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March 29, 2025

Rampant nine-try Gloucester dismantle Bristol

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Sophie Hurcom at Kingsholm

BBC Sport England

2 hours ago

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Gallagher Premiership

Gloucester (34) 53

class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″>Tries: Wade 3, Hathaway, Harris, S. Atkinson 3, Barton class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> Cons: Carreras, C. Atkinson, Williams 2

Bristol (21) 28

Gloucester scored nine tries in a show-stopping display as they beat neighbours Bristol 53-28 to move back up to third in the Premiership table.

Christian Wade and Seb Atkinson both scored hat-tricks for the Cherry and Whites as they completed a double over the Bears for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign.

The first half alone saw nine tries scored and 55 points shared, as Gloucester raced to an unopposed try-scoring bonus point in 17 minutes.

The home side scored another three unanswered tries after the break before James Williams managed a fourth for Bristol to ensure they left the sold-out Kingsholm with at least a point of their own.

If high-scoring entertainment is what the Premiership wants this season, fans were treated to another rip-roaring spectacle as Gloucester produced one of their most blistering displays in attack to delight the home crowd.

The debate about whether that quest to glitter in attack is coming at a detriment to defence will continue but the hosts were eye-catching almost every time they ran with the ball.

A week ago at Ashton Gate, Bristol achieved the second-fastest bonus-point score in Premiership history in just 16 minutes when they beat Exeter, and Gloucester seemingly started their own stopwatch and almost bettered it, with four rapid opening tries of their own helped by some poor Bears defending and errors.

A Bristol penalty deep in Gloucester’s 22 immediately gave the hosts an opening, and Carreras chipped the ball through to a racing Wade to dab down in the corner on three minutes.

Four minutes later they had a second as Harry Bryne’s ball went loose and Carreras pounced, scooping it up before cleverly sending a one-handed pass around the back to feed Hathaway.

Harris added their third, as another Bristol penalty gifted Gloucester a kick to touch for a line-out. Charlie Atkinson broke easily through a tackle and with Harris inside he scored next to the posts.

Nothing was going Bristol’s way as Byrne’s kick to restart into the swirling wind went straight out and from a Cherry and Whites scrum on halfway, the ball was passed out wide to Hathaway who raced downfield.

Tomos Williams faces two Bristol players with the ball

Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said during the week that he thought the match-up between two of the most potent sides in the league could be “one of the best” and at times both defences could barely keep up.

Bristol got themselves on the board as Benhard Janse Van Rensburg bouldered through and Harry Randall picked the ball quickly, to find Fitz Harding to dive under the posts.

Rich Lane then came within a whisker of the line before Williams scored Bristol’s second to close the gap to 24-14.

Yet Gloucester were soon back at the other end as Hathaway darted between two tacklers and found Atkinson in space to slide over.

The tries continued to trade back and forth as Max Lahiff powered over for Bristol’s third from close range.

But Gloucester were not done and with the clock in red on 42 minutes they created space for Wade to dive over for a sixth in the corner.

Gloucester’s intensity did not relent as the second half began and Wales scrum-half Williams caught Bristol’s line unawares, throwing a long ball from a penalty to Atkinson who bundled over for his hat-trick.

Wade then chased his own kick past two Bristol players to tap down his own third try, and Barton then got in on the act after coming on as a replacement with Gloucester’s ninth.

‘ After the break was as good as we’ve been ‘ – reaction

Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington told BBC Sport:

“I do think we were brilliant in defence, I know we conceded four tries but our defence was brilliant. Set-piece was very clinical.

” Attack-wise, we’ve scored a lot of tries this year but there has been times we’ve scored four and then the game has sort of gone along, we’ve not deliberately been conservative but I think scoring those three tries straight after the break was as good as we have been.

“I think Lightsy]James Lightfoot-Brown, attack coach] is really paying off there and the boys are really enjoying it. It is hard work, Lightsy’s very on his detail – it’s not lucky. It’s just rewards to James and to all the boys”.

Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam told BBC Sport:

“Well done to Gloucester, they were superb tonight, definitely their night and great to see so many young Gloucester kids and supporters enjoyed the game.

” I think we worked our way back 29-21 just before half-time and then we conceded again.

“At half-time we talked about how we have got to start fast and we turned the ball over from the kick-off and got a chance to get into it, and if we scored there we’re back in the game but we turned the ball over and Gloucester scored.

Gloucester: Carreras, Wade, Harris, S. Atkinson, Hathaway, C. Atkinson, Williams, Rapava-Ruskin, Singleton, Fasogbon, Clarke, Thomas, Clement, Ludlow (c), Ackermann.

Replacements: Blake, Knight, Gotovtsev, Jordan, Taylor, Englefield, Butler, Barton.

Bristol: Lane, Bates, Janse van Rensburg, Williams, Ravouvou, Byrne, Randall, Genge, Oghre, Lahiff, Dun, Pearce, Luatua, Harding (c), Mata.

Replacements: Thacker, Woolmore, Halliwell, B. Grondona, Heenan, Marmion, MacGinty, Naulago.

&nbsp, A taste of generosity from home

As the adhan echoes from a nearby mosque, signalling the end of the fast, Ibrahim begins welcoming diners.

Among them is Zeynab Mohammed, a Syrian mother of four who arrived in Ethiopia last year after fleeing Khartoum amid Sudan’s continuing civil war. Since settling in Addis Ababa, she has tried to make a living selling homemade perfume on the streets.

Closing her eyes briefly in prayer, she digs into a fragrant chicken shawarma wrap with fries.

Rows of Ethipian men praying, with a smiling little boy in the front row — About 30 percent of Ethiopians are Muslim. Here, thousands gather for the end of Ramadan last year in Addis Ababa’s Meskel Square]Tiksa Negeri/Al Jazeera]

“Life here isn’t easy”, Zeynab says quietly. “But moments like this remind me of home. The generosity, the shared meals – it’s something we carried with us from Syria, and it’s still alive here”.

Sitting next to her is Salem Berhanu, an Ethiopian friend and familiar face in the neighbourhood. Berhanu often joins newcomers at local eateries, occasionally paying for their food when he can. He is well-known among local children who gather around him, chatting in Amharic.

Berhanu says he enjoys seeing Syrians in Ethiopia. “It’s beautiful, especially during Ramadan, because it gives us a chance to meet new people and have meaningful conversations”, he says.

While many Syrians say they’ve felt welcome in Ethiopia, the challenges remain immense.

At a nearby table, another Syrian refugee, Aisha Abdul, recalls her early years in the country. She arrived in Addis Ababa after a perilous bus journey from Sudan, during which she hid from fighters who sometimes attacked convoys.

Three years ago, she and other worshippers at a local mosque in Bole Michael were invited to an iftar hosted by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed – a moment that, for her, felt like a lifeline after years of displacement.

Now, she sells scented charcoal alongside other Syrian refugees, often at traffic stops and crowded gathering spots.

residential building with a restaurant on the ground floor, with cars parked in front and an inflatable dancer streetside — The mustachioed air dancer tells passers-by that Syrian delicacies can be found in this small, unassuming spot]Sawra Tafari/Al Jazeera]

On an average day, she says, she makes about $5, though on good days, she earns more with the help of her children.

“Ethiopia is a very welcoming country, and the people are wonderful. But it can also feel like a dead end”, she says. “There’s no assistance, and finding a job is difficult, so many of us end up doing humiliating work just to survive”.

&nbsp, Gratitude in a new land

In Bethel, a calmer, more affluent neighbourhood on Addis Ababa’s western outskirts, an inflated air dancer bearing a trademark thick mustache and red fez signals that Syriana, another popular Syrian restaurant, is open.

