Sheridan Smith will star in ITV’s new six-episode thriller Two Birds, which is set in Australia

Viewers have expressed their excitement after ITV unveiled an “exhilarating mystery thriller” featuring Sheridan Smith.

Filmed on location in Australia, the six-part series Two Birds follows British Police Constable Izzie Cornwell (Sheridan), who relocates to the small fictional town of Dugdale following her recent bereavement, seeking a fresh beginning, reports the Mirror.

Her aim is to reconnect with her sister and restore her relationship with her 20-year-old daughter, who has been troubled by her mother’s recent destructive behaviour. However, she finds herself “tangled in murder, secrets, and a dangerous family”.

Gavin and Stacey star Sheridan said she was “thrilled to be playing the irresistibly complex Izzie Cornwell”. She described it as “a dream role for me, as Izzie, through no fault of her own, becomes embroiled in a web of secrets and lies”.

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Viewers were also delighted by ITV’s announcement, flooding social media with messages declaring they were “so excited”. “Sounds amazing,” remarked one person, while another praised the “legendary” cast.

“Best news ever!” one Instagram user wrote, with another forecasting: “This should be great.”

“Fab news,” a further fan commented. “Look forward to watching Sheridan,” another person said.

“I am so excited for this,” one viewer shared, while another observed: “This looks like this will be good. Sheridan Smith is a fantastic actress, whatever she does is amazing. Stephen Peacocke is a great actor too so I can’t wait to watch.”

ITV has released a summary for the series, which reveals that upon relocating to the isolated mining town, Izzie is tasked with probing a murder case alongside her new superior Matt (Stephen Peacocke).

Things ramp up when it’s discovered that the victim is connected to a notorious local crime family headed by the formidable Mrs Baxter (Judy Davis).

“Determined to protect her family and uncover the truth, Mrs Baxter exerts fierce pressure on the case,” it goes on.

“But the night before Izzie joins the case, one reckless last hurrah goes disastrously wrong and a split-second decision results in consequences Izzie can’t undo, forcing her into a secret she must do everything to contain.”

Two Birds will air on ITV and STV and will stream on ITVX and STV Player.

Seattle could regain an NBA team after the league’s board of governors voted to explore adding two expansion franchises, with Las Vegas the other potential location.

The Seattle Supersonics competed in the NBA from 1967 to 2008 before being relocated to Oklahoma City and renamed the Thunder after the franchise was bought by an Oklahoma-based group in 2006.

If the expansion is approved, it would increase the number of NBA teams from 30 to 32.

Las Vegas has not previously had an NBA team, but has two teams in the four major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada.

NHL side the Vegas Golden Knights were founded in the Nevada city as an expansion franchise in 2017, while the NFL’s Raiders moved there from Oakland in 2020.

MLB team the Athletics, previously based in Oakland and currently playing in Sacramento, will move to Las Vegas from the 2028 season.

Seattle hosts teams in three of the four major leagues – reigning NFL Super Bowl champions the Seahawks, MLB’s the Mariners and the NHL’s Kraken.

Six other Derry men are on trial on charges including rioting and throwing petrol bombs

Three men accused of the murder of Lyra McKee have been linked to the scene by clothing and physical features, a court has heard.

The 29-year-old died after being hit by a bullet as she stood close to police vehicles while observing rioting in the Creggan area of Derry on April 18 2019. The New IRA claimed responsibility for the death.

Three men from Derry – Peter Cavanagh, 37, of Mary Street, Jordan Gareth Devine, 25, of Bishop Street, and Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk – have been charged with her murder.

They are also facing other charges connected to the shooting and the rioting.

Six other Derry men are on trial on charges including rioting and throwing petrol bombs.

They are: Joseph Patrick Barr, 37, of Sandringham Drive, Jude Forest Coffey, 28, of Gartan Square, Joseph Anthony Campbell, 25, of Gosheden Cottages, Patrick Anthony Gallagher, 33, of John Field Place, Christopher Joseph Gillen, 45, of Balbane Pass, and Kieran George McCool, 57, of Ballymagowan Gardens.

