GOLF fans need to make the bucket-list trip to witness The Masters at Augusta at least once in their lifetime. 

The most prestigious event in the sporting calendar is calling, and you could be walking beside the hallowed, emerald-green fairways of Augusta National. 

See The Masters in 2027

Rory McIlroy, 36, made it back-to-back wins in Augusta with a brilliant display to see off the likes of Justin Rose and Scottie Scheffler. 

And you could be there to see if the Ryder Cup star can make it a three-peat among the azaleas.

MVP Travel has unveiled its ultimate 2027 Masters packages, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the battle for the Green Jacket in person.

Based in the vibrant city of Columbia, South Carolina, these expertly curated tours provide the perfect base for your pilgrimage. 

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See The Masters in 2027

Key Trip Information:

• ✈️ — Flights: Return flights from London Heathrow to the USA included
• 💰 — Price: 3 nights From £7,280pp – Based on double occupancy
• 🏨 — Accommodation: Columbia Marriott Hotel, South Carolina
• ⛳ — Highlight: Guaranteed official Masters badges

Whether you want to soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the practice rounds, feel the tension of the opening days, or hear the legendary Augusta Roars on Sunday afternoon, there is a package tailored for every type of enthusiast.

This premium experience includes return flights from London Heathrow and a three-night or four-night stay at the centrally located Columbia Marriott Hotel, putting you right in the heart of the downtown action. 

Not only will you secure a guaranteed official badge for Masters Sunday, but you will also get to test your own skills with a round of golf at the prestigious Woodcreek Farms.

With seamless transfers, 24-hour on-the-ground support, and an exclusive welcome pack, every detail is handled so you can focus entirely on the magic of the tournament.

See The Masters in 2027

Imagine seeing the world’s top players battle it out for the coveted green jacket, a spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.

Rory McIlroy will be the defending champion in April 2027, after his spectacular and unforgettable victories in 2025 and 2026.

You can be there among the patrons to witness his defence, and watch history written once again before your very eyes,

Witness the splendour of the famous 12th hole, and the drama of the closing holes during Sunday’s closing rounds.

But the experience doesn’t end with the final putt of the day. 

From the blooming azaleas and towering pines to the rich history and tradition that permeates every corner of the course, The Masters is an experience that will stay with you forever.

With limited availability, golf enthusiasts are urged to act fast to secure their place at this iconic event. 

Green Jacket Tour

• 💰 — Price: From £7,280pp (Double Occupancy) / £7,995pp (Single Occupancy)
• 📅 — Dates: 9th April – 12th April 2027
• 🏨 — Accommodation: 3 nights at the Columbia Marriott Hotel (Daily breakfast included)
• ✈️ — Flights: Return flights from London Heathrow to Charlotte (One checked bag included)
• ⛳ — Golf: 1 round of golf at Woodcreek Farms (Tee times and clubhouse access included)
• 🎟️ — Masters Access: Official Masters Sunday Badge for the final round and Green Jacket presentation
• 🚗 — Transfers: Return airport transfers plus daily transfers to golf and Augusta National

The Flexi Tour

• 💰 — Price: From £7,450pp (Double Occupancy) / £8,395pp (Single Occupancy)
• 📅 — Dates: Flexible departures available across Masters Week (April 2027)
• 🏨 — Accommodation: 4 nights at the Columbia Marriott Hotel (Daily breakfast included)
• ✈️ — Flights: Return flights from London Heathrow to the USA via Atlanta or Charlotte
• ⛳ — Golf: 1 round of golf at a top local Columbia course
• 🎟️ — Masters Access: Choice of one tournament day badge (Wednesday through Sunday options)
• 🚗 — Transfers: Return airport transfers and return transfers to Augusta National on your selected day

Don’t miss your chance to be part of golfing history in 2026.

This is your ticket to the trip of a lifetime.

MVP Travel also have two packages to The Masters in April 2027.

We can also offer other travel bargains with our carefully chosen partners.

We have an unbeatable deal for 5 nights at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in June for just £599.

And affordable trips to the British GP in Silverstone and the legendary Monaco GP.

