Archive August 5, 2025

Wallabies scrap rule limiting foreign-based players

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The infamous “Giteau’s Law,” which limited how many players could previous Wallabies coaches select from abroad, has been eliminated, according to Australian rugby bosses.

Among those who may stand out are La Rochelle’s Will Skelton, Taniela Tupou, Tom Hooper, and Langi Gleeson, who will play for Racing 92, Exeter, and Montpellier, respectively, next season.

However, Australia claim that if players are of “equal calibre” to an option outside their borders, head coach Joe Schmidt will favor them in one of their four Super Rugby franchises.

“But we’ve also made a choice to invest in our top competition in Australia because we should choose our domestic players if the players are of equal calibre.”

The Wallabies have struggled for depth and consistency in recent years, falling to sixth in the world rankings as a result of competing for domestic talent with Aussie Rules and rugby league clubs.

At the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, the two-time world champions were eliminated from the pool.

Before 2015, overseas players who played for the Wallabies were largely prohibited in Australia.

However, “Giteau’s Law” was introduced to allow a certain number of overseas players who had served time in Super Rugby and the national team to still be chosen after the likes of playmaker Matt Giteau, wing Drew Mitchell, and prop Sekope Kepu were lured abroad by large contracts.

Players with a commitment to return to Australian rugby have been exempt from the overseas quota, which has been further relaxed in recent years.

Such moves are made by centre Len Ikitau and prop Angus Bell for the upcoming season-long sabbaticals at Exeter and Ulster.

Porecki declares his rugby career finished.

David Porecki playing for London IrishImages courtesy of Getty

Just before the three-test series between the British and Irish Lions came to an end, the wallabies hooker David Porecki has left the game.

The 32-year-old started Australia’s second Test defeat in Melbourne by going 29-26, but suffered concussion and a cut heel, respectively, in the third and first meetings.

Between 2015 and 2020, Porecki played for the Saracens and the London Irish before moving back to Australia to play for the Waratahs. He spent five seasons in England.

After being injured by first-choice skipper Skelton, he won the first of his 21 caps for Australia in 2022 and led the team to three matches of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

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Jimmy Carr’s staggering earnings revealed after TV deals and huge comedy tour

After a successful year producing the Amazon Prime Video series Last One Laughing and his stand-up comedy tour, comedian Jimmy Carr’s staggering earnings have been revealed.

Jimmy Carr’s staggering earnings have been revealed.

Jimmy Carr’s whopping earnings have been revealed after the comedian had signed on to a long list of TV deals and embarked on a huge tour, as The presenter of 8 Out of 10 Cats has made almost £5 million in sales..

The 52-year-old had hosted shows including Battle In The Box and Last One Laughing with his stand-up comedy tour continuing for the rest of the year and he is also set to take the show to Australia.

Companies House have revealed that R &amp, I Futures Ltd, his company, made £4.8 million in September 2024 as a result of his high success over the past few years. Jimmy founded the business two years ago, and according to accounts, the business is making close to £100,000 per week.

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The presenter of 8 Out of 10 Cats has made almost £5 million in sales.
The presenter of 8 Out of 10 Cats has made almost £5 million in sales.

The Amazon Prime Video series Last One Laughing saw 10 comedians try to make each other laugh while trying to keep a straight face. The show, which featured Daisy May Cooper, Joe Lycett and Richard Ayoade, had gained huge praise from fans, with many fans labelling it ‘the funniest show ever’.

Fans were thrilled to learn that a new series of the show had been confirmed after six episodes of the hilarious show. Jimmy announced the news by saying, “I’m absolutely thrilled that Last One Laughing will be returning for a second series.”

He continued, “I’m so pleased that people enjoyed watching the first season as much as we did making it.” Can’t wait to witness the coming togetherness of the next ten comedy legends.

Jimmy will launch his Jimmy Car: Laughs Funny Tour there in February while also getting ready to travel to the country's southern states.
Jimmy will launch his Jimmy Car: Laughs Funny Tour there in February while also getting ready to travel to the country’s southern states.

Jimmy will launch his Jimmy Car: Laughs Funny Tour there in February while also getting ready to travel to the country’s southern states. and will be performing a whopping 21 dates.

It follows Jimmy’s reaction to a fan’s heartfelt message at one of his performances after which he was spotted getting emotional. A fan thanked Jimmy for saving his life at the time when he was suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts during his performance at his gig.