Another man accused of rioting and throwing petrol bombs on the night of the murder died during trial proceedings last year.

The trial opened in May 2024. In February, Judge Patricia Smyth rejected a defence application that there was no case to answer.

Proceedings resumed at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday morning when defendants filled the dock as the prosecution summed up their case against them.

Ms McKee’s sister Nichola was among those in the public gallery watching on.

Prosecuting barrister David McDowell KC said forensic image analyst Andrew Wooller identified 19 individuals by height, build, clothing and trainers who appeared to be involved in the disorder.

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He said Cavanagh, Devine and McIntyre, as well as Campbell and Gillen, can be linked to the scene on April 18 by an analysis of imagery gathered, which includes footage filmed by an MTV crew on the day of the shooting.

Mr McDowell also contended that those involved in rioting in the area on April 16 and 18 “displayed forensic awareness” by burning clothing.

He noted a number of missing items of clothing associated with defendants that were not discovered during searches, nor have been produced since, suggesting, he added, that they had been “deliberately disposed of”.

He described this as an “important strand in this case”.

The trial continues.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Ahmed Ali Alid, 47, is accused of the attempted murder of Roderic Vassie in an incident at HMP Full Sutton on August 8 last year.

Westminster Magistrates Court heard Alid, a Moroccan national, is accused of having a knife and using it to “slice” the top of Mr Vassie’s head before attempting to stab him five times.

Alid is also accused of inflicting actual bodily harm on prison guard Sarah Mitchell on October 21 last year, after he had been moved to HMP Wakefield.

Alid, who was charged following a Counter Terrorism Policing North East investigation, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday to face the charges for the first time.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram sent the case to the Old Bailey for a hearing on April 17.

Alid, from Hartlepool, did not indicate any pleas to the charges of attempted murder, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon in a prison.

“The defendant was a serving prisoner at HMP Full Sutton,” set out prosecutor Sally-Anne Russell.

“The first incident is that, on August 8, he attacked the imam in the prison using a sharp weapon.”

She said it is alleged Alid “sliced the top of his head with the weapon and then attempted to stab him a further five times to the head and neck area”.

Ms Russell said the alleged attack on Ms Mitchell happened when she opened his cell door at HMP Wakefield.

Alid appeared for the court hearing on a videolink from HMP Wakefield and he remains in custody.

If you could pick anyone to take on Race Across The World with, who would it be?

Bearing in mind you’ll barely leave each other’s side for two months, share a bed, share trauma, be filmed almost 24/7 and be pushed to breaking point almost every single day.

Your in-law is probably at the very bottom of that list, but for Margo and Mark, there was no one else – even though they were, by their own admission, ‘effectively strangers’.

But they’d made a promise to Mark’s late wife and Margo’s sister Julia: after she died, they would somehow find a way to close the distance between them and even become friends.

What better way to fulfil that promise than racing 12,000 miles with no phone or credit card, from Palermo, Sicily, to Hatgal, a remote village in northern Mongolia?

‘We tolerated each other’

‘It was my idea to apply,’ Margo tells Metro. ‘I want to run away from domesticity and go on an adventure. I saw Race Across The World, and it just came into my mind, “Ask Mark.”

‘It’s the maddest thing because we’re just not someone you choose to go on a holiday with, let alone this kind of thing, but I just had this feeling it was the right thing to do. I asked him, and he said yes because Julia wanted us to be friends.’

Mark says: ‘It was her last dying wish… but also I wanted to experience the excitement of Race Across The World.’

Before Julia fell ill, Mark and Margo endured 37 years without understanding each other. Julia was the glue that brought them together, and without her, they would come undone.

‘We tolerated each other,’ Margo concedes. ‘I thought he was boring and judging me.’

Mark agrees: ‘I thought you were loud.’

‘I am loud, but also I’m a bit like water off a duck’s back – you can judge me, it’s not my concern. There was very much that dynamic between us. Then we did come together [when Julia got sick], and we were both doing our jobs very well, like me bringing all the good times to Julia, and Mark the medicines, making sure she kept to the appointments. We were a great tag team, but we both had very defined roles, and on the race, it’s different.’

