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Wales prop Lewis to leave Harlequins for Dragons

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Wales prop Dillon Lewis will join Dragons from Harlequins for the start of the 2025-26 season.

The 29-year-old has been at Harlequins since leaving Cardiff for the English Premiership club in 2023, although Dragons have not specified the length of his contract.

But the 57-cap tight-head is to return to Wales, with Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia “excited” at the prospect.

“He’s a player with a wealth of international experience, with over 50 caps for Wales, and someone who has consistently performed at a high level”, said Tiatia.

“He’s coming in from Harlequins, a well-established club, where he has competed at a high level in the English Premiership and top tier of European competition.

” Dillon will bring confidence to our set-piece, so I’m looking forward to spending time with him and getting him in the building as we build our squad for next season and beyond. “

Lewis thanked Harlequins for” an incredible experience “at the London club.

” I wish I could have finished this season stronger, but unfortunately, injury hasn’t allowed it. I’m working hard to get back fit before I leave, but regardless of what happens, I will give my all to the club for the remainder of the season. “

Dragons are languishing at the foot of the United Rugby Championship table, 17 points adrift of Italian side Zebre, having regularly been the worst-performing Welsh region.

But Lewis backed Tiatia’s plans for the Newport-based side.

” We all understand the challenges ahead, but the plans that Filo is putting in place look very promising, “said Lewis.

Lewis is also looking forward to working with former Cardiff front-row colleague Sam Hobbs, who is Dragons forwards coach, while acknowledging his chance at the region has come about after fellow Wales prop Leon Brown was forced to retire because of a neck injury.

” He]Hobbs] played a big role in my development, guiding me from the academy into senior rugby, and was a great mentor to me, “Lewis said.

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  • Welsh Rugby
  • Rugby Union
  • Harlequins

Glastonbury fans all say band who released album this year could do ‘secret’ set

Glastonbury Festival fans are excited as they speculate a band, fresh off releasing a new album this year, might be playing at the iconic music event.

The initial line-up dropped by Glastonbury Festival already boasts The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo, and Neil Young as Pyramid Stage headliners. However, fans are eager to find out who else will join the roster, with discussions heating up on r/GlastonburyFestival.

Some are pointing towards the enduring chart-toppers known for their hit “Let’s Dance to Joy Division”, with many festival-goers convinced they’ll make the cut in upcoming announcements.

One hopeful fan posted: “The Wombats? Thought they’d be a shoo-in with their new album and them touring (playing Liverpool June 19), wonder if a band of this size could get announced later on”?

Given that The Wombats released their latest album, Oh! The Ocean, on February 14 and have tour dates lined up, they’re seen as a strong contender for Glastonbury.

Another added: “They announced a large chunk of the Woodsies line up later on in April last year, including some good additions like the Vaccines. So I’m also preying for a Wombats announcement! You’d think it’d be likely”.

A third commented: “Other Stage first band of the festival”. Regardless of where they might play, fans are confident that The Wombats would draw a significant crowd at the festival.

Music fans have been buzzing about potential acts for the festival, with one attendee sharing optimistic nostalgia. They wrote: “They would definitely pull a good crowd that’s for sure everyone loves the nostalgia vibes should of seen Scouting for Girls last year if you missed them couldn’t even get near the tent at the acoustic stage”.

Another agreed with the excitement the band may bring, adding: “These would be a great one to start the festival off with early on Friday when energy levels are high”.

The Wombats speculation is rife, too, with some suggesting even without an official announcement, a surprise set might be on the cards. One hopeful fan proposed: “If they don’t open they could potentially do a Park/Woodsies Secret set”?.

Others suggested different scenarios for the band’s appearance, with one fan pointing out: “Potential for a Thursday night set or like others have said early Friday set. I really like their new album”.

Another somewhat demystifying the hype added: “As a fan of the band, they really aren’t that big. So yeah, no doubt they could be announced”.

Meanwhile, Glastonbury Festival regulars are fretting over a tough decision on the horizon as Neil Young and Charli XCX are poised to go head-to-head.

This scheduling conflict has sparked debates, with one perplexed festival-goer querying the pulling power of the classic rock icon: “How many people do we actually think want to see Neil Young? I’ve seen people online say they’re interested however at my work we are all going and all varying ages and music tastes and I don’t know a single person who intends on going to watch him”.

Prince William jokes about breaking world record as he’s mobbed by schoolkids

Prince William joked he had “broken the record for the most amount of high fives in 10 minutes” after being mobbed by school kids.

The Prince of Wales headed to the West Midlands today to have a go at refereeing at a training course at Sporting Khalsa FC in Willenhall. The course, which has been running since July 2023 and combines practical and theory training, is part of the Football Association’s Reflective and Representative campaign – which aims to recruit 1, 000 people from black, Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds into refereeing roles.

But before making it inside the football ground, William was welcomed by hundreds of schoolchildren and locals who had gathered to meet him.