Also check out these offers to F1 races in Monaco, Monza and Austin, Texas.

Unbeatable golf travel deals

GOLF fans can get to see the world’s best tournaments, for less than you think.

We have teamed up with some of the UK’s leading travel companies to come up with some unmissable trips.

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⛳ The Open — See the world’s finest golfers at Royal Birkdale with ticket and hotel packages to suit every pocket— MORE INFO HERE

🏌️ The Masters — Book a bucket-list trip to Augusta next year with 3-night packages to see Rory McIlroy — MORE INFO HERE

✈️ Plus check out these golf holidays to some of Europe’s finest courses — MORE INFO HERE

* If you click on a link we will earn affiliate revenue.

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A spokesperson for the dental practice confirmed they have “already undertaken significant work across the practice”

Concerns related to the management of medical emergencies and infection prevention risks have been raised at a Cambridge dental practice. Antwerp House Dental Practice in Cambridge has been served with a warning notice for “failing to meet the regulations related to good governance” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

In a report published on May 7, it was revealed that the clinic, located on Brookfields, had not met all the regulations in the area ‘well-led’. The inspection raised concerns that the processes in place “were still ineffective for identifying and managing all risks” including in the maintenance of equipment, management of medical emergencies, infection prevention and control and the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH).

Other concerns included complaints not being responded to “appropriately” as the CQC were shown the most recent complaint which had not been managed in line with their policy. The practice was unable to show the inspector any previous complaints as no log was present.

The CQC had previously undertaken an announced on-site inspection of Antwerp House Dental Practice in February 2025 which found the registered provider was “not providing safe or well led care” and was in breach of Regulation 12 (Safe care and treatment) and Regulation 17 (Good governance).

Following this, the practice was issued with a warning notice for Regulation 12 and conditions were placed on the provider’s registration relating to Regulation 17.

A further inspection was carried out in May 2025 which found that the practice was providing safe care and treatment however, time was still needed for the improvements to be fully embedded. In the most recent published assessment, in April 2026, it was determined that “whilst some improvements had taken place, the practice had still not met all regulations and remained in breach of Regulation 17”.

A spokesperson for Antwerp House Dentistry said: “The CQC report confirms that Antwerp House Dentistry is providing safe, effective, caring and responsive care to patients, which our team is extremely proud of. While the inspection identified areas for improvement relating to governance processes and fire safety compliance, we have already undertaken significant work across the practice, including major fire safety upgrades and further strengthening of our governance, compliance and risk management systems.”

The report states: “The provider had made insufficient improvements to put right the shortfalls and had not responded to the regulatory breach we found at our inspection on 4 February 2025. We have told the provider to take action. We will be following up on our concerns to ensure the provider has made the required improvements.”

Further betterment was found to be needed to “strengthen oversight” with clear processes to monitor completion of key tasks. This included servicing, training, audits and risk reviews, within required timeframes, so that the practice can demonstrate “sustained improvement and consistent assurance for patients and staff”.

The spokesperson for the practice added: “We recognise that embedding these improvements takes time, but patient safety and quality of care remain our highest priorities throughout. We are also very proud of the positive feedback we consistently receive from patients regarding the care and support provided by our team.

“We remain fully committed to continuous improvement and to working constructively with the CQC to ensure the highest possible standards are maintained.”

Residents believe the road is in ‘desperate’ need of repairs

A Cambridgeshire road that’s uneven and has large cracks has been slammed as being “absolutely lethal” by drivers. Some Cambridgeshire country roads aren’t in the best condition, especially those in the Fenland area.

One frequently used by drivers who feel the road is in “desperate” need of repairs is Forty Foot Bank in Ramsey. Ryan Wilson, from Ramsey, blew two tyres as a result of the large cracks in the road.

He thinks the “whole road” needs repairing. He added: “Having a double tyre blow out could have put me in the water. We have to make our cars road worthy, so they should make the roads car worthy. I use this route everyday for work. I would cycle but it’s too dangerous for cars, so biking would be more dangerous.”