The discomfort they have in each other’s company very quickly becomes apparent. On the first night, Margo tucks into bed and looks over to see Mark mummified in what he calls his ‘modesty cocoon’ – an unnecessarily protective sleeping bag to ensure the distance is well maintained all through the night.

Laughing, Margo explains: ‘We didn’t really know each other, we had preconceived ideas, the first few days there was a modesty cocoon and then it just became really comfortable.’

There are few – if any – shows where you’ll get more excitement than Race Across The World, and this course looks like the most ambitious one to date. The first episode opens with a shot of the final lap: a treacherous desert of snow for the remaining teams to wade through, with the £20,000 cash prize in sight.

Not giving too much away about the adventure that will unfold over the course of eight episodes this spring, Margo insists: ‘We’re older but not old, but wait until you see – no spoilers – but there is plenty of action with the older guys.’

The perfect alibi

But for Margo, getting to the starting line was an almighty task in itself, let alone even thinking about the finish.

‘I’m a carer for my mum, she’s 95, I’ve got a family, and I’ve got my job – to actually put things in place, that was my preparation. I couldn’t really think too much about the race, we were even having things done to our house so that people could stay with her while I was away, because I’m there every day.

‘When you’re a carer, you want to have a break, and carers deserve a break, but it’s emotional and practical, so it was a massive challenge in itself to get me to the start line, but a lot of people, family and friends, came and supported me. It literally took a whole village to get me to the start line.’

But Margo’s mother proved useful when it came to her cover story. Every player has to somehow slip away from their day-to-day life, have zero contact with family or friends for the entire time, and provide a plausible explanation.

‘I told my mum I was working away, and because she’s very creative, she made up this story that I was teaching hypnotherapy in Bournemouth! If I told her the truth, she would have forgotten she couldn’t tell anybody. She’s got some cognitive decline, so she made it the story, and she was very convincing.’

Mark was fortunate his son had unknowingly provided the perfect alibi. ‘He was going to Japan to study for a year, and it just coincided with three days before we left, so it was very convenient.’

Margo and Mark are one of five teams pushing themselves to limits they didn’t know existed, competing against best friends Jo and Kush, siblings Katie and Harrison, cousins Puja and Roshni, and father and daughter Molly and Andrew.

Race Across The World returns Thursday, April 2 at 9pm on BBC One.

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If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

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To decide on the best protein powder for you, it helps to ask: what are protein powders for? Protein is a nutrient needed all over the body to help build, repair and maintain tissue. It is made up of chains of amino acids, nine of which are termed “essential” since your body can’t make them itself.

For a healthy body, the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) is 0.75g of protein per kg of bodyweight per day. If you don’t typically eat many animal-based sources, protein powders can help you hit that target.

We tested 20 of the top protein powders on the market, including whey and vegan protein powders. You can read our full reviews below, as well as answers to frequently asked questions such as which is the healthiest, the best for weight loss and the best for building muscle. If you’re looking for something to take before exercise, read our guide to the best pre-workout supplements.

The best protein powders: At a glance

How to choose the best protein powder

Whey concentrate is the most common form and often the cheapest, according to Rachel Butcher, head of nutrition at Third Space. “It typically has low fat and cholesterol content but the protein levels can vary from 40 to 90 per cent depending on the brand,” she says. “If your goal is to build muscle, a whey concentrate with a higher protein content is probably the best to go for.”

Whey isolate is more refined and therefore more expensive. “Whey isolate is refined in a process that will remove the fat and the lactose from the compound,” says Butcher. “That makes it one of the leanest options, meaning it usually comprises of upwards of 90 per cent protein content.”

Whey hydrolysate is whey protein that’s been put through hydrolysis. “That is, the addition of water to allow for the protein to be broken down into its smaller building blocks,” Butcher explains. “This means it can be absorbed by the body much faster and at higher rates.” Needless to say, it’s on the costlier end of the scale.