After receiving a heartfelt message from a fan, Jimmy was seen crying.
After receiving a heartfelt message from a fan, Jimmy was seen crying.

Jimmy read the tear-jerking message aloud, which read: “In 2020 I tried to take my own life and didn’t see a way out of my depression. Your shows on Netflix and clips on social media gave me something to laugh about when all I saw was darkness.

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“I’ve been out of the hospital for two years, and I finally have the opportunity to see you live with my wonderful partner, Hannah. Jimmy, I appreciate you being the “light in the dark.”

As someone in the crowd yelled “gay,” which caused Jimmy and the audience to laugh as he thanked the sender, Jimmy held back tears as he thanked him.

Helen Flanagan reveals secrets behind ‘confidence’ after cosmetic surgery

EXCLUSIVE: Helen Flanagan admits that she’s never felt more confident after applying cosmetic enhancements.

Helen has opened up about her breast enhancement and how it has made her feel more comfortable(Image: hjgflanagan / Instagram)

Helen Flanagan admits she feels more confident after having her breasts surgically enhanced. The former Coronation Street actress is no stranger when it comes to showcasing her gym-honed physique on social media and posing in lingerie and swimsuits, but after having three children, Helen admits that her body has changed.

The 34-year-old who celebrated her birthday this week has spoken out freely about her body in recent years, but she decided to put her life on hold after feeling like a “shadow of her former self.”

However, a breast enhancement isn’t the only surgery Helen has undergone in the past; it was previously claimed that the actress who found fame playing Rosie Webster on the ITV soap opera had undergone a nose job due to relentless trolling while she was in school. It comes after Helen opened up about the real reason she was selling her £1million home after claims she was broke.

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Helen Flanagan admits she's more confident than ever
Helen Flanagan admits she’s more confident than ever (Image: pallmallmedical.co.uk)

“After pregnancy and breastfeeding for three years, my boobs changed so much,” Helen said about her boob job and transformation. She went on to add: “I think it’s because I was quite big and bust before, it meant that they just sagged, I can’t think of a better way to say it. This change affected my confidence, and I knew I wanted to do something about it.”

Helen turned to Mr Ussain, a Consultant Breast Oncoplastic and Aesthetic Surgeon at Pall Mall Cosmetic’s clinic in Manchester, and had a free consultation to discuss her options. She’s one of a long list of famous faces, including Kerry Katona and Real Housewives of Cheshire star, Tanya Bardsley, who have turned to Pall Mall for their expertise.

The actress said her breasts 'sagged' after having three children
The actress said her breasts ‘sagged’ after having three children(Image: hjgflanagan/Instagram)

She continued, “I’d heard amazing things from a lot of other mum friends who worked at Pall Mall Cosmetics.” I chose Mr. Hussain because he is such a lovely man.

Because I was so nervous, I spent a lot of consultations with various providers, but ultimately I settled with Mr. Hussain and the team. “To give more volume and a more natural shape, Helen underwent breast augmentation in January of 2023 using 340cc Motiva implants with dual plane placement, which went under and over the breast muscle.

Helen visited Pall Mall Cosmetics in Manchester for her surgery
Helen visited Pall Mall Cosmetics in Manchester for her surgery(Image: pallmallmedical.co.uk)

She said, “I love my results, I couldn’t be happier with them.” I’m all for having confidence in myself, supporting other women, and supporting them in their choices.

Helen’s recovery from surgery was also swift. Before I knew it, she said, “I was back on my feet.” I believe it is because I chose to go with 50/50 over the muscle. I wanted esoteric outcomes, and I just got them to be cheer again.

The actress opted for a more natural look after her breast enhancement
The actress opted for a more natural look after her breast enhancement(Image: Instagram/hjgflanagan)

However, the actress isn’t paying any attention to those who disagree with her decision, even though some people do so over cosmetic adjustments and adjustments. I’m all for having body confidence and supporting other women in their choices, she said.

It comes after Helen opened up about life as a single mum following her split from Robbie Talbot, and how she and her ex, Scott Sinclair, are co-parenting their children. “I’m concentrating on the kids, work, moving house and being with my friends,” she told the Mirror.

