The Republic of Ireland are third in their group, but their fate remains in their own hands as they face the two teams above them – taking on the Netherlands in Cork on Friday (19:30) before travelling to France for their final fixture on Tuesday (20:00).
Win both and the Republic of Ireland will seal a place at the World Cup – for only the second time in their history – regardless of results elsewhere.
As Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are in League B, however, the picture is slightly different.
The best they can achieve is a play-off place by finishing in the top three – a position both have already secured with two games to spare.
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Scotland are in top spot before back-to-back fixtures with Israel on Friday (17:00) and Tuesday (18:00).
Meanwhile, Wales are second in their group on goal difference behind Czech Republic whom they host on Tuesday (18:00), after travelling to Montenegro on Friday (17:00).
Finally, Northern Ireland need a point from their final games in Turkey (Friday, 18:00) and at home to Switzerland (Tuesday, 18:00) to secure a play-off berth.
Reaching the play-offs extends hope of making the World Cup, but teams will still have to navigate two rounds in the autumn to get to Brazil.
Venezuela Fury’s wedding hairdresser has opened up about working with the family
A hairdresser who styled Venezuela Fury for her extravagant wedding has spoken fondly of the family, calling them “absolutely lovely” and “down to earth”.
Lynsey Austin, who runs LA Salon in Wrexham, was brought in just weeks before the ceremony after being requested to produce the elaborate finger-wave hairstyle desired by Tyson Fury‘s daughter for her special day.
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She told the BBC: “The Fury family were absolutely lovely. They were so down to earth. It was just like going to meet a friend. They were brilliant.”
Lynsey disclosed she initially got a telephone call from a Chester-based beauty firm about two weeks before the wedding, enquiring whether she could replicate the vintage hairstyle Venezuela had envisaged. Following a demonstration of her capabilities, she was asked to meet the family and landed the job.
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Despite approaching two decades in the profession and past celebrity bookings, Lynsey said working with Venezuela was the most significant assignment of her career.
She said: “I’ve had one or two celebrity clients before, but this was definitely the main person I’ve ever done.”
The wedding demanded an enormous dedication from the Wrexham-based stylist, who worked deep into the night preparing the bride’s hair before returning in the early hours to put the finishing touches to the look ahead of the ceremony.
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“I was literally running on an hour and a half of sleep, but the adrenaline of the day keeps you going,” she said.
Although she was not present at the ceremony itself, Lynsey later watched footage online and admitted she was moved by the finished result. She said: “I felt like I was going to cry because she just looked so stunning.”
The wedding sparked considerable interest, with Lynsey’s own posts from the occasion drawing millions of views. She revealed the exposure had already made a significant difference to her business, prompting a wave of new enquiries and bookings.
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Venezuela, 16, wed Price at the Victorian Royal Chapel of St John’s on the Isle of Man. While the minimum age for marriage in England and Wales was raised to 18 in 2023, marriage remains legally permitted at 16 on the Isle of Man with parental consent.
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Leinster welcome the DHL Stormers to the Aviva Stadium in a huge URC semi-final, with a Grand Final place on the line, major injury concerns on both sides and a fascinating recent history between two of the competition’s heavyweight teams.
The Big Match Story
The BKT United Rugby Championship has reached the serious end of the season and Saturday’s semi-final at the Aviva Stadium is loaded with pressure, history and opportunity.
For Leinster, this is about more than simply reaching another final. After another painful Champions Cup ending, the URC has become the trophy they must deliver. They have the home advantage, the squad depth, the knockout experience and the bookmakers’ confidence, but they also have the burden of expectation.
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For the DHL Stormers, this is a chance to produce one of the great away wins in their URC history. They have beaten Leinster before, including a remarkable 35-0 victory in Cape Town earlier this season, but winning at the Aviva Stadium in a semi-final is a very different challenge.
“Leinster have the stronger squad, the better home record and the market confidence. The Stormers have the recent head-to-head warning sign that makes this dangerous.”
The bookmakers have made Leinster overwhelming favourites at 1/10, with the Stormers priced at 13/2. The handicap is set at 14 points, which suggests the market expects Leinster to win with a degree of comfort. However, the Stormers’ recent record in this fixture means this is not quite as simple as the odds suggest.