Kate Bunting described the road as “absolutely lethal”. She said: “The road is so damaged that it throws cars into the middle or the side of the road. [They are] close to the bank as well. It’s not fit for purpose whatsoever, and neither are the roads surrounding it.”

Kate said drivers on the road have “no choice” other than to “compromise their vehicles and drive unsafe roads”. She added: “It’s absolutely crucial that it’s improved.” Kate referred to November 2025 when there were four crashes on the same day along the road.

She added: “Not to mention the multiple cars that have veered off into the bank over the years, sadly causing people to lose their lives.”

Darren Imms said Forty Foot Bank is the “most direct route” to places like Peterborough, and believes it is important it is properly repaired. He said: “Like many residents that live here or in neighbouring villages, we have been subjected to vast expansion in an area that was never designed to take it.

“This has resulted in a triple amount of vehicles using the roads that were never designed to take it. You cannot keep adding and adding without expecting some form of negative reaction and one of these things has been our roads. The council not maintaining the roads for many years has just been the final straw that broke the camel’s back.”

When repairs have been made to the road, residents feel they are not sustainable. Primvs Aebvtivs, who uses the road five to six times a week said: “The roads don’t seem to have long lasting repairs made.

“I’ve been here almost 12 years and the current repairs seem to have partially stabilised the surface where it’s been done. No matter how well the road has been resurfaced, I continually follow vehicles that straddle the white line. I see this and believe it’s because the driver is staying on the least damaged part or flattest part. I know people who will either not or they dread driving on the water side [of the road].”

Cambridgeshire County Council oversees the maintenance of roads across the county. A council spokesperson said: “We are aware of cracks that have recently appeared in a section of the Forty Foot Bank, Ramsey. This road is inspected on a monthly basis. We have scheduled repairs at this location which will be completed by early June.

“The Forty Foot Bank, like many Fen roads, is built over peat soils which means the road surfaces can become significantly uneven with seasonal and weather changes, within a relatively short period of time.

We are doing everything we can locally to maintain and keep soil affected roads safe, however, addressing this challenge properly requires national support and government funding for long-term solutions Residents can help us keep our roads and paths safe by reporting the issues they find online via our website.”

A spokesperson told Glasgow Live: “Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC) condemns in the strongest terms the behaviour of Celtic fans who have once again turned the centre of Glasgow into a ‘No Go’ zone, trashing the image of Scotland’s biggest city.

“This was the fifth year in succession that the local residents we represent have witnessed serious civil disorder, littering, property damage and their streets being taken over following a Celtic Premiership title win.

“After each of the previous four episodes of lawlessness, MCTCC called on the club and Glasgow City Council (GCC) to come up with a plan to stop it happening again. They have sadly failed to do. Frankly, we despair.

“It is obvious that Celtic FC has no control over these supporters who ignored its belated appeal – delivered 24 hours before the final match of the season – and the equally 11th hour public intervention of GCC to celebrate peacefully. The outcome was sadly all too predictable.

“Recent meetings at senior level with Glasgow City Council left us with no confidence that anything would be different this year than at the end of previous Premiership seasons. Despite several appeals to Celtic FC we have never received a single reply.”

Good Morning Britain star Andi Peters announced a major change to the programme on Monday

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A Good Morning Britain presenter has revealed a significant change to the programme.

Monday’s (May 18) instalment of the popular ITV show saw hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls return to the studio to present the most important headlines from across the UK and internationally.

They were accompanied by Kate Garraway, who covered the remainder of the day’s news, alongside Laura Tobin and Andi Peters, who provided weather and competition updates, respectively.

During the programme, Andi disclosed a major change to the ITV competition that left Susanna and Ed astonished.

“What a lovely way to start the week, because Andi, as it turns out, spent his May travel budget in the first two weeks of the month, and therefore he’s got to be here!” Ed playfully remarked, reports the Mirror.

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Andi then responded: “I mean, I’ve been in more glamorous locations, it has to be said. How lovely to see you both on a Monday.”

The presenter then unveiled the reason for his studio appearance, stating: “I’ve got to tell you the reason I’m here, because we’re doing a style of competition we’ve never done before.”