William high fives pupils from Fibbersley Park Primary Academy
William high fives pupils from Fibbersley Park Primary Academy (PA)

He said: “Hello, it’s nice to see you all”, as he posed for selfies, gave hugs and high fives and chatted with pupils from the nearby Fibbersley Park Academy who had made posters and flags and chanted his name. Aston Villa supporter William seemed particularly impressed by a poster made by a pupil which referenced his team, which read: “Aston Villa is the best” and gave a thumbs up, while another read: “Hello Prince William, I hope you are a good ref, good luck”.

Inside the grounds, the prince joined a refereeing theory lesson, spoke to course trainers and learned about fouls, whistle tones and flag signalling. He also met professional referee and lieutenant in the British Army, Levi Gray, to hear about her career journey.

Speaking after meeting the prince, she said: “It was brilliant, I am so pleased I could be here and that he could come down and support an event like this.

William took part in a refereeing course
William took part in a refereeing course (PA)
Wills blows the whistle as he refs a mini football game
Wills blows the whistle as he refs a mini football game (PA)

” We spoke about women in football, which I think is definitely growing, and how different the women’s game is to the men’s in terms of it being a bit more of a family event and a bit more supportive, and spoke about diversity events like this and how important it is that you can see it and believe it.

“We want to be able to see people who are watching football at home or on the sidelines and think ‘ that could be me’. Without events like this where you build representation, that won’t happen”.

Lt Gray said she got into refereeing because there were not many football teams for girls when she was growing up. She added: “I refereed before I joined the Army, I am in the Infantry and there aren’t many women in the Infantry either. With football, I was used to dealing with 22 men on a pitch, so in the Army, I thought I could deal with a team of 30, so I think it has helped me with my own career.

” I got into it because I love football and when I was growing up, girl’s teams weren’t as big where I lived so I couldn’t play, so instead I thought I would do refereeing and I’ve never stopped since. “

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Man City captain Greenwood shocked Taylor was sacked

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Manchester City captain Alex Greenwood was “shocked” by the decision to sack head coach Gareth Taylor five days before the Women’s League Cup final.

City are fourth in the Women’s Super League, 12 points adrift of defending champions Chelsea, but are still competing in three cup competitions.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Greenwood said: “I had to digest it – I was obviously quite shocked when I was first told as it wasn’t something I expected.

” Ultimately the decision was made and we have to respect the decision and trust the decision. “

Taylor succeeded Nick Cushing in May 2020 and led City to two major honours – but Cushing has now returned as interim boss.

The club said in a statement when announcing Taylor’s departure that it” prides itself “in competing at the top of the WSL and qualifying for European competition but” unfortunately, results this season have so far not reached this high standard”.

Greenwood said she was not told any more about why the club made the decision but” for positive reasons, they want to move forward with Nick so we have to come together and trust that decision”.

She added:” My role as captain is to bring the team together and make sure the focus remains the same – which is on the final on Saturday and the run of games we’ve got coming up. I was shocked by the news, of course.

City face Chelsea in Saturday’s League Cup final (12: 15 GMT kick-off), which is live on BBC One, in a run of four back-to-back games against the Blues.

They will then play Sonia Bompastor’s side twice in their two-legged Champions League quarter-final, with a WSL meeting in between.

Taylor had been a controversial figure at City, with several players speaking out publicly about their experiences during his time in charge, including England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck describing her relationship with him as “fractured”.

However, Greenwood said she had a “really positive” relationship with the 52-year-old.

“I was his captain and we had a really healthy relationship”, she added.

“I don’t expect everyone to have the same relationship with the manager, that’s football. Ultimately he has to make decisions and he’s never going to please everyone”.

Cushing will be in charge for the remainder of the season, having previously helped City win the WSL and the FA Cup, plus the League Cup twice, before leaving in January 2020 to join MLS side New York City.

“We were excited by that appointment because he knows the club really well, he’s been here before, he comes with a huge history of winning and his mentality to win is second to none”, said Greenwood, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury.

“I had a really, really good chat with him on Tuesday morning.

Timing of sacking ‘ absolutely wild ‘

Former Manchester City players Ellen White and Jen Beattie, who both played under Taylor, have questioned the timing of the sacking.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live’s Women’s Football Weekly podcast, White said:” Very odd timing I would say – it’s super strange.

“I feel a bit sorry for him because]he has] a lot of injuries. But you’ve got to throw it back to the club at the same time to be like – are you invested into this team, where do you want this team to go?

” He could have gone months ago, last year potentially. I don’t think they’re in that bad a position at the moment. It’s just the weirdest timing ever. “

Beattie said it was the players she felt for most and the impact it has on their cup final preparation.

” It’s the timing for me, absolutely wild, five days before a cup final.

“I understand the decision making, but I do think the timing was really, really unfair on the players”.

Both White and Beattie worked under Cushing in his previous spell at City and believe he is the right choice to take the club forward.

“He understands what Man City is about, he understands the club, the expectations and he is a figure that a lot of people will know”, said White.