Inside, trays of crunchy, cream-filled kunafa and syrup-drenched baklava are on display, and as Eid al-Fitr approaches to mark the end of Ramadan, biscuits and cookies traditionally baked for the occasion have been added, keeping long-held Syrian customs alive.

Ethiopian patrons, mostly young people, gather at round tables. Many were drawn there by the TikTok channel of 21-year-old owner Ahmed Abdulkader, who has turned his family’s business into a sought-after venue.

During Ramadan, however, Syriana also welcomes less fortunate visitors.

Ahmed stands holding a tray of kunafeh and smiling — Ahmed Abdelkader made his family’s restaurant famous on social media for the traditional Syrian sweets they make]Courtesy of Alazar Pro Photography]

“We donate all we can, including meals throughout Ramadan for anyone in need”, Abdulkader tells Al Jazeera, explaining that they rely on word of mouth to identify those who might need help. “We try to be good citizens and help however we can”, he adds.

While thousands of Syrian refugees worldwide have returned home with the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8, Abdulkader – like Ibrahim – has come to think of Ethiopia as home.

Fluent in Amharic, Abdulkader came to Ethiopia at the age of eight, soon after the war in Syria began. He attended school in Ethiopia, learned the language, and adapted to his adopted country. Thanks to his social media presence, he has become something of a household name, and his family is even considering expanding to other parts of Addis Ababa.

While Syrians have become renowned for their contributions to the culinary scenes in Egypt, Libya, Jordan, and elsewhere, those who settled in Ethiopia had to overcome language barriers and unfamiliar local tastes.

Grateful for his family’s success, Abdulkader says this month offers him a chance to reflect and give back.

“Ramadan allows me to connect with my customers on a personal level and offer food to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay”, he says.

March 29, 2025

Pierce Brosnan’s devastating triple tragedy before meeting ‘love of his life’ wife

By 234Radio in Entertainment News, News

Behind the scenes of his sparkling career Pierce Brosnan lost both his first wife and daughter to ovarian cancer, alongside watching his son devolve into drug addiction – but his new wife is his ‘ North Star ‘

Pierce Brosnan has faced unimaginable family tragedies while juggling his Hollywood career(Image: Getty Images)

Pierce Brosnan is well-known for his remarkable Hollywood career, but not everyone knows about his tragic experiences behind the scenes. The actor has proved his strength by fighting through the heartbreaking loss of three family members, before finding love again.

The James Bond star became a widow before losing his daughter to the same disease that killed his wife, and has also struggled with the estrangement of his son due to drug addiction.

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Back in 1980, Pierce, 71, married his first wife Cassandra Harris, an actress from Australia. The duo moved to Wimbledon together, and welcomed their son Sean in 1983. Cassandra also had a son, Christopher, and daughter, Charlotte, from her previous marriage to Dermot Harris. When Dermot died in 1986, Pierce adopted the children – with both of them taking his last name.

“We just clicked as a family. To begin with I was Pierce, then I was Daddy Pierce, and then I just became Dad. Charlotte and Chris have just been amazing in my life”, he said of the adoption.

Pierce Brosnan, son Christopher Brosnan and daughter Charlotte Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan married his first wife Cassandra Harris in 1980, and adopted her children Charlotte and Christopher after their dad died in 1986(Image: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Tragically, Cassandra died in December 1991, with Pierce describing her death as “the longest night of my life.” Cassandra had started becoming seriously ill in 1987, and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Pierce stayed with her as she passed away, just before their 11th wedding anniversary.

“I was in a helpless state of…confusion and anger. She was comforting me. She has made me the man I am, the actor I am, the father I am,” he said to People after her death. “She’s forever embedded in every fibre of my being. She’s there with me every day. I was so blessed to have met someone like that.”

In 2013, his daughter Charlotte died of the same disease. Charlotte was only 41 when she died on June 28, and the mother of two children.

After her death, it was revealed that Pierce had walked Charlotte down the aisle in a secret wedding just two weeks before she lost her cancer battle. She tied the knot with her partner Alex in a private ceremony, with their daughter Isabella, then 15, acting as a bridesmaid.