Vegan protein powders are the fourth option. Pea, hemp, tofu and soy are popular sources of plant protein but there are plenty of other types like rice protein. “What’s key here isn’t just looking at the protein content, but the quality,” says Butcher. “You can tell that by looking at its essential amino acids – it’s ‘complete’ if it contains all nine. To achieve this, you’ll want a blend of at least two protein sources.”

How we test protein powders

Here’s a plot twist for you: the most exciting heavyweight in the world thinks he’s boring. And a spoiler: this weekend, Moses Itauma is likely to prove exactly why he is so exciting.

On Saturday, Itauma welcomes Jermaine Franklin to Manchester’s Co-op Live arena. It will not be a warm welcome. Itauma, 21, occasionally comes across as frosty – although he isn’t, deep down – and that’s purely from conversational experience. One dreads to consider the chill from staring him down in the ring.

But that will be Franklin’s position this weekend, as the 32-year-old American aims to pluck Itauma’s rising star straight out of the Manchester night sky. Franklin, to his credit, has only been beaten by Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, going the distance with both, yet Itauma needed just 119 seconds to dismantle Whyte in August.

That’s what we’re dealing with. A British talent who might’ve broken Mike Tyson’s record as the youngest world heavyweight champion, if not for the predictable politics of modern boxing. Yet when one hits as hard and fast as Itauma – and few do – they can take the politics out of the sport, to an extent. In other words: Itauma is coming for a world title. He is an ominous, looming threat.

Furthermore, he has his head screwed on in a way that is impressive for his age, at the risk of sounding condescending. “Of course,” he says, before adding with a smirk: “Maybe I’m just boring.”

This follows his confession that, after GQ’s Men Of The Year after-party last winter, he might’ve developed an aversion to such glitzy gatherings. And that might be for the best, when it comes to his career.

“I feel like I lost myself to find myself again,” he tells publications including The Independent. “When I was at these parties and whatnot… I know you’ve got to enjoy yourself, you’ve got to relax, but for me personally, I was like: ‘Ah, I’m not really doing my purpose.’ Boxing is my No 1, and when I was at these parties… obviously, it’s great, it’s fun to be around new people and XYZ, but I almost had the element of ‘I need to get back in the gym’.”

So, save the parties for retirement? “Exactly. It got a lot of my friends; a lot of them could’ve been something, but they got caught up in the party life. Even if you ask my amateur trainers, all of them said I wasn’t the talented-est, I didn’t hit the hardest, but I kind of had the consistency to stay on, whereas everyone else went to parties. So when I was at these parties, I was like: ‘I don’t want to get caught up in that cycle.’”

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Such events are superfluous distractions, as is social media, according to Itauma, who displays an unusual comfort with living a life atypical for a 21-year-old.

“I don’t have social media,” he says. “A lot of people, they spend too much time on it, and I was one of those people. At one point, I was just like: ‘I’ve got too much stress on my mind, too much going on,’ so I deleted it last year. I might go on for like 10-15 minutes to reply to people and post whatever I’ve got to post – media or sponsor obligations – but I haven’t been on Insta[gram] for, like, two days now.”

So, he doesn’t get sucked in by comments, as so many people do? “I used to, but I don’t even have comments turned on 1774461797. You’ve got to realise: social media isn’t social media, it’s yourself. It picks up on things you’re interested in and mirrors it back to you, so you’re not distracted by social media, you’re distracted by yourself. I just didn’t want that distraction any more.”

The willingness to sacrifice such underestimated vices is admirable, yet Itauma said in late 2024, “I never feel the happy sides of my life,” which felt a concern. Or it would, but he has changed since then.

“When you start achieving a little bit of success, you start to see value in the relationships you have,” he says. “I started realising that my bond with my family became more strong and more important, and then the ones that weren’t so much, they kind of just dropped out. Then everyone’s like: ‘Ah, you’ve changed.’ I’m supposed to; my whole life has changed, I’m not supposed to stay a caterpillar.”

It’s the most poignant moment in the conversation, and another example of Itauma’s introspective side – a side that his promoter, Frank Warren, has noticed.

Warren has noticed the change in Itauma, too. “He’s become a little bit more outgoing,” the Queensberry boss tells The Independent. “He was very much an introvert, but once he warms to you, he’s got a good sense of humour. He’s got a good head on his shoulders, and he’s matured not just physically but mentally.”