While speaking directly to viewers through the camera, Andi continued: “Listen carefully at home – this is the big bit. You can see it on screen now. £115,000. I do cash all the time, it’s a huge amount of money. Life-changing amount of money launching on television today.

“But if you win, they win. Because if you win that prize of £115,000, I’m going to give somebody you know £10,000. So, of course, you could give it to your friend, to your brother.”

Susanna, who appeared visibly astonished by the alteration, exclaimed: “Love it!”

Andi went on: “The winner [gets to] choose. You could choose your neighbour,” before turning to Ed: “You could choose Susanna.”

“We can’t enter,” Susanna then made clear.

Andi wrapped up: “It’s something new today. £115,000 up for grabs. But remember if you win, somebody else wins, because we’ll give them £10,000 too. You choose,” before competition details were displayed on screen. ITV audiences can discover more by visiting itv.com/win.

Elsewhere on today’s GMB, Susanna and Ed discussed the distressing new ITV drama Believe Me, which follows the victims of black cab rapist John Worboys. The programme also aired an exclusive interview with Australian pop legend Kylie Minogue.

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am

THE son of Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman scored a match-winning penalty to rescue his team from the threat of relegation.

Koeman Jr stepped up in the 88th minute to take the decisive penalty for SC Telstar against FC Volendam on Sunday.

And with his team-mates pinning all of their hopes on a goal, the goalkeeper blasted the ball into the bottom-right corner with ease.

The 30-year-old took his shirt off as he ran over to the travelling Telstar fans to celebrate.

Telstar went on to win 2-1 thanks to the late strike.

They had found themselves behind after the opening minute following an early strike from Anthony Descotte.

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However, Danny Bakker equalised on the brink of half-time before Koeman Jr netted the late winner.

The result saw Telstar move up to 14th in the Eredivisie table with 37 points, keeping them safe from relegation.

Had they lost to Volendam, they would have been forced to take part in a relegation play-off against third-placed Eerste Divisie side Willem II.

Koeman Jr said: “I think my father and mother are very proud. It was a tough time.

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“It was a rollercoaster, I took it once back in my youth, but I missed.

“I shot it in well, man, my heart rate was okay. I was first on the list and it was tense, but I hit the target.

“It was a tough year, but a great experience with the team. We will never forget this.”

Meanwhile, Telstar boss Anthony Correia suggested the goalkeeper should be awarded his own statue.

He said: “Ronald Koeman Jr is a legend. He deserves a statue. It’s really cool that he did it.

“The keeper can dive to the corner, but goodbye! He shot it so well.

“I’m normally not much of a drinker, but I am going to have a small beer now. They did a great job.

“This feels like a championship. I didn’t think we would get 37 points.”

Koeman Jr has been at Telstar since 2021 and has also played for TOP Oss and Almere City.

Meanwhile, his dad is currently manager of the Dutch national team.

The 63-year-old has also managed the likes of Barcelona, Everton, Southampton and Feyenoord.

RORY MCILROY appeared to say “shut the f*** up” to a heckler after trying to throw him off while taking a shot at the PGA Championship.

The reigning Masters champion was disappointed at Aronimink as he came seventh on four-under par.

McIlroy was five shots off eventual winner Aaron Rai after a poor start at the PGA Championship saw him tied 105 with an opening 74.

And he showed his frustration towards a fan who cried out while McIlroy was hitting a chip shot in the final round.

The Irishman watched his shot bounce into the sand after the heckler distracted him.

McIlroy was filmed turning around and telling the heckler “shut the f*** up”, before pointing his golf club at the culprit.

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He appeared to be directing security to remove the fan.

McIlroy was three shots off the lead at the time of the incident but he never managed to recover after his tricky start.

But he insisted he was still content with his performance in “tough” conditions.

He said: “Look, proud. Proud to give myself a chance today. You know, I dug myself out of a hole, which was great on Friday and Saturday, and then conditions were tough today.

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“I felt like I played the golf I needed to. It’s just there were three holes that I’ll rue — not birdie the two par fives, and then making bogey at the drivable par four, 13.

