls not rolling away.
In typically clinical fashion, they took this early chance as captain Conan peeled off the back of the maul and powered over. Sam Prendergast added the extras and Leinster were 7-0 up in as many minutes.
The Bulls were perhaps fortunate not to go a man down after Harold Vorster made contact with Joe McCarthy’s face on the ground after an off-the-ball scuffle.
However, Leinster did not let that get in their heads as, just a couple of minutes later, they returned Johan Goosen’s free-kick with interest.
Luke McGrath – in for the injured, and late drop-out, Jamison Gibson-Park – chipped off the base of the ruck on halfway and Barrett hacked on before winning the foot race for a superb improvised try on his last appearance in blue.
Jake White’s men were shell-shocked and couldn’t get a foothold at all. The usually composed Willie le Roux’s bewildering chip in his own 22 did not cost his side at the time, but summed up their inefficiencies.
Leinster’s third try arrived soon after though and it was another British and Irish Lion, van der Flier making the most of a powerful maul after McGrath had been taken out off the ball following a powerful Dan Sheehan burst.
Now three scores down, the South Africans had to respond and they did. However, despite two lengthy spells of pressure in the last 10 minutes of the first half, they were rebuffed by a defiant wall of blue.
Bulls falter again at final hurdle
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Leinster built on that morale-boosting defence as Prendergast knocked over a simple three-pointer four minutes after the break to open up a 22-0 lead.
However, the Bulls responded with some fight and were spared the indignation of being shut out as replacement hooker van der Merwe crashed over from close range off a maul and Goosen added the extras.
Despite this setback, Leinster never lost composure and neither did Prendergast as, after missing a relatively simple penalty, he knocked over another just moments later, nudging Leinster further ahead at 25-7.
As the sun finally began to shine on an-otherwise wet and muggy day in Dublin, replacement scrum-half Gunne – only drafted into the squad on Saturday morning – hit a perfect wraparound run to find a gap in the tiring Bulls defence and score a lovely try.
It was converted by Ross Byrne who got a big round of applause on his final appearance for his province.
As the clock ticked down, Bulls captain Ruan Nortje spilled the ball with space ahead of him and promptly came up lame with cramp to sum up his side’s disappointing day.
Line-ups
Leinster: J O’Brien; T O’Brien, Ringrose, Barrett, Lowe; Prendergast, McGrath; Porter, Sheehan, Clarkson, McCarthy, Ryan, Baird, Van der Flier, Conan (captain)
Replacements: Kelleher, Boyle, Slimani, Snyman, Deegan, Gunne, R Byrne, Osborne.
Bulls: Le Roux; Moodie, Kriel, Vorster, De Klerk; Goosen, Papier; Wessels, Grobbelaar, Louw, Wiese, Van Heerden, Van Staden, Nortje (captain), Coetzee.
World leaders and senior officials have called on both Israel and Iran to walk back from the brink of all-out war as the bitter enemies traded intense attacks for a second day.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Saturday that Israel’s strikes on Iranian infrastructure had set its nuclear programme back years, without providing evidence, but rejected global calls for restraint.
“We will hit every site and every target of the Ayatollahs’ regime, and what they have felt so far is nothing compared with what they will be handed in the coming days,” he said in a video message.
During its surprise attack on Friday, the Israeli army targeted more than 200 military and nuclear sites, killing top Iranian army commanders, scientists and other senior officials.
Iran strong retaliation penetrated Israel’s lauded missile defence on Friday night and overnight into Saturday, with air raid sirens sounding across Israel. At least four people were killed, with the Israeli military saying Iran had fired about 200 ballistic missiles in four waves.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned on Saturday of a “more severe and powerful response” if Israel continued to strike.
In light of the escalation, world leaders have spoken to Iranian and Israeli top officials, fearing a possible regional war.
Here is what some countries have said:
Turkiye
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the Iranian president that Israel was looking to “drag the whole region into the fire,” according to a statement from the Turkish presidency. Erdogan also told Pezeshkian that Israel’s attacks aimed to divert attention from the genocide in Gaza.
Erdogan told Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Israel needed “to be stopped”, calling it “the main threat to stability and security in the region”. The issue of Iran’s nuclear programme “can only be resolved through negotiations”, he added. The Turkish leader also spoke with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
Russia/US
President Vladimir Putin spoke to United States President Donald Trump and condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran. Top Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters that Putin “expressed serious concern about a possible escalation of the conflict, which would have unpredictable consequences for the entire situation in the Middle East”.
According to Ushakov, Trump described the current events in the Middle East as “very alarming”.
The two leaders did not rule out a return to the negotiating meetings on Iran’s nuclear programme, Ushakov said.
China
Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke to his Iranian and Israeli counterparts and made clear Beijing’s support for Tehran.
Wang told Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that Beijing “supports Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty, defending its legitimate rights and interests, and ensuring the safety of its people”, according to a statement by the foreign ministry.
Wang told Araghchi that Israel’s actions “seriously violate … the basic norms governing international relations”, adding attacks on nuclear facilities “have set a dangerous precedent with potentially catastrophic consequences”.