Match Officials
Hollie DavidsonReferee, SRU – 29th game
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Sam Grove-WhiteAssistant Referee, SRU
Adam JonesAssistant Referee, WRU
Mike AdamsonTMO, SRU
Hollie Davidson takes charge of the semi-final, assisted by Sam Grove-White and Adam Jones, with Mike Adamson on TMO duty. In a game where the breakdown, scrum and defensive line speed will be central, the officiating interpretation could have a major influence on momentum.
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Key Match Stats
2ndLeinster League Finish
3rdStormers League Finish
+145Leinster Points Difference
+160Stormers Points Difference
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Category
Leinster
DHL Stormers
League Position
2nd
3rd
Played
18
18
Wins
12
12
Draws
0
1
Losses
6
5
Points Difference
+145
+160
League Points
63
60
Quarter-Final Result
Leinster 59-10 Lions
Stormers 44-21 Cardiff
Top Try Scorer
Joshua Kenny – 9
Evan Roos – 12
Top Points Scorer
Sam Prendergast – 75
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 169
The numbers show why this semi-final is so intriguing. Leinster finished above the Stormers by three league points, but the South Africans finished with the better points difference. Both sides won 12 of their 18 regular-season matches, with the Stormers drawing once and losing one fewer game than Leinster.
“The standings say Leinster are favourites. The points difference says the Stormers are not here by accident.”
URC Historical Record
Leinster URC Record
P
W
Win %
L
D
505
362
71.68%
129
14
DHL Stormers URC Record
P
W
Win %
L
D
105
66
62.86%
33
6
Leinster’s long-term URC record remains exceptional, with 362 wins from 505 matches and a win rate of 71.68%. The Stormers’ record since joining the competition is also impressive, with 66 wins from 105 matches and a 62.86% win rate.
That gives this fixture a proper heavyweight feel. Leinster have the long-term pedigree. The Stormers have built one of the strongest records of the South African franchises since entering the URC.
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Recent Form
Leinster URC Form
Date
Opponent
Venue
Result
F
A
27 Mar 2026
Scarlets
Aviva Stadium
Won
36
19
17 Apr 2026
Ulster
Affidea Stadium
Won
29
21
25 Apr 2026
Benetton Rugby
Stadio Monigo
Lost
26
29
09 May 2026
Fidelity SecureDrive Lions
Aviva Stadium
Won
31
7
16 May 2026
Ospreys
Aviva Stadium
Won
68
14
30 May 2026
Fidelity SecureDrive Lions
Aviva Stadium
Won
59
10
Stormers URC Form
Date
Opposition
Venue
Result
F
A
28 Mar 2026
Edinburgh Rugby
DHL Stadium
Won
33
14
18 Apr 2026
Connacht
DHL Stadium
Lost
24
33
25 Apr 2026
Glasgow Warriors
DHL Stadium
Won
48
12
08 May 2026
Ulster
Affidea Stadium
Draw
38
38
15 May 2026
Cardiff Rugby
Cardiff Arms Park
Lost
16
22
30 May 2026
Cardiff Rugby
DHL Stadium
Won
44
21
Leinster have won five of their last six URC matches, scoring 249 points across that run. Their last three home URC fixtures at the Aviva have produced wins by 24, 54 and 49 points, which explains why the handicap has landed at two converted tries.
The Stormers have been less consistent, but their best rugby has been devastating. Their 48-12 win over Glasgow Warriors and 44-21 quarter-final win over Cardiff showed the power and attacking rhythm they can produce when they get front-foot ball.
Major Historical Angles
This is Leinster’s fourth successive BKT United Rugby Championship semi-final appearance.
Leinster’s only victory in those previous three semi-finals was their 37-19 win over Glasgow Warriors last year.
Leinster have twice met South African opposition at this stage, losing to the Vodacom Bulls at the RDS Arena in June 2022 and at Loftus Versfeld in June 2024.
Leinster have not been beaten at the Aviva Stadium in the URC since Munster won there in May 2023.
Leinster have won all seven URC matches against South African opposition at the Aviva Stadium.
This is the Stormers’ third URC semi-final, having won their previous two at DHL Stadium against Ulster in 2022 and Connacht in 2023.