Pierce Brosnan, wife Cassandra Harris, daughter Charlotte Harris and son Christopher Harris

Tragedy first struck in 1991, as Pierce laid beside Cassandra’s hospital bed in ‘confusion and anger’ as she died after a long fight against ovarian cancer(Image: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Pierce released a heartwrenching statement after his loss, announcing: “On June 28 at 2pm my darling daughter Charlotte Emily passed on to eternal life having succumbed to ovarian cancer.

” She was surrounded by her husband Alex, her children Isabella and Lucas, and her brothers Christopher and Sean. Charlotte fought her cancer with grace and humanity, courage and dignity.

He concluded: “Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our beautiful dear girl. We pray for her and that the cure for this wretched disease is close at hand”.

Throughout Pierce’s losses, he was also dealing with the alienation of his son Christopher – whom it’s understood he hasn’t spoken to for more than a decade.

In 2013, mother of two Charlotte died of the same cancer that took her mum, with Pierce secretly walking her down the aisle just two weeks before she passed(Image: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Christopher seemed to get off to a good start with Pierce as his dad, appearing on the original series of Love Island in 2006 and working with him on Bond films such as The World Is Not Enough. Behind the scenes, however, he was dealing with a crippling drug addiction, and even almost died in 2002 after taking an overdose of the drug GHB.

In an interview with Playboy in 2005, Pierce revealed that he had to cut Christopher off for his own good. “Christopher is still very lost. Shockingly so. I know where he is, but he’s having a hard life”, he said.

Pierce added: “I can only have strong faith and believe he will recover. He has tested everybody in this family but none more so than himself. He knows how to get out. He doesn’t want to”.

Christopher is rarely spotted out and about, but in 2013 was arrested in Brixton after police spotted him leaving a house they suspected was a drug den. A police spokeswoman told People at the time: “A 32-year-old man was arrested in Brixton Road on suspicion of possessing a Class A drug, believed to be heroin. He was taken to a police station and bailed to return in August.”

Pierce hasn’t spoken to Christopher in years after the hopeful film director fell prey to drug addiction, almost dying of an overdose and being arrested multiple times(Image: WireImage)

A source said to the outlet of his involvement with the gang believed to be in the house: “It is tragic for him and his dad if it is true that he is buying drugs off some really tough guys.

” These people do not mess around and if they knew his dad was a millionaire movie star it is anybody’s guess what they might try to do. They could bribe him or even worse try to extort cash from his dad. Chris is at a real low and his family are beside themselves with worry. “

Despite it all, Pierce has remained strong and managed to find love again, after meeting Keely Shaye Smith at a bar in Mexico in 1994.

The couple married in Ireland in 2001, and went on to welcome two sons of their own – Dylan and Paris. The duo are both entering the world of showbiz as models, and gushed over their dad for guiding them, saying they were “grateful for their blessings” and had the “best parents you could ask for.”

Dylan Brosnan, Pierce Brosnan, Keely Shaye Smith and Paris Brosnan

Pierce’s meeting with Keely Smith saved him from his struggles, and decades after they married and welcomed two sons she still makes him ‘weak at the knees’(Image: Getty Images North America)

Pierce has similarly fawned over their mum, saying that decades into their marriage:” I love her vitality, her passion. When Keely looks at me I go weak at the knees. “

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He also revealed that she’s been essential in helping him overcome his losses and struggles. “Keely has always been kind and compassionate and encouraged me to mourn Cassie,” he said. “I think of her all the time. I suppose Keely is my North Star, always looking out for me.”

March 29, 2025

Kildunne scores hat-trick as 11-try England thrash Wales

By 234Radio in News, Sports News

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Ceri Coleman-Phillips

BBC Sport Wales

29 March 2025, 18: 43 GMT

307 Comments

Updated 2 hours ago

Women’s Six Nations

Wales (7) 12

Tries: Scoble, Williams Con: Bevan

England (26) 67

England may have fielded a different team but the Red Roses still dominated as they ran in 11 tries against Wales in front of a record crowd of over 21, 000.

England head coach John Mitchell made 13 changes to his starting XV, including world player of the year Ellie Kildunne who celebrated her 50th cap with a hat-trick.

Wales got off to a dream start with Jenni Scoble crossing to light up the Principality Stadium.

But after the first 10 minutes England showed their class, scoring through every facet of play as they remain on course for a seventh consecutive Six Nations title and a fourth consecutive Grand Slam.

There were poignant tries for debutant Abi Burton, who fought back from an induced coma in 2022, and Wales-born Meg Jones, who was playing her first Red Roses game since her parents passed away.

England skipper Zoe Aldcroft and number eight Maddie Feaunati were the only players retained from the win over Italy last weekend, with Feaunati bagging two tries of her own.

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The hosts had not tasted victory over England since 2015, but backed by the biggest ever crowd for a Wales women’s team event in Wales (21, 186), they got off to a bright start.

They asserted early pressure, going through the phases and stretching the defence. Carys Cox had a sniff of the tryline on her wing, but was well marshalled by Kildunne.

Wales kept asking questions but their attack was thwarted by a superb Sadia Kabeya turnover. It should have been an easy clearance for Zoe Harrison, but she knocked on behind her own line and gifted Wales a 5m scrum.

It proved costly as Georgia Evans picked up from the base and drove to within inches of the line, with Scoble quick to recycle and crash over.

True to form, England did not take long to respond. Abby Dow, returning after breaking her hand, put a kick through which put the covering Lisa Neumann under pressure. Feaunati took the line-out ball before handing off Abbie Fleming and charging to the line.

The second try fell to Cardiff-born Jones, who scooped up a loose ball in the midfield before beating three defenders on her way to score.

Sarah Bern was in shortly after, England had overthrown the line-out but managed to retain possession and nice hands from Feaunati put the prop in under the posts.

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Lynn made half-time changes, bringing on Donna Rose and Kelsey Jones in the front row in a bid to compete more in the physical battle.

And the team talk looked to have inspired as Wales once again started the half brightly, but England gave a lesson on how to be clinical as the tries came raining down in Cardiff.

The pick was the first from Kildunne, who latched on to a looping ball out wide from Harrison to cross in the corner.

She was back in on the opposite corner five minutes later before dotting down for her hat-trick. She left the field to rapturous applause before being deservedly named player of the match.

A chance then fell to Wales who showed the fight and passion that Lynn had asked for all week. Despite being shoved off their own scrum, the ball came out to Cox who managed to offload to Kate Williams, crossing to give the home crowd something to cheer.

The final 10 minutes became the Abi show, with Dow and Burton both crossing for two tries apiece as Wales looked in danger of a record loss to their rivals.

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Wales head coach Sean Lynn said: “We have to remember we’re playing against the best team in the world.

” We have to get better, every game we’ve got to be getting better. We’ve got France, Ireland and Italy left, and we’ve got to keep getting better and better. Simple.

“I was asking them ‘ how hard are they willing to fight for each other ‘ and they certainly showed they could today”.

England head coach John Mitchell said: “We didn’t start particularly well, but we grew into the second half and built some good pressure.

” I’m really glad the way we responded to what Wales did to us.

Wales: Joyce-Butchers, Neumann, H Jones (capt), Powell, Cox, George, Bevan, G Pyrs, Phillips, Scoble, Fleming, Crabb, Williams, Lewis, Evans.

Replacements: K Jones, M Davies, Rose, A Pyrs, King, M Davies, C Keight, N Metcalfe.

England: Kildunne, Dow, Jones, Heard, Breach, Harrison, Hunt, Carson, Atkin-Davies, Bern, Talling, Ward, Aldcroft (capt), Kabeya, Feaunati.