During his conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Wang expressed that its attack on Iran was “unacceptable”.
“Diplomatic means for the Iranian nuclear issue have not been exhausted, and there is still hope for a peaceful solution. Force cannot bring lasting peace,” Wang said, adding that Beijing was willing to play a role in de-escalating the conflict.
Qatar
Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also spoke with Pezeshkian and reiterated Qatar’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli attack targeting the territory of Iran, considering it a “blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, and a clear breach of the rules and principles of international law”.
The Qatari leader also called for a diplomatic solution to reach a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region.
A woman sits inside her damaged house at an impact site following the Israeli strikes on Iran, in Tehran, June 14, 2025 [Majid Asgaripour/Wana (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters ]
United Kingdom
The British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Saturday that the UK is moving military assets, including fighter jets, to the Middle East for contingency support across the region.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he was “alarmed” by the overnight strikes “with reports of fatalities and injuries in Israel”. “We must urgently de-escalate & prevent any further harm to civilians,” Lammy said on X, adding that he had spoken to his Iranian counterpart “to urge calm”.
Germany
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul spoke to his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and warned that the risk of “further escalation is real.” “Iran’s nuclear program threatens not only Israel, but also Saudi Arabia and the broader stability of the region. The countries here share a clear goal: to prevent nuclear proliferation. Germany is firmly committed to de-escalation,” he wrote on X.
France
President Emmanuel Macron said he spoke to his Iranian counterpart and called for French “diplomatic facilities and nationals in Iran and the wider region not to be targeted under any circumstances”. “I also urged the utmost restraint to avoid escalation. Iran’s nuclear program is a serious concern and must be resolved through negotiation,” Macron wrote on X.
“I therefore invited President [Masoud] Pezeshkian to return swiftly to the negotiating table to reach an agreement — the only viable path to de-escalation … We stand ready to contribute and to mobilise all our efforts to achieve that goal,” he added.
Vatican
Pope Leo XIV called on Israel and Iran to show responsibility and reason.
“The situation in Iran and Israel has seriously deteriorated at such a delicate moment. I wish to forcefully renew an appeal for responsibility and reason,” the pope said in a statement. “The commitment to build a safer world free from the nuclear threat must be pursued through a respectful meeting and sincere dialogue,” he said.
Dance Moms star JoJo Siwa has set the record straight on her sexuality after being hit with a brutal dig by Miley Cyrus as her romance with Chris Hughes heats up
JoJo Siwa has addressed rumours about her sexuality (Image: GC Images)
JoJo Siwa has addressed speculation about her sexuality after Miley Cyrus’ comments about her romance with Chris Hughes. The Dance Moms star, 22, decided to speak out after Miley made a snarky joke at her relationship.
Singer Miley appeared in a clip to mark World Pride as she spoke from inside a closet and 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.”
However, her positive message took a turn as she quipped: “I’m going back inside to get more pretzels and find JoJo Siwa and bring her back out.” JoJo was far from impressed by the remark and fired back that it wasn’t “what the world, or myself needs to hear any day of the week”.
JoJo is now in a relationship with Chris(Image: Chris Hughes Instagram)
The Karma hitmaker told her fans she was part of the LGTBQ+ community back in 2021. She initially identified as pansexual before revealing she was a lesbian.
However, in the Celebrity Big Brother house, where she met now-boyfriend Chris, JoJo expressed she thought she is now queer. In an update, JoJo has decided to share that she identifies as queer.
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She told E! News: “I think the most beautiful term now is queer. I think queer is an umbrella of, ‘Look, I’m just me’. And I think the most beautiful thing about the LGBTQIA community is love. And that goes both ways.”
JoJo added: “There’s loads of beautiful, different sexualities. Sexuality and queerness is a lovely rainbow that has all different places, and it also has places on this rainbow that we don’t even know exist yet.”
The dancer took time to speak about her romance with Chris and how it plays a role with her sexuality. She admitted she has “never second guessed” how she feels for Chris and insisted “you really help who you fall in love with.”
JoJo explained: “Therefore, I’ve never second guessed my happiness, I’ve never second guessed what I’m feeling. And I think that’s the most beautiful thing. When I think about him, I’m full of pure joy. When I speak about him, I’m full of pure joy.”
Miley made a dig about JoJo’s sexuality (Image: itsjojosiwa/instagram)
She has been spending time with Chris at his home in the Cotswolds as they continue to get to know each other romantically. Speaking to Capital Breakfast presenter Jordan North earlier this week how tight their bond has become, JoJo compared their bond to a house.
She said: “As hectic as life is, and as much as that noise goes on, I feel like Christopher and I discovered this beautiful house together. And this house is earthquake proof, and it’s fireproof, and bulletproof. We discovered this house and found the keys, and we took the keys and locked ourselves in. I feel like that with myself, I feel like that with him.”
Following Miley’s dig at her sexuality, JoJo took to Instagram to share a lengthy post about her admiration for the pop star, 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.
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.