The Stormers’ only previous semi-final outside South Africa ended in a 27-16 defeat to the Crusaders in Super Rugby in 2004.
The Stormers have visited Ireland ten times and won just twice: 16-12 over Connacht in May 2024 and 27-21 over Munster in November 2025.
The sides have met five times, with Leinster’s only win coming in the only previous meeting at the Aviva Stadium, 36-12 in January 2025.
“The Stormers have the better recent head-to-head record, but Leinster have the Aviva factor. Seven wins from seven against South African opposition at the venue is the stat the home side will lean on.”
Head-To-Head Meetings
Date
Match
Venue
Home
Away
30 April 2022
DHL Stormers v Leinster Rugby
DHL Stadium
20
13
24 March 2023
Leinster Rugby v DHL Stormers
RDS Arena
22
22
27 April 2024
DHL Stormers v Leinster Rugby
DHL Stadium
42
12
25 January 2025
Leinster Rugby v DHL Stormers
Aviva Stadium
36
12
26 September 2025
DHL Stormers v Leinster Rugby
DHL Stadium
35
0
The Stormers hold the stronger recent record in this fixture, with three wins, one draw and one defeat from the five URC meetings. However, the location changes the conversation. Leinster won the only Aviva Stadium meeting 36-12 and have been extremely difficult to beat at the venue.
Top Scorers
Leinster Top Try Scorers 25/26
Player
Tries
Joshua Kenny
9
Scott Penny
6
Jimmy O’Brien
5
Tommy O’Brien
5
Stormers Top Try Scorers 25/26
Player
Tries
Evan Roos
12
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
10
Paul de Villiers
7
Ntuthuko Mchunu
6
Leinster Top Points Scorers 25/26
Player
Points
Sam Prendergast
75
Harry Byrne
67
Joshua Kenny
45
Scott Penny
30
Ciaran Frawley
27
Stormers Top Points Scorers 25/26
Player
Points
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
169
Jurie Matthee
86
Evan Roos
60
Paul de Villiers
35
Ntuthuko Mchunu
30
The loss of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is enormous in this context. He is not just the Stormers’ top points scorer; he is also second on their try-scoring list. Removing a player with 169 points and 10 tries from a semi-final team changes everything about the attacking threat.
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Injury News
The biggest pre-match blow belongs to the Stormers, who are without star fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and explosive winger Seabelo Senatla.
Stormers blow: Feinberg-Mngomezulu has scored 169 points and 10 tries this season. Losing him removes their leading points scorer, their main attacking organiser and one of the most dangerous individual players in the competition.
Leinster, however, are not without problems of their own. Joe McCarthy, Dan Sheehan, Tommy O’Brien, Rónan Kelleher, Garry Ringrose, Tadhg Furlong and Jordan Larmour are all listed as doubtful, while several others are ruled out.
Leinster Doubtful
Joe McCarthyDan Sheehan Tommy O’BrienRónan Kelleher Garry RingroseTadhg Furlong Jordan Larmour
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Leinster Out
Ryan BairdJack Boyle Will ConnorsHugh Cooney RG SnymanCharlie Tector Paddy McCarthy
“If Leinster get enough of their doubtful players through the fitness tests, they should have too much. If not, the Stormers’ power game becomes far more relevant.”
Five Key Battles
1. Sam Prendergast v Jurie Matthee
This is the control battle. Prendergast leads Leinster’s points scoring with 75 and must keep the home side in the right areas. Matthee has 86 points this season and now carries extra responsibility with Feinberg-Mngomezulu absent.
2. Josh van der Flier v Evan Roos
Roos has scored 12 tries this season and gives the Stormers enormous carrying power. Leinster must stop him before he gets over the gainline.
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3. Leinster Scrum v Stormers Power
If Tadhg Furlong is fit, Leinster will fancy their set-piece platform. If he is absent or limited, the Stormers will look to turn the scrum into a pressure point.
4. Hugo Keenan v Warrick Gelant
Keenan offers control, positioning and defensive reliability. Gelant brings unpredictability and counter-attacking danger. One mistake in the backfield could be decisive.
5. Leinster Bench v Stormers Bench
Leinster often break games open after 50 minutes. If their bench brings the expected impact, that is where the handicap may be covered.