“Those three holes are what cost me a chance to win the tournament today. It might not have mattered.”

He also paid tribute to Rai, who became the first English winner of the major for 107 years.

McIlroy said: “Aaron obviously got to nine under there, and it’ll be great to see him win.

“There won’t be a more popular winner this year, I would say.

“But yeah, those three holes I’ll look back on, and you know that it could have been a different story if I had to play those a little bit better.”

Rai was emotional during the trophy presentation as he revealed what the sport meant to him.

He said: “Golf is an amazing game. It teaches you so many things, and it teaches you so much humility and discipline, and absolute hard work.

“Because nothing is ever given in this game, no matter what level you’re playing, no matter what course you’re playing on.

“So, I think it just teaches so many amazing life skills, and I think pretty much every guy on tour is an incredible person.

“And I think the sport should be very proud of the ambassadors that represent the PGA Tour and represent the PGA of America.”

Rugby is mourning the loss of Scott Hastings, who lost his wife less than two years ago in tragic circumstances

Tributes have poured in for Scotland rugby legend Scott Hastings as it emerged he died on what would have been his late wife’s birthday.

Hastings’ passing was announced on Sunday after a battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The tragic news came on what would have been wife Jenny’s 62nd birthday. Jenny went missing in the water at Wardie Bay in Edinburgh during the summer of 2024 after going for a swim. Her body was found in the area five days later on the couple’s wedding anniversary. She took her own life after a 20-year battle with depression.

After her death, Hastings would visit and swim in the bay where she vanished every week, bravely speaking about his loss as he fought his own health issues.

“When she was well, she was radiant and beautiful and outgoing,” he told the BBC last year. “But to see somebody suffer poor mental health was a challenge.

“The fact that we swim where she went for her final swim, it’s very reflective and resonant,” he said.

“I’m not disguising the fact that it’s tough sometimes.”

News of Hastings’ death has saddened the rugby world, with former Lions room-mate Brian Moore giving a heartfelt tribute on live TV during his final broadcast.

World Rugby said in a statement: “World Rugby is deeply saddened by the passing of Scotland great Scott Hastings.

“One of the defining players of his generation, Hastings represented Scotland across 65 test matches and played a pivotal role in the nation’s historic 1990 Grand Slam triumph. A British & Irish Lion and an iconic figure in the game, he was respected throughout world rugby for his leadership, passion and unwavering commitment on the field.

“Following his playing career, Hastings remained a valued voice within the sport, continuing to contribute to rugby through broadcasting and advocacy with the same authenticity and love for the game that defined his career.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, former teammates and the entire Scottish rugby community at this incredibly difficult time.

“Rest in peace, Scott Hastings.”

In 2022, Hastings revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving treatment for incurable non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

In a statement shared by Scottish Rugby, Hastings’ children Corey and Kerry-Anne confirmed that their father had passed away after “deteriorating extremely quickly” following complications with his treatment.

“We are saddened to inform you that Scott passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of Sunday 17 May,” the statement read.

“This also marked his late wife Jenny’s birthday which speaks louder than words that he is safe and with his beloved Jenny.

“Scott was undergoing cancer treatment and due to complications deteriorated extremely quickly. Despite every effort by the incredible team at the Western General ICU, he passed away peacefully and pain free.

“At this time, the family ask everyone to give them space to process and manage their energies and ask for their privacy to be respected,” Hastings’ children added.

“More information will be shared in due course to celebrate Scott’s incredible life.”

However, Teleware Ltd of Easingwold can continue trading as it was sold in a pre-pack administration sale to a London company.

The report, known as a statement of affairs, details the circumstances behind the business, which was founded in 1991 and entered administration in March, when it employed 25 staff.

The company, based on the Hawk Creative Business Park, made communications software and hosted communications services to some of the biggest firms in the UK, including British Airways, Barclays, Bank of England and Sainsbury’s.

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However, the report from administrators Redmond Nicholls Butler of Driffield,  said revenues from its hosted services were declining and a new product to complement the popular Microsoft Teams offering did not catch on with customers, leading to the company “generating losses on a monthly basis”.