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She said, “We can actually be in the same room together, despite our differences,” while reflecting on her life while raising children. I’ve been dating him since I was 19 and we have always fallen in love, but that doesn’t mean we want to be together. Although Scott occasionally makes me absolutely mad, I don’t feel bad about him.

England wait to learn extent of Woakes’ injury

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Following Chris Woakes’ heroics in the classic fifth Test against India, England will later this week learn the extent of his shoulder injury.

Woakes appeared to be playing baseball with his left arm in a sling on the final day despite having a suspected dislocation on the opening day of The Oval.

England needed 17 runs to win, but the 36-year-old ran between the wickets four times, supporting Gus Atkinson. In one of history’s most dramatic finishes, England were ultimately defeated by six runs.

On Wednesday, Woakes will have scans and a second evaluation.

England head coach Brendon McCullum said, “We hope the injury is not too bad, but we will have to work that out over the next week or so.”

Woakes, the only England bowler to have appeared in all five of the series’ five Tests, was hurt on Thursday night when he attempted a stop on the boundary.

England stated on Friday morning that “he will not be able to play the Test because of the injury.”

However, McCullum revealed that Woakes had offered to bat at the conclusion of England’s first innings on Friday.

In the first innings, Watsonsy addressed me and said, “Do you want me to bat?” “,” said McCullum, a native of New Zealand.

He was in excruciating pain within 24 hours of the incident occurring.

Woakes was spotted wearing his whites as England drew near the top target of 374 in their second innings on Sunday. To figure out how to bat, he had throw-downs.

Woakes emerged from the dressing room, his injured arm covered in an England sweater. Before Mohammed Siraj bowled Atkinson, the Test was over and India received a 2-2 series draw after Atkinson shielded him from the strike for 16 minutes in the middle.

Although Woakes did not face a delivery, it is believed he was planning to stand in left. His healthy right arm would now be in charge of the ball with the help of this, and the ball would have been as far away as possible from his injured left shoulder.

McCullum responded, “It’s what you want from our players.” This game is challenging both mentally and physically, and it places us in some difficult situations. We occasionally experience injuries. These men are desperate to show that they still want to go out and do your best for their country.

“Woakesy did that with great bravery,” I thought. Running between the wickets, you could see how much pain he was experiencing. I believed there might be a fairytale in which he was on strike and succeeded in finding a way to win. However, it was not meant to be.

Woakes’ injury leaves him a major doubt for the Ashes tour of Australia, which will begin in November, and he won’t play in the upcoming Tuesday-opening game of The Hundred.

Ben Stokes, England’s captain, had already been injured in his own shoulder and needed time to recover from the fifth Test.

The talismanic skipper, according to McCullum, will be “fine” for the Ashes. Stokes withdrew from The Hundred earlier this year, and he will instead pursue coaching and mentoring work for his Northern Superchargers team.

Woakes’ injury came at the conclusion of a series in which several players were injured.

In the third Test at Lord’s, England’s Shoaib Bashir batted with a broken finger, and Rishabh Pant, an Indian wicketkeeper, batted with a broken foot in the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

Stokes was unwavering in his opposition to the idea, despite the controversy over whether injury replacements should be introduced.

“I don’t see it being anything,” Stokes said. I could have said to myself, “I’ll give it a go, hopefully I’ll come through, but if not, I know someone will step in and take my place. “

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Amanda Holden’s lookalike daughter poses topless in new modelling snaps

After making her catwalk debut last year, Amanda Holden’s 19-year-old daughter took to social media to share her most recent modeling work.

Amanda Holden and her daughter Lexi(Image: @noholdenback/Instagram)

Amanda Holden’s daughter has shared a racy new photoshoot as she poses topless. Nineteen-year-old Lexi Hughes, who Amanda shares with husband Chris Hughes, struck a number of fierce poses for the revealing shoot.

Lexi, the model, donned a full make-up look while showing off her wet hairstyle. She is seen gazing over her shoulder in one image as her arms drape her around her chest.

Another wet-look style snap saw her crouched down while pale blue jeans and a white vest top. She paired the casual look with a pair of white pointed high heels. The images were shared to Lexi’s Instagram page, where she simply captioned them: “Wet look,” with an emoji of eyes looking.

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Among those who clicked the like button on the post was her presenter mother. Despite the limited number of comments, the audience was eager to express their gratitude.

One user emailed me, “Stunning,” and the emoji read “Love Heart Eyes.” While others shared the flame emoji in the comments section, another said, “This is incredible,” another said, “This is incredible.”