How Leinster Can Win
Leinster’s route to victory is clear: win territory, squeeze the Stormers set-piece, force them to play from deep and apply relentless defensive pressure. Without Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the Stormers may not have the same ability to turn half-chances into seven-point moments.
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Fast defensive line speed Set-piece accuracy Prendergast territory kicking Breakdown pressure Bench impact
How The Stormers Can Win
The Stormers cannot afford a slow, controlled arm-wrestle. Leinster are too comfortable in that type of game at the Aviva. The visitors need tempo, turnovers and a match that becomes emotionally uncomfortable for the home side.
Keep it close after 50 minutes Win the aerial battle Create breakdown chaos Get Evan Roos involved early Punish Leinster errors
Why The Handicap Is 14 Points
Reason
Handicap Impact
Leinster have won their last three home URC fixtures by 24, 54 and 49 points.
Supports Leinster -14
Stormers are without Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Reduces their attacking ceiling
Leinster have won all seven URC matches against South African opposition at the Aviva Stadium.
Major home advantage angle
Stormers have won just two of ten visits to Ireland.
Concern for away underdog
Stormers beat Leinster 35-0 earlier this season.
Warning against overconfidence
“The number is big, but Leinster’s recent Aviva margins explain it. The danger is that the Stormers have enough power to make this much tighter than the market expects.”
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Betting Odds
Leinster1/10
Draw25/1
Stormers13/2
Leinster -1410/11
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Handicap Draw19/1
Stormers +1410/11
The match odds offer little value unless used in multiples. The more interesting market is the handicap. Leinster -14 is aggressive but understandable given their home scoring power, the Stormers’ injury list and Leinster’s seven-from-seven Aviva record against South African opposition.
The Stormers have enough quality to make this awkward. Their recent head-to-head record against Leinster deserves respect, Evan Roos is a massive threat and their points difference across the season shows they are a genuine top-three side.
However, the Aviva Stadium factor is huge. Leinster are unbeaten there in the URC since Munster’s win in May 2023 and have won all seven URC fixtures against South African opposition at the venue. Add in the loss of Feinberg-Mngomezulu and the balance tips strongly towards the home side.
The likely pattern is Stormers staying competitive for 40 to 50 minutes before Leinster’s pressure, bench and territorial control begin to tell.
SportsNewsIreland Prediction
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Leinster 34-17 DHL Stormers
Leinster to win, cover the 14-point handicap and move into the URC Grand Final.
Marcus Rashford looks set to return to Manchester United this summer after spending the season on loan with Barcelona
Marcus Rashford has been told by Manchester United legend Paul Scholes that signing for Arsenal would be a ‘great’ move. The forward has spent the past season on loan at Barcelona.
The Catalan club hold an option to sign him permanently for £26 million this summer, though this appears unlikely to materialise. Barcelona completed the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle last week.
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This leaves Rashford and United exploring other possibilities. Arsenal have been mentioned as a potential destination, as Mikel Arteta’s side look to defend their Premier League title next season. Former United midfielder Scholes believes it would be a positive move for all involved.
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Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football, he said: “Barcelona have a deal in place to buy him but I think they’re trying to get him cheaper.
“That [Arsenal] would be a great move, a great move for both parties. I think Arsenal would be a great move for him and the club.”
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On the prospect of Rashford returning to Old Trafford, Scholes is doubtful that either party would welcome such an outcome.
“No, it very rarely happens, a big player like that going to a big club and then coming back,” he said.
“They very rarely come back and I don’t think United will really want him back.”
Rashford is with the England squad as they gear up for this summer’s World Cup in North America. He’s set to rejoin United before the new campaign begins, but the club are keen to offload him during the transfer window.
Arsenal are anticipated to be in the market for a new left-sided player this summer. Mikel Arteta currently has Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard as his options on the left flank.
This season, Rashford netted 14 goals and registered 14 assists in 49 matches across all competitions for Barcelona.
He spent the latter half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, where he found the net four times and contributed six assists in 17 outings.