Last December, Redmond Nicholls Butler were approached about a possible sale of the firm to preserve jobs and pay creditors. The director was unable to sell the firm and in February it was determined the administrator would have to find a quick buyer.

One was found, an unconnected party known as Charterhouse Voice & Data Ltd of London. The sale was for £90,000, with £50,000 paid upfront and the rest to be paid by September.

Some 15 staff were transferred to the new company and nine made redundant.

The ‘estimated statement of affairs’ report says Teleware Ltd had a balance of assets available to preferential creditors (namely staff) of £178,960. This compared to a book value of £3,645,842.

Much of this difference stems from loans and other debts owed to Teleware, but the administrators said there is little or no prospect of getting such loan money as these companies either have no assets or are insolvent.

The report said there was also £23,943 available to unsecured creditors, those who are last in line after staff and HMRC.

HMRC, which is classed as a secondary preferential creditor, to be paid after the staff and before suppliers who are owed money was itself owed £144,442.

Trade and other unsecured creditors are owed £389,003 and ‘connected creditors’ were owed a further £817,309.

Altogether, this meant that the former company had a total deficit of £1,388,853 with regards to unsecured creditors, who are unlikely to receive anything of what they are owed, the report added.

The preferential creditors (staff) have a ‘good’ prospect of getting some or all of their money back, whilst the prospects for HMRC were ‘uncertain’, the administrators report added. But this also depended on how much the company was able to get from those who owed money to it.

 Charterhouse, the new owners of Teleware, have commented on the takeover and what it means for the business.

By bringing Teleware’s specialist capabilities into Charterhouse, customers will benefit from enhanced AI technology integrated integrated with Microsoft Teams, they said.

It also means greater expertise in voice recording, compliance and regulated communications, plus accelerated innovation across unified communications, contact centre and collaboration

Charterhouse CEO Mike Wardell said on the Teleware website: “This acquisition is a natural fit for Charterhouse.

“Teleware’s visionary work in AI-driven customer experience perfectly complements our strategy, and our recent global recognition from both Microsoft and Zoom.

“Together, we are exceptionally well positioned to help organisations transform how they communicate, collaborate and serve their customers.”

These are your latest rugby headlines on Monday, May 18.

Rugby world stunned by tragic news

Tributes have poured in for Scottish rugby legend Scott Hastings following his death at the age of 61.

The 65-cap centre, who toured twice with the British and Irish Lions, passed away “peacefully and pain free” in hospital in Edinburgh on Sunday. He revealed in 2022 that he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and died following complications with his cancer treatment, having “deteriorated extremely quickly”.

The tragic news, which comes less than two years after Hastings’ wife Jenny passed away in tragic circumstances, has left the world of rugby in shock, with Scotland head coaches past and present paying tribute to the hugely popular former international.

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“Whatever jersey Scott wore, he just made it better,” said former Scotland and Lions boss Sir Ian McGeechan. “My association with Scott and his brother Gavin was always special for me because we came into the Scotland set-up, myself as coach, and Scott and Gavin as players, at the same time. We came in together and we grew together.

“I remember Scott on the Lions tours taking an absolute lead. He was so single-minded and determined about winning. He was very much your right-hand man, given what he did on the field.”

Scotland boss Gregor Townsend, a former teammate of Hastings, described him as an “iconic figure” in Scottish rugby, adding: “Scott always brought positivity and energy into everything he did from his playing career then into the past couple of decades as a widely travelled and respected commentator.

“His passing is a huge loss for Scottish rugby, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends. Rest in peace, Scott.”

Former Scotland international Kenny Logan said: “Scott was one of those guys who you could rely on to always put his hand up. His energy was incredible,” while Jim Hamilton described him as “one of life’s great men”.

Having found huge success as a broadcaster after his playing career, Hastings has also been remembered by ITV Sport, with the corporation “devastated” by the news.

ITV Director of Sport, Niall Sloane, added: “Scott was an exceptional rugby broadcaster and a dear colleague.