Ashley Roberts, who was one of the uploaders, was one of the people who approved of the photo shoot who had posted it a day earlier, calling it “Just a little shoot.”

Lexi regularly posts to her Instagram grid, which is not the first time she has showcased her modeling skills online. And her famous mother admitted last year that she was concerned that her daughter might follow her in the business world.

While the Britain’s Got Talent judge revealed she is over the moon after her teenage daughter has decided to follow in her footsteps into the industry, she also shared her caution.

With husband Chris, Amanda, 53, has two daughters named Lexi and Hollie, 12 . The Heart Breakfast radio presenter frequently shares images of her family life on social media, and Lexi, one of her lookalike daughters, has appeared in public eye makeup before her debut role.

Amanda Holden and her daughter Lexi
Amanda Holden and her daughter Lexi(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Amanda reported that the pair had been “super nervous” prior to the performance as she took to her first catwalk while also inaugurating the show at London Fashion Week last year. She had no doubts about her ability to succeed in anything she encountered.

Lexi said after the performance, “I was so nervous but really enjoyed the experience. Backstage, the other models were very kind to me, which was a lot of fun.

The brand and designers have a visionary bent, with 90% of the raw materials they use being environmentally friendly, and the show was so beautiful.

“I’m extremely pleased that they chose to support LFW with their design.” Everyone looked after me, and it’s unbelievable that I’ll start university tomorrow!”

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Terry Reid dead: Musician who turned down Led Zeppelin dies aged 75

Terry Reid, a musician, lost his battle with cancer. Due to his cancer treatment, the hitmaker, who was affectionately known as Super Lungs for his voice, had to reschedule a tour last month.

A statement from the beginning of July read, “Terry has had to postpone his autumn 2025 UK, Irish, and Norway due to medical issues arising from recent treatment for cancer.” Due to the success of his 2024 tour and his eager anticipation for his first ever dates in Norway, Terry is especially upset about this.

We wish Terry a quick recovery and will provide information on rescheduled 2026 dates in due course. Joe Bonamassa, the late star’s executor, has led the tributes. He passed away at the age of 75. Goodbye my friend, Bonamassa said in a moving social media statement. I had the pleasure of getting to know you as a friend and musical mentor. I’m going to miss Palm Springs’ hangs and stories. One of the best people and souls to have ever done it. Terry Reid, rest in peace. On this terrible day, I send my sincere condolences to his family.

Fans from all over the world have flooded in since the news of Terry’s passing. One person remarked, “F**k, Terry was awesome.. I’m happy that you will carry on his amazing guitar, dammit, that’s so sad to hear. He leaves a remarkable legacy, he continued to write, “A sad day. A wonderful tribute to Joe.

I extend my condolences to Terry’s family. A third person predicted that Terry will always have the guitar as a connection. A fourth heartbroken fan responded, “My heart goes out to you, his family, and a lifetime of fans.”

Terry, who was born in Cambridge, rose to the top of the class with offers to play in Led Zeppelin and Rod Evans’ Deep Purple songs, who had previously been offered to play in the iconic band.

He was also known for his influence in the mid-1960s, when he joined Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers in promoting the Rolling Stones during their 1966 tour. Jimmy Page, a member of Zepplin, almost recruited him at this time.

Terry said in 2023, “I was very friendly with Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones.” Keith asked me to play The Stones in the United States, but Jimmy later asked me to join his new band. I ripped off.

I ultimately put the ball in Jimmy’s court. You’d better get in touch with Keith and let him know I’m not leaving. However, Jimmy bottled it up. He claimed that Keith had a reputation and that he was not having him shoot me in the leg. I ended up traveling to America with the Stones. At Altamont, I even had a game with them.

He said, “I’m not sure what frame I was in when I was asked to join Deep Purple,” referring to the decision to do so. Ritchie was doing it at first, in my opinion, when. Or perhaps after that. Or perhaps somewhere between. California is vague, and I went there earlier.

“But Blackmore was a brilliant guitarist, wasn’t he? ” In Lord Sutch’s Savages, I spotted him. Sutch used an axe to fend off him as he walked around the stage. However, Ritchie didn’t ever miss a note, which is not easy. not when you are about to be beheaded. Being a member of that band, Blackmore did a terrible job.

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