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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Former England batter Mark Butcher has questioned Jofra Archer‘s unavailability for England’s first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, saying he cannot understand why one of the country’s premier fast bowlers is not involved despite a successful IPL campaign and a limited home Test schedule.While much of the discussion surrounding England’s team selection has focused on Ben Stokes‘ decision to bat at number seven, Butcher reserved some of his strongest comments for Archer’s absence from the squad.Archer arrives on the back of an outstanding IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals, where he played a major role in the franchise’s run to Qualifier 2. The fast bowler finished third in the Purple Cap standings after claiming 25 wickets in 16 matches and was widely regarded as one of the standout bowlers of the tournament.Despite those performances, Archer will not feature in the opening Test at Lord’s, a decision that left Butcher perplexed.“I do not understand why you would have an asset that you pay an enormous amount of money to, and you’re not expecting them to show up and be a 12th man. I just don’t get it.”The former England batter said he struggled to find any justification for Archer not being available, particularly given the limited number of Tests England will play this summer.“I’m baffled, and I also wish I were playing now. I can’t understand it. I can’t understand how there is a justification for it.”Butcher clarified that his frustration was not directed at Archer himself, but rather at the broader situation surrounding the fast bowler’s availability.“My point is I’m not slagging off Jofra Archer, I’m just in disbelief. There are only six Test matches in the summer; if you don’t play the first two, then there are four left.”England begin their three-match series against New Zealand at Lord’s on Thursday before travelling to The Oval for the second Test on June 17 and Trent Bridge for the final match on June 25.The debate over Archer’s absence comes at a time when England are seeking to carefully manage their fast-bowling resources. However, Butcher believes a player of Archer’s quality should be involved whenever possible, particularly after demonstrating excellent rhythm and fitness throughout the IPL season.Archer’s absence from the Lord’s Test did not come as a complete surprise given that he played the entirety of Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2026 campaign, which stretched all the way to Qualifier 2. Nevertheless, Butcher believes England should have found a way to involve one of their premier fast bowlers, especially with only six home Tests scheduled this summer.Alongside his comments on Archer, Butcher also questioned England captain Ben Stokes’ decision to move down to number seven in the batting order.“Why does he need to drop down to seven? I don’t understand it. I wonder whether that’s a move because Stokes has decided, I’m our best bowler, I’m going to take the new ball, which would not be the maddest thing in the world at all. That to me is a viable and valid option as far as the guys we’ve got.”Butcher suggested Stokes could instead follow a role similar to that performed by Ian Botham during his playing days.“I’m thinking a very long way back to the eighties when Beefy (Ian Botham) bestrode the earth, and quite often he would bat five and open the bowling in the Test team. He was in the thick of everything. Always. I would rather see Ben at six and get back to his very best with the bat.”For now, though, it is Archer’s absence that continues to puzzle Butcher, who believes England are leaving out one of their most valuable assets despite his excellent form and the relatively short Test programme ahead.
Snowboarding made its Winter Olympics debut in Nagano 1998 with halfpipe and giant slalom.
Riders competed against the clock before the head-to-head parallel giant slalom version on identical, side-by-side courses was introduced four years later in Salt Lake City.
Three-time Winter Olympian Alex Payer said: “PGS is one of the only formats where everything is truly equal – same course, same conditions, same start, same chance. That fairness is rare in sport.
“If you take it out of the Olympic programme, you take away one of the purest expressions of competition we have.”
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Among the sports bidding to replace them in the programme for the Games, which are scheduled for 1-17 February 2030, are freeriding and ice climbing.
Freeriding allows skiers and snowboarders to choose their own off-piste course from top to bottom and also perform tricks as they descend.
They are judged on elements of their descent including the difficulty of the course, jumps and performance.
In ice climbing, competitors climb up a frozen waterfall or glaciers with a speed version favourite for inclusion.
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There had been speculation that cyclo-cross would be also be aiming for inclusion but last month IOC president Kirsty Coventry said that “no summer sports and no seasonal crossover events” would be part of the programme.
Despite the inclusion of uncapped teenagers Braiden Graham and Ceadach O’Neill making headlines, O’Neill added that he is “not putting any expectation” on either player.
Graham has been included after scoring 22 goals in 31 appearances for Everton’s under-21 side, while O’Neill impressed in Arsenal’s academy.
However, neither have made a senior appearance at their clubs despite featuring on the bench.
“We’re not putting any expectation on these lads that are here,” O’Neill continued.
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“They’ve been in our underage system. They’re still yet to play first team football with their respective clubs, but they’re obviously both at big clubs.
“The next phase for them, the next two or three years is very important. That 18 to 21 period in their career will determine a lot of whether they come through at their respective clubs or whether they go through the loan period.
“A lot of variables in there, but we’re here to let them know that they’re very much in our plans.”
NI face Guinea in Spain on 4 June before travelling to take on France four days later in their final match before the World Cup.
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Guinea are ranked 10 places below Northern Ireland in the Fifa rankings with the sides set to meet for the first time in their history.
O’Neill added that they have “done the same level of work that we would try to do in a competitive game” despite footage being hard to access.
“The footage is not as readily accessible, but we know that they’re a team that most of their players are obviously connected to European clubs and they play at different levels throughout Europe,” he added.
“We know that a lot of their players will have come through the French system as well.
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“So, we know it will be a tough game against an athletic team [with] a relatively new coach as well, a Portuguese coach, so we know that it will be a tough test.”
Miami’s Mario Cristobal had the Hurricanes on the brink of a national championship last year.
Has he shaken off the label of being a poor in-game manager as a head coach?
On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin and ‘Locked On The Portal’ host Brian Smith discuss the best recruiting coaches in the country.
Curt Cignetti not being on the list is very telling.
Cal has made recruiting splashes in the ACC as Tosh Lupoi has hit the ground running.
Thomas Dunn, an expert on all things Cal Golden Bears, joins to break down the latest news.
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00:00 Brian’s top 10 college football coaches 03:35 Evaluating Mario’s coaching performance 16:25 Following a coaching legend 20:11 Tosh Lupoi’s recruiting impact 21:28 California recruiting and changes 26:13 Cal’s recruiting potential 27:13 Ron Rivera’s commitment to the Bears
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Last year’s Vikings season went up in smoke primarily due to the subpar quarterback play the trio of passers provided throughout the year. Unsurprisingly, the most important task this offseason was to add some oomph to the quarterback room. Kyler Murray arrived in March to shake up the depth chart and either replace or push young signal-caller J.J. McCarthy.
Just two years after his draft day and just one year after his rise to the QB1 spot, McCarthy is caught in a battle for his place in the starting lineup, and perhaps even for a future within the organization.
While most expected the more experienced Murray to come out victorious and lead the squad onto the field in Week 1, McCarthy might be looking for an exit. A report from NFL insider Jason LaCanfora, as well as comments from Mike Florio, have raised some eyebrows.
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LaCanfora chatted with an unspecified GM, who remarked, “I think he wants out of there. I think he’s wanted out of there since they signed Murray. Those personalities are not going to be a good fit.”
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and head coach Kevin O’Connell hug before the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
The reason for those speculations is McCarthy’s awkward comments at OTAs, where he compared his situation with Murray to that of two students in the classroom.
McCarthy said last week, “It’s just like two guys in a classroom. He sits on one side, I sit on the other side, and it’s the coach’s responsibility to teach us and coach us. Awkwardness? It’s just like the same feeling when you’re in high school, and there’s another person on the other side of the room. That’s just kind of how it is. I wouldn’t say there’s any awkwardness. It’s a true competition.”
The tenth overall draft choice from 2024 missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury and took over from Sam Darnold in 2025. His first campaign on the field didn’t go according to plan, as his play was overshadowed by injuries and inconsistency.
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Of course, it’s too early to write a 23-year-old off after just ten games, but the Vikings had to bolster the quarterback room this offseason to avoid another lost season because of a struggling aerial attack.
McCarthy, however, might not be a big fan of Murray’s arrival.
Mike Florio said on his podcast, Pro Football Talk, “There’s a question of whether and to what extent McCarthy will be able to handle being the backup. Will he be resentful? Will he cause division within the locker room? Will he be quick to point out any mistake Kyler Murray makes? He has to fully embrace his status on the depth chart. That may be impossible for him to do.”
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) practices before the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
There’s a reason why backup quarterbacks like ex-Viking Nick Mullens have long careers in the NFL. They know their place as the backup that’s only playing in case of injury to the starter. A younger player with a first-round draft pedigree like McCarthy wants to be the guy under center rather than a supporting act.