Warren, 74, also speaks of feeling a paternal responsibility for the 21-year-old. “Very much so. We sponsored him when he was young, and he turned pro with us as soon as he could. Obviously, it’s difficult, because he’s training and I’m here, there and everywhere, but we speak, we had breakfast a couple of weeks ago. I’ve got a lot of time for him. I think he’s gonna be a great ambassador for British boxing, world boxing… He’s a really grounded, sensible guy, and he loves what he’s doing; he’s quite a student of boxing, he watches a lot of other fights, and he’s got a plan.”

Most importantly, though, “He can fight!” Warren has been aware of that since Itauma was a teenager, arriving at gyms in his school uniform before sparring and – at least once – getting the better of one of the promoter’s heavyweights.

“I thought, ‘Bloody hell,’” Warren recalls. “I couldn’t make out who it was who had the head guard on, and when they told me who it was, I nearly fell through the floor. I won’t say who, because I don’t want to embarrass him, but that’s when we started sponsoring Moses.”

That was the very beginning, yet Itauma is still just getting started.

Itauma vs Franklin will stream live exclusively on DAZN worldwide. You can purchase a DAZN subscription here

​Tamby Seeneevassen’s plan to create two flats at the lower ground and first floor, alongside a café, at 67-69, Castle Road in Scarborough have been rejected over concerns about fire safety and the size of the proposed flats.

​The proposed lower-ground flat would have been accessed via an existing side door on Silver Street and the proposed first-floor flat would have been accessed from the front of the café.

​Officers said that the absence of private access to the first-floor flat would be a “wholly unacceptable arrangement which would not allow for a secure or reasonable access”.

​The council’s housing team objected to the scheme over concerns about the flats’ fire safety and the size of the rooms and windows.

​The officer said: “I am concerned that the level of natural light and ventilation to the living room of the basement flat will be inadequate.

​“The minimum window area should equate to 10 per cent of the floor area, with at least 50 per cent of that window area being openable.

​“The proposed first-floor flat does not meet the minimum floor area for a single-person, one-bedroomed flat as prescribed by the National Space Standards, which would be 37m2. “

​Three members of the public also objected to the plans, citing concerns about “excessive odour from the café’s kitchen into the residential flats and excessive noise from the café”.

​However, planners noted that the council’s environmental health department had requested a pre-commencement condition for the provision of a noise and ventilation scheme “which would prevent harmful effects on these neighbours”.

​North Yorkshire Council concluded that the proposal would “fail to provide a satisfactory level of safety, space, light, ventilation, adequate fire escape and overall amenity, resulting in an unsafe and cramped living conditions to the detrimental harm of future occupants”.

​The application was refused by North Yorkshire Council.

​

North Yorkshire Police said they have received reports from members of the public that people are stopping on the A64 near York to leave flowers, cards and messages following the death of a 19-year-old local man at the weekend.

A spokesperson said: “We, along with the family of the man who sadly died following a collision on the A64 on Saturday evening, are urging well-wishers to put their own safety, and that of other road users first when laying flowers at the scene.

“We have received reports from members of the public that people stopping on the roadside to leave flowers, cards and messages were placing themselves at risk of being struck by passing vehicles.

“The fatal collision happened on the eastbound carriageway of the A64 between Grimston Bar and the Hopgrove Roundabout at around 9.40pm on Saturday 21 March.

“Sadly, a 19-year-old local man, who was a pedestrian, died from his injuries. Our thoughts continue to be with his loved ones at this difficult time.

“Those who wish to pay their respects are now asked to use the designated area underneath the A64 at What3Words location: apron.bucket.stored, rather than stopping on the A64. The new location is shown in the photographs and we also ask you to please take care if you attend the new location.”

The spokesperson said any flowers or tributes previously placed on the carriageway have also been moved to this location.

“As our investigation into the circumstances of the collision progresses, we continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward if they have not yet spoken to us.

“We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen a man on foot near Grimston Bar or the A64 that night.

