Scotland’s autumn internationals squad includes uncapped forwards Harri Morris, Liam McConnell, and Alexander Masibaka.
Harri Morris, an Edinburgh hooker, and Liam McConnell, a club mate, could play in the matches against Tonga on November 23 and the United States on November 8 (November 8).
Number eight, from Australia, Masibaka, of Montpellier, is eligible for Scotland through his mother, and he played in a July non-cap international against the Maori All Blacks.
According to Townsend, who was last capped in 2022, “Magnus has played really well for a number of months.”
“Over the past few years, he’s developed into a leader.” It’s great to have him back, and he’ll have a chance at this.
Many players are entering their primes, the statement read. Players outside the squad have had the opportunity to join the group over the past few years, but the situation is now very competitive. Some very good players have been overlooked in this squad, and there is quality all the way through in some positions.
Alexander Masibaka has recently played in the past two campaigns, has played well against Maori All Blacks, and has done a great job of kicking off the season for Montpellier. His explosive running, power, and work-rate are all qualities that can strengthen our squad.
Scotland will only be able to select players from the Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors for the first Test against the USA because it is scheduled outside of the international window.
According to Townsend, “Liam McConnell]has] had a real breakthrough season for Edinburgh thus far.” plays with great enthusiasm and pride. That he will have a chance is wonderful.
“Harri Morris brings aggression and physicality every time he’s played at any level.” He seems to be thinking like a test-takers.
Sean Dyche has been appointed as Nottingham Forest’s new head coach until 2027, the Premier League outfit announced on Tuesday.
Ange Postecoglou was fired on Saturday after only 40 days in charge of the City Ground, and the 54-year-old former Burnley and Everton boss has assumed his place.
In his first season as Everton manager since leaving at the start of this year, Dyche, a Forest trainee under renowned manager Brian Clough, becomes the club’s third manager.
Roberto Mancini, a former manager of Fulham and Italy, reportedly spoke with Forest about the position, and Marco Silva, a former manager of Fulham, also mentioned.
However, Forest chose Dyche as their successor, according to a statement from the organization that Dyche brings the ideal combination of character, tactical acumen, and proven accomplishments to lead the team to its next chapter.
Dyche’s opening Premier League game will be against Bournemouth on Sunday, followed by his Europa League clash against Porto on Thursday.
Ian Woan and Steve Stone will serve as his coaches, along with two other former Forest players.
Postecoglou became the shortest-serving permanent manager in Premier League history after being fired just minutes after Chelsea’s 3-0 loss.
After losing eight of his first eight games, former Spurs manager Evangelos Marinakis was fired.
Nuno Espirito Santo, who was himself fired in September after his relationship with Marinakis ended, was replaced by Postecoglou.
Despite having a squad that received over £100 million ($134 million) of investment during the transfer window, Forest are currently fifth in the Premier League relegation zone with just five points after eight games.
Captain Alyssa Healy has been ruled out of Australia’s World Cup meeting with England on Wednesday with a calf injury.
Healy sustained the minor strain in a training session on Saturday and Australia face an anxious wait to see if she will recover in time to play again at the 50-over tournament.
Australia have booked their place in the semi-finals with two games to spare thanks to Healy’s exploits – scoring 142 runs against India before hitting an unbeaten 113 against Bangladesh.
Beth Mooney will replace Healy as wicketkeeper with Tahlia McGrath set to captain the side. Georgia Voll is expected to step in at the top of the batting order.
The defending champions sit top of the standings with four wins from their five matches. They lead 2022 runners-up England on net run rate before their encounter at Holkar Stadium in Indore.
Both teams will be overtaken by South Africa if they win their game against Pakistan on Tuesday.
South Africa and Australia finish their group stage fixtures by playing each other on Saturday in Indore.
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Australia beat England in the 2022 World Cup final and are bidding for a record-extending eighth title.
Healy faces a race against time to recover for the semi-finals with the first scheduled for 29 October in Guwahati or Colombo and the second due to take place the following day in Mumbai.
The 35-year-old, who made her Australia debut in 2010, has endured a difficult time with injuries in recent years.
She missed the final group game of the T20 World Cup in 2024 and was unavailable for their semi-final loss to South Africa with a plantar fascia issue.
Healy also missed large periods during the 2024-25 season with knee and foot problems keeping her sidelined for the majority of the Sydney Sixers’ WBBL campaign, an ODI series against India, the T20 leg of the Ashes and a T20 tour of New Zealand.
Dele Farotimi, a civil rights advocate and lawyer, claims that the Nigerian state is more concerned about impunity and the rule of law than about armed groups terrorizing its citizens.
His statement comes as a result of a protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, from custody. On Monday, the protest was led by activist Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate.
Farotimi said that the Nigerian government has consistently shown hostility toward people who peacefully demand their rights while allowing violent criminals like bandits and terrorists to participate in the morning program of Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday.
When you examine the objective facts, it seems simple to elicit the truth. Nigerians were peacefully protesting on October 20, 2020, while also singing the country’s anthem and waving flags. They were brutally murdered. That is the Nigerian government’s response to those who want to be treated like citizens, he claimed.
Farotimi cited the #EndSARS protest as a response to years of impunity being enforced by the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which he characterized as the “brutal arm” of the Nigerian government. He claimed that the state used violence rather than address the concerns of the population.
He continued, the Nigerian Police always respond with “full force, always ready to murder and maim,” but they continue to remain silent when bandits, terrorists, and armed militias commit atrocities every time activists like Omoyele Sowore and others protest.
You see complicit silence by the state when you observe how the same Nigerian state treats bandits, terrorists, and Fulani militia members who murder Nigerians in front of the full attention of everyone. He claimed that the Nigerian state fears being held accountable for its victims and upholding the rule of law.