Florio thinks a reunion with an old friend could help McCarthy.
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“Trade him to the Chargers. I know they’ve got Trey Lance back to be an understudy to Justin Herbert. But Jim Harbaugh is the one who went on and on about J.J. McCarthy.”
His former college coach, Harbaugh, acted like a cheerleader when McCarthy entered the draft, but he couldn’t keep his passer after taking over the Chargers with Justin Herbert.
Florio added, “I think back to March of 2025. Nobody knew who was in charge. Those were all things I was hearing from reliable sources … no one knew who was calling the shots. No one knew what they were going to do at quarterback. But I did pick up the idea that, if they brought back Sam Darnold or Daniel Jones last year, they were going to have a major problem with JJ McCarthy. I think that may be one of the reasons why they decided, ‘You know what, fine, fine. You’re the guy, go be the guy.’”
At the end of the day, the Vikings need McCarthy to work on his craft, whether he’s the starter or not. He might still end up being the franchise quarterback down the road. Murray’s injury history isn’t the shortest either and McCarthy might be asked to step in sooner rather than later, even if he’s the QB2 to start the season.
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The Vikings don’t have much to lose at this point. They could trade McCarthy for pennies on the dollar, or they could keep him around to see if he can live up to the draft capital they invested in him.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano wrote last month, “It doesn’t make a lot of sense to trade him. The Vikings have already paid 70% of McCarthy’s rookie contract. There’s no way they could get anything in return that remotely approaches what they spent in terms of draft capital to acquire him in the first place. They’re less than a year removed from believing he could be their starter, not just now but for years to come. And it’s not like Murray is some automatic fix, either. He has had one fully healthy season in the past five, and the Cardinals are paying him almost $36 million this year to play for another team.”
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy addresses reporters following OTA practice, May 27, 2026, at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota. McCarthy discussed the depth of Minnesota’s quarterback room, offseason training work, and building chemistry with veteran quarterback Kyler Murray as the Vikings continued organized team activities during the spring program. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
The reality is that the Vikings don’t need to make a decision on McCarthy anytime soon. They can let the quarterback competition play out, keep developing the former first-round pick, and see where things stand after the season.
If McCarthy truly views Murray’s arrival as a threat, the best response isn’t frustration but improvement. At 23 years old, he still has plenty of time to prove he can be Minnesota’s long-term answer. For now, the Vikings would be wise to ignore the trade speculation and focus on getting the most out of both quarterbacks. After all, having two viable options under center is a far better problem than the one they faced a year ago.
Roy Keane’s family has had plenty to celebrate after two of his children married within the space of a year, while daughter Caragh continues to battle lupus
Manchester United legend Roy Keane witnessed a second child walk down the aisle this week as daughter Leah tied the knot. The second-youngest of Keane’s offspring exchanged vows with Southampton and England defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis in a rural ceremony on Tuesday.
This marks the second occasion within just a few months that the Irish footballing icon has watched one of his children get married. It has not all been cause for celebration among his five children, however, as one of his daughters, Caragh, has faced a battle with a debilitating condition.
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Meanwhile, Keane’s other two daughters, Shannon and Alanna, have taken considerable steps to keep their personal lives firmly out of the spotlight. MEN Sport takes a closer look at the expanding Keane family following a whirlwind period of highs and lows.
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Caragh’s autoimmune disease
Keane’s second-eldest daughter, Caragh, has spoken openly about her battle with lupus following her diagnosis in 2021. The autoimmune condition left her confined to bed for weeks at a time and compelled her to abandon her dream career as a primary school teacher.
It was only last year that Caragh fully shared her story, which has since taken a positive turn. She established her own wellness brand, Superkeen, and even joined her father on the Stick To Football podcast to help promote the venture.
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“Life was over,” she told PA Real Life in 2025. “[There was] no way out. I wouldn’t be here without them [parents Roy and Theresa]. When I was diagnosed, I mourned the person I had been and the person I felt I should have been.
“The fatigue was unbearable but you just power on. I was essentially bed-bound for a month-and-a-half. I had been experiencing fatigue and memory loss for about six months. Since your immune system is essentially attacking itself, you feel like you only have yourself to blame.”
The initial warning signs for Caragh included hair loss, blistered skin and aching joints. She has since become a prominent advocate raising awareness of the condition and supporting others through her brand, while also recently getting engaged to her long-term partner.
Leah’s marriage to England star
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The latest member of the Keane family to tie the knot is Leah, who wed Saints star Harwood-Bellis this week. The couple exchanged vows at Kin House in Wiltshire, where Keane proudly walked the 24-year-old down the aisle.
Harwood-Bellis opted for a classic black tuxedo for the ceremony, while Leah looked breathtaking in her white dress and veil. The couple are already parents, having welcomed daughter Iris into the world back in December.
England’s 2026 World Cup kits
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Speaking about the pressure of having Keane Sr as his father-in-law, Harwood-Bellis has praised the United icon, saying earlier this year: “He’s one of the people, barring my immediate family, who I know for a fact has only my interests in mind. The advice he gives me, I know he’s got my full interests at heart, so he has helped me with decisions.”
Keane, in turn, has spoken light-heartedly about having an England international for a son-in-law. When Harwood-Bellis scored against the Republic of Ireland in his sole England appearance to date, Keane joked the wedding to his daughter was not “done and dusted” just yet.
Lookalike son’s wedding
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Leah is understood to have become the second Keane child to wed after his only son, Aidan, took the plunge himself last year. Keane marked the occasion with an Instagram post alongside his wife and the happy couple, captioned: “Beautiful day celebrating my son and his wife.”
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Republic of Ireland legend and Roy’s former team-mate Paul McGrath sent his congratulations, commenting: “Congrats Aidan and the new Mrs Keane. Best wishes for the future.”
Jamie Carragher offered his own congratulations via two heart-eye emojis. Meanwhile, supporters expressed their affection by sarcastically quoting some of Keane’s most notorious lines back to him in the comments section.
Like Shannon and Alanna, Aidan prefers to maintain privacy around his personal affairs. Nevertheless, it is understood the sole male among Keane’s children has gone against his father by backing Arsenal, who recently claimed the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.
The 2026 U.S. Women’s Open begins Thursday with the opening round at Riviera CC in Los Angeles, Calif. You can find full U.S. Women’s Open tee times for Thursday’s first round at the bottom of this post.
U.S. Women’s Open Thursday tee times: What to know
There are a bevy of high-profile LPGA players expected to contend at this week’s U.S. Women’s Open, hosted at prestigious Riviera Country Club. Jeeno Thitikul is vying for her first major title. Ditto Charley Hull. Lydia Ko is hoping to add a late-career highlight with another major win. But every discussion about favorites must start and end with Nelly Korda.
Korda reclaimed the No. 1 ranking this season amid a historic stretch of play. In seven starts, Korda has never finished out of the top 8. She has three wins and three runner-ups. Among those wins was her third career major victory at the Chevron Championship in April.
Now Korda will try and keep her Grand Slam hopes alive with her first U.S. Women’s Open victory. She’ll get her tournament started on Thursday at 10:29 a.m. ET alongside Hyo Joo Kim and Hannah Green.
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You can watch Thursday’s first round of the U.S. Women’s Open from 2-7 p.m. ET on USA and then streaming live on Peacock from 7-10 p.m. ET. You can also stream exclusive featured group coverage via USWomensOpen.com, Peacock, the USGA app, YouTube TV, DirecTV and Xfinity.
You can check out the complete Round 1 tee times for the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open below.
2026 U.S. Women’s Open tee times for Thursday: Round 1 (ET)
Tee No. 1
9:45 a.m. – Brianna Do, Muni He, Sarah Hammett (a) 9:56 a.m. – Karis Davidson, Meja Ortengren (a), Mi Hyang Lee 10:07 a.m. – Chanettee Wannasaen, Youmin Hwang, Sakura Koiwai 10:18 a.m. – Lindy Duncan, Sayaka Takahashi, Hyunjo Yoo 10:29 a.m. – Madelene Sagstrom, Yan Liu, Jiwon Ko 10:40 a.m. – Ina Yoon, Leona Maguire, Steph Kyriacou 10:51 a.m. – Amy Yang, Ingrid Lindblad, Julia Lopez Ramirez 11:02 a.m. – Maria Jose