“Scott worked on every Rugby World Cup on ITV since 1999 and has been an important part of our team on the Six Nations. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Wales internationals call for change

Former Wales Women internationals Philippa Tuttiett and Sioned Harries have called for changes to be made after Sean Lynn’s side finished bottom of the Six Nations table for the third year in a row.

A 43-24 defeat to Italy in Cardiff on Sunday condemned Wales to their second successive whitewash in the tournament, having won just one of their 15 Tests in all competitions under Lynn, who joined as head coach last year.

The under-pressure Wales boss admitted after the full-time whistle that his side had not been good enough against the Italians, with a tough review set to follow another disappointing campaign.

But for Tuttiett and Harries, while there have some been some flashes of progression over the course of recent weeks, changes are not being made fast enough, with Wales’ rivals starting to leave them behind.

“[Lynn] genuinely does believe in this team and he knows they’re on a journey and he knows it is going to take time,” Tuttiett said while on punditry duty for the BBC at the Arms Park. “Equally it is hard after loss, after loss.

“Changes are being made, more progressions are happening, but they are not happening quick enough. Other teams in Six Nations are progressing. Other teams in World Rugby are progressing.

“It is going to be another difficult review of this campaign. Players left it all out there. You can never doubt that. But something has got to change.”

Agreeing, Harries added: “You talked about… they’re on a journey. How long does one team have to be on a journey for? How long are you on that journey? I feel, at this point, we’re running out of excuses possibly.

“We still have the same player group, we don’t have the pool of players available to us as other nations – they are developing at a quicker pace – but we have got experienced players. There was a combined 542 caps in the starting 15 today.

“For me, I imagine for both of us being frustrated former players, how long are we on a journey?”

Leicester seal play-off spot

By PA Sport

Leicester secured a place in the Gallagher PREM play-offs with an emphatic 47-33 bonus-point victory at Sale that left them a point behind second-placed Bath.

Geoff Parling’s Tigers are shaping up as major title contenders and had too much quality for a Sharks side whose top-four hopes have long since ended.

Leicester captain Ollie Chessum opened the scoring but England team-mate Tom Roebuck replied for Sale before Jamie Blamire added a second try for the visitors. Tigers number eight Joaquin Moro and Sale flanker Jacques Vermeulen traded tries and Joe Heyes added a fourth for the visitors who went in at half-time with a 28-12 advantage.

The try-fest continued after the break as Leicester ran in further scores from Will Wand, Ollie Hassell-Collins and Archie van der Flier before Sale rallied in the final quarter. They touched down through captain Ernst van Rhyn, Sam Dugdale and Arron Reed to secure a losing bonus point but Leicester departed with their first win at Sale since 2018.

Alex Sanderson’s hosts were boosted by the return of England back-rower Tom Curry and scrum-half Raffi Quirke for their penultimate home game of the season.

Leicester’s starting line-up was unchanged from the team that beat Northampton last weekend. Heyes made his 100th start for the club while Hamish Watson and Olly Cracknell both returned to the bench.

It took Leicester less than two minutes to open the scoring as flanker Hanro Liebenberg broke down the left flank and found Hassell-Collins who in turn sent Chessum racing over the line.

Former Sale fly-half James O’Connor added the conversion but Sale hit back in the ninth minute when Roebuck dived over from close range. George Ford could not convert and Leicester, with their big pack driving them forward, scored twice more as the first half unfolded.

The first of those came in the 14th minute when Blamire was driven over the line from close range and eight minutes later they struck again with another forward-based try, this time Moro touching down from close range. Orlando Bailey, who replaced the injured O’Connor early on, converted both tries to put Leicester 21-5 ahead.

But Sale replied on the half-hour when Quirke’s quick penalty tap created the space for Vermeulen to thunder his way over the line from close range and Ford added the conversion.

Heyes touched down from close range and Bailey converted to make it 28-12 at the break. Wand then dived for their fifth, Hassell-Collins scored in the left corner from Adam Radwan’s long pass and Van der Flier added their seventh from close range.

Yet Sale refused to throw in the towel and scored close-range efforts through Van Rhyn, Dugdale and Reed to grab a bonus point on a day when they were largely outclassed.

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