#FreeNnamdiKanu: “Nigeria Mimicking Democracy,” Farotimi Faults Police, and Judiciary Clampdown On Protesters, READ ALSO.
Farotimi lamented that those who carry weapons against the nation act with impunity while the Nigerian government only exercises its muscles against unarmed citizens. He criticized the government’s continued repression of so-called “repentant terrorists,” arguing that those who demand justice are the ones who are punished.
The world’s most effective deradicalization program is reported. It ought to be exported, too. However, he claimed that in Nigeria, those who demand that they be treated decently as people who are governed and protected by law are frequently beaten and murdered.
Farotimi argued that the state punishes dissent rather than crime, citing Chinedu Agu’s case, who he claimed is currently being detained in Owerri for his criticism of a governor.
“Those who need to be afraid of the Nigerian state are those who demand both human rights and citizenship.” Regardless of their ethnicity or religion, the Nigerian state has no problem with those who roam the country and kill them, he said.
Farotimi argued that the Nigerian state’s greatest fear was being “yoked to the rule of law” and made to treat people with respect and respect.
Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist, has accused security personnel of attacking peaceful protesters without warning during the #FreeNnamdiKanu rally on Monday in Abuja.
Sowore, who spoke on Monday’s edition of The Morning Brief on Channels Television, claimed security forces opened fire shortly after the protests started at the hotel’s front in Abuja.
He also confirmed that some people had been detained as a result of the incident, including his lawyer and Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, who allegedly suffered beatings before being taken to the Nigeria Police Force FCT Command.
Holly Hagan-Blyth has announced her 19-year-old sister has tragically died. The Geordie Shore star took to social media this morning to confirm that her sister, Darci, “passed away peacefully holding my hand surrounded by family & her best friends. She was never in any pain.”
The MTV reality star added: “The last 4 days have been something I hope no family ever has to go through. We are traumatised in every sense of the word. One day we will share Darci’s story.
“But for now I please ask that you do respect our privacy and allow us to process what has happened. I would like to ask the press to please refrain from speculating and writing stories that could further traumatise my family. They do not deserve that. I chose this job they did not.
Holly had previously shared snaps of her little sister, who remained out of the spotlight ( hollyhaganblyth/Instagram)
Holly praised Manchester Royal Infirmary, where Darci had been receiving treatment ( INSTAGRAM)
“To the incredible ambulance crew, and everyone at Manchester Royal Infirmary A&E & ICU, thank you so much for giving my sister the absolute best chance. Because of you all we have had the opportunity to hold her hand, stroke her hair and feel her heart beating for the last time. We will forever be grateful for the way you have looked after her and us throughout this unimaginable process.
“Right now, my job is to support my family in any way that I can to ensure they don’t have to worry about work/finances. Any posts you see this month are pre-recorded and scheduled ahead of time. I will be continuing to work so they do not have to.”
Holly continued: “Darci is so beautiful and she genuinely didn’t even realise it. I always told her she’d look better without the huge spider lashes but we all know what a hypocrite I was being since I wore 9 pairs at her age! She lived in Darci world, forgetting to turn lights off, didn’t know how to lock doors after coming in from a night out, leaving the freezer open so my mam came down to a puddle of defrosted food.
“She was the best aunty, Alpha-Jax adored her. She spent his whole birthday on the bouncy castle with AJ and Alba, and that’s a memory I’ll cherish forever. She wanted to go into social work, after finding a passion for helping children. And I just know she’s looking after all the babies up there
“I don’t know if I’m behaving in a way I assumed I would when grieving but I genuinely feel she has given me so much strength and is watching over us all as our guardian angel. We love you so much baby girl. Forever 19.”
Holly’s tragic announcement was flooded with messages of condolences from fans and her friends. Charlotte’s close friend and former Geordie Shore co-star, Charlotte Crosby said: “I’m blessed to have known such a beautiful girl! Alpha Jaxs birthday will be how I will remember your beautiful sister Darci. Alba spent all day playing with her!
“She naturally gravitated to her because Darci radiated warmth and sunshine! So kind and caring. Reading this post has broke my heart. I love you so much Holly sending so much love to you your mam and John.” “Holly, im so so sorry for you and your families loss. I’m sending you all love and hugs,” typed Nathan Henry.
Holly’s ex-boyfriend, Kyle Christie said: “So sorry to hear this Holly my heart is broken for all of you, if you need anything from any of us we’re all here for you and your family.” Sophie Kasaei, Holly’s friend and former co-star commented: “A family should never have to go through this ever. I wish I could take this pain away my amazing Holly. Darci was and is an angel and will always be guiding you and your family. You have strength I admire and I’m so proud of you for having to keep the family together. I love you endlessly and we will be there for you through this journey of grief. Our angel Beautiful Darci.”
Kelsey Parker, the widow of singer Tom Parker said: “Sending you so much love.” Nicole Bass added: “This is truly heartbreaking. Sending you and your family love and prayers at this painful time.”
Shaughna Phillips responded: “Oh Holly I can’t believe what I’m reading. I am so so sorry for yours and your families loss, sending you all the love and prayers in the world.” “
Darci and Holly share the same mum, Vicki, but have different dads. While Darcilived out of the spotlight, Holly previously opened up about her sister in her memoir, Not Quite a Geordie. She said: “When my sister Darci was born, I loved her, but she was too small for me to even bother with at that stage.
“It was only when she was a little bit older, when I would babysit, that I could really enjoy having fun with her. But when she was first born, she would cry and scream and keep the whole house awake. Honestly, she was the worst baby ever. I don’t think she slept for two years. All night long she would let out blood-curdling shrieks at the top of her voice.”
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