“If you can assist our investigation, please email mcit@northyorkshire.police.uk, or call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and speak to the Major Collision Investigation Team.

“Please quote reference 12260050942 when passing information.”

The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world

These are your evening rugby headlines on Wednesday, March 25.

Welsh sides agree short-term deal

Scarlets have signed Dragons hooker George Roberts on a short-term loan deal.

Interim director of rugby Nigel Davies is without hookers Ryan Elias and Marnus van der Merwe for his side’s trip to Dublin to face Leinster in the United Rugby Championship on Friday after the duo suffered head knocks against Zebre last week.

With Elias and van der Merwe going through return-to-play concussion protocols, Roberts joined up with the west Wales side this week to provide cover amid the absences.

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The 28-year-old joined the Dragons from English Championship side Doncaster Knights in December and has since played four times for Filo Tiatia’s side.

One of those appearances saw the front rower – who hails from Wrexham – come off the bench to score a try as his side beat Scarlets 28-5 on New Year’s Day.

Confirming the short-term deal on Wednesday, Scarlets thanked the Dragons “for their assistance in allowing George to link up with the squad this week.”

Before moving to Rodney Parade, Roberts spent five seasons with Doncaster, having also represented Wrexham RFC and RGC.

Tributes pour in after Wales star’s announcement

Liam Williams has been flooded with tributes after the Wales and British & Irish Lions full-back announced his retirement from rugby.

The 34-year-old called time on his international career in January but has now decided to hang up his boots altogether after struggling with a recurring knee injury in recent years.

Williams won 93 caps for Wales, scoring 21 tries and winning two Six Nations titles, while he also played at three Rugby World Cups and toured twice with the British & Irish Lions.

At club level, he won the Pro12 title with the Scarlets and both the Premiership and Champions Cup with Saracens, while he also had stints with Cardiff and Japanese side Kubota Spears before joining Newcastle Red Bulls at the start of the season.

Announcing his retirement in an Instagram post on Wednesday afternoon, an emotional Williams said it was “the right time” to step away, with a “new chapter about to begin”. You can read his announcement in full here.

Tributes have since poured in for the Wales icon from former team-mates and clubs, with a comment from the official Newcastle Red Bulls account reading: “It’s been a pleasure having you with us, Sanj. Congrats on an incredible career.”

Wales and Exeter lock Dafydd Jenkins wrote “Goat [Greatest Of All Time]” while Ospreys front rower Gareth Thomas said: “Legend! Congrats on a class career my guy.”

A post from the Welsh Rugby Union read: “Diolch Liam & congratulations on an incredible career,” while Cardiff wrote: “Diolch Liam!” and the Scarlets said: “What a career. Congratulations Sanj, Scarlets legend.”

Ireland and former Scarlets star Tadhg Beirne wrote: “Congrats Sanj! Was a pleasure my man. Serious career,” while Wales centre Nick Tompkins added: “What a boy. Good work spaghetti.”

Welsh back-rower Aaron Wainwright wrote: “Class Sanj” and prop Dillon Lewis said: “What a man,” while England international Courtney Lawes added “Hell of a shift brotha”.

Scotland star departs

Scotland lock Jonny Gray has left Bordeaux-Begles with immediate effect, joining fellow Top 14 side Perpignan until the end of the season.

A statement issued by Bordeaux on Wednesday said that the move had been made at the request of the 32-year-old second row, whose deal at the club expires at the end of the season.

Gray will swap places with fly-half Hugo Reus, who was meant to leave Perpignan for Bordeaux in the summer but will now make the move earlier than originally planned.

The 22-year-old joined Perpignan in December but will now provide midfield cover for Bordeaux duo Joey Carbery and Nicolas Nicolas Depoortère, who have suffered ACL and shoulder injuries respectively.

Gray will also provide cover in the Perpignan engine room, which has lost his Scotland teammate Jamie Ritchie after he fractured his leg against England in the Six Nations.

He will try to keep the Top 14 strugglers from relegation, with Perpignan 12 points clear of bottom side Montauban but still facing the prospect of facing the Pro D2 runners-up in an ‘access match’ play-off at the end of the season.

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