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She added: “I messaged Miley light heartedly about it and she replied and said “All love. Always.” 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.”
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TV personality Gemma Collins revealed she would love to become a Dame in a video shared online. It comes as David Beckham was knighted in the King’s Birthday Honours List
Gemma Collins reveals desire to become a Dame as David Beckham earns knighthood(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Reality star icon Gemma Collins revealed her wish to become a Dame as she joked the title had “a ring to it”. The TV personality’s wish comes as David Beckham became a Sir, and his wife Victoria a Lady, when he was announced as part of the King’s Birthday Honours List this weekend.
Gemma is mostly known as being a reality TV icon who provided fans with unforgettable moments on TV. However, she has now set her sights on bigger and better things as she talked about becoming a Dame while getting her makeup done on the set of the Paddy Power Ascot Ladies’ Day advert from last month.
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Gemma would love to be a Dame(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
“I ain’t being funny, but Dame Gemma has got a ring to it,” she said in a clip shared online. “And this year at Ascot I’m going to find King Charles because it’s what his mother would have wanted.”
Meanwhile, football star Sir David’s knighthood was finally confirmed last night as the King’s Birthday Honours list was released.
It comes after the news was leaked a week before the official announcement made – a move which could have jeopardised the 50 year old’s much longed for title, the Mirror exclusively revealed last week.
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It comes as David Beckham was knighted(Image: @victoriabeckham/Instagram)
Luckily for Sir David, the leak hasn’t prevented him from getting the title he has wished for for a number of years as the news was confirmed in the King’s Birthday Honours List, which was released last night.
Sir Beckham is receiving the knighthood for his services to sport and charity, it has been announced.
After the news of his knighthood was released, his wife Victoria took to her Instagram page to pay tribute to the football icon with a sweet photo of her planting a sweet kiss on his cheek.
In the caption, she penned: “You’ve always been my knight in shining armour, but now it’s official. Sir @davidbeckham!!!
“What an honour, I couldn’t be prouder of you. Your dedication to the things that matter most — your country, your work, your passion, and most of all, your family — has never wavered.
“The way you’ve touched so many lives over the years with kindness and humility speaks volumes about the man you are and continues to inspire us everyday. But above all else, I’m so, so proud to call you mine.I love you so much xxxx”.
His sons Cruz and Romeo also shared their pride in their own posts, with Romeo writing: “So so proud of you,” and Cruz adding: “I’m so proud of you dad I love you. Sir David Beckham has a nice ring to it.”
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Love Island husband and wife couple Camilla Thurlow and Jamie Jewitt are caring for their children after their household fell to the common infection of chickenpox
Camilla Thurlow has shared an update on the health of her children(Image: @camillathurlow/Instagram)
Camilla Thurlow has given an update on the health of her children after members of her household were struck down by chickenpox. The 35-year-old former Love Island contestant is a proud mother-of-three and has been married to model Jamie Jewitt since 2011.
Camilla and Jamie, 35, are parents to daughters Nell, four, and Nora, three, and young son Brodie, one, who arrived in May last year. But this weekend, Camilla has revealed her children are fighting chickenpox.
The highly contagious condition is common in children – but can be caught be adults too. Symptoms involve the appearance of itchy spots which can form anywhere on the body and in the mouth.
The condition clears after one to two weeks with the body then forming resistance to the disease. Symptoms can be soother with cooling creams, antihistamines and paracetamol – and it seems Camilla has been trying to help one of her children that has been worst affected.
Taking to Instagram Stories on Friday, Camilla shared a photo of a pot of home made soup. She wrote alongside the image: “Always some kind of chicken soup when the kids are ill (partly because Nora finds it so hard to eat when she’s ill so I strain some broth to go in a bottle to try and get something in).”
Camilla posed alongside her daughter who is covered in the itchy rash(Image: Instagram )
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She gave another update on Saturday, sharing a snap of herself with her daughter, Nora, who is covered in chickenpox blisters. She wrote: “Poor love is having such a tough time with chicken pox. She did drink some soup, thankfully.”
She continued: “It’s difficult when she’s ill because she always seems to get things the worst.
“And it’s so hard for her that she can’t tell us how she feels, and that we can’t explain to her that the medicine will make her feel better, so every dose is just a horrible and upsetting experience for her.”
The reality star added: “Nell fortunately so far has been v minimal.” Camilla has previously explained that Nora is autistic and has been slower to learn language and walking.
Marking her 3rd birthday last month, Camilla shared an string of photos of herself and Jamie posing alongside their daughter. She wrote at the time: “On the eve of Nora’s 3rd birthday, there is so much to say, and here she is doing it on her own terms.”
She continued: “While she may not speak I hope you can hear exactly what she is saying here. That you understand her the way we do, through those eyes that tell every part of the story of the gentlest soul and the strongest heart.”
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She continued: “Thank you for meeting her here with understanding, encouragement and most of all, joy. For her love, our love, needs no words at all – it just needs us.”
Proud dad Jamie also paid tribute to their daughter. The Love Island star wrote: “Happy birthday little explore.”