“I think he’s got some great ideas. He’s very diligent, he’s very tactical, he’s good at communication and he loves being on the grass. He’s a very, very good coach”.

Beattie played under Cushing for four seasons at City and was part of the WSL-winning side in 2016 and won two FA Cups and two League Cups under him.

“In my experience under Nick, Nick had this unbelievable ability to make you focus on the task in hand and to be able to shut out the noise”, she said.

Related topics

  • Football
  • Women’s Football

Billy Joel cancels multiple tour dates as he issues worrying health update after stage fall

Billy Joel has cancelled a string of concerts as he revealed he had to undergo surgery.

Joel, 75, had a date booked at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool for June 21, 2025 this year – and the gig was one of just two in Europe in 2025. Unfortunately for his fans they’ll have to wait a bit longer to see the star live, after he announced that he’s undergone surgery and will still be in recovery on that date.

Liverpool FC – whose home is Anfield – confirmed the news in a statement, sharing that ticketholders wouldn’t have to wait too long for a rescheduled concert.

“Liverpool FC can confirm the postponement of this summer’s Billy Joel concert at Anfield, due to a medical condition and to allow him to recover from recent surgery”, they shared on their website.

Liverpool FC said that Billy Joel was ‘ expected to make a full recovery ‘ following his recent surgery (Getty Images)

“That date has been rescheduled, and Billy Joel will now appear at Anfield on June 20, 2026 instead. He is expected to make a full recovery and the tour will resume at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on July 5, 2025”.

Billy Joel also shared a statement, explaining that he’d be back and better than ever after his surgery. The Piano Man shared: “While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first.

” I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding. “

Joel’s surgery comes after he worried fans following a fall on stage during his gig at Mohegan Sun resort in Stamford, Connecticut on February 22. Footage from the concert shows the artist – who was described as” frail “at the event – twirl a microphone stand before throwing it across the stage, before suddenly falling over.

The New York native was performing his hit It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me during the worrying moment, which saw him fall directly on his back. Attendees said the star was helped up by his band and managed to sing his final song to end the gig, but was” visibly thrown off “by the fall”. He just didn’t look well hobbling across the stage, “one concerned fan shared.

Photos from the troubling fall seem to show Billy – dressed for the concert in an all-black suit and dress shoes – seeming to stumble before falling hard on his side, and rolling over onto his back before taking a moment to pause once he got back to his feet again.

Joel has recently spoken about his continued love of making music, and made it clear he had no plans to retire from the industry regardless of any health issues. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror in 2023, he shared:” I still write music, “later adding:” I have this image of ‘ I’m the least glamorous popstar there is’. I just sit at the piano.

“I’m in my 70s, I am not a matinee idol, so why are you coming to see me in the first place? But you know, it all has to do with the music, it’s all about music”.

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Eamonn Holmes’ girlfriend ‘desperate to tie the knot’ after Ruth Langsford split

Eamonn Holmes ‘ new girlfriend is reportedly desperate to get married to the presenter but he’s still in the midst of a divorce from Ruth Langsford.

The GB News presenter and Ruth had been married for 14 years, having dated since 1996. However, in May, the former golden TV couple announced their split. Since then, he moved on with Katie Alexander – who was a huge support for him as he navigated single life after decades.

Katie and Eamonn have been spotted enjoying many holidays, but it looks like she wants to move the relationship to the next level. According to sources, she is “desperate to get married” but Eamonn’s finances when it comes to his split from Ruth have yet to be sorted.

The insider explained: “Katie is desperate to get married – she wants to move in with Eamonn and for his divorce to get going, but finances have still not been sorted between him and Ruth and how they’re going to be split”.

Eamonn Holmes
Eamonn’s girlfriend reportedly wants to get married (@eamonnholmes/instagram)
Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford
However, his finances with Ruth have yet to be sorted (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

“It’s very tricky. They have to get this sorted before Katie can be with Eamonn full time. She’s in it for the long haul and wants to be with him and put a ring on it as quickly as possible”, they added to Closer. The Mirror have reached out to Eamonn’s representatives for comment.

Eamonn has been able to turn to Katie for support and companionship – with reports revealing the pair knew each other for nine years before the broadcaster and his fellow TV star split. It has been five months since the pair went public with their relationship – as the anniversary of Eamonn’s shock divorce announcement nears.

While Eamonn has remained reasonably silent about his split, soon-to-be ex-wife Ruth has shared some insight into her feelings at the end of her relationship with him. She told Women and Home recently: “I’m not delighted my marriage is over, but I’ve accepted it. I’m trying to now embrace the fact I’m single and can make choices that are just about me.

” Divorce is very painful. Most don’t do it in the public eye, with everybody having an opinion. But that’s the nature of my job. I’ve always had that and if you can’t cope, you shouldn’t be doing this job. “

Fans were gobsmacked when the once rock-solid pair announced their plans to divorce in May last year. They announced in a statement via a representative:” Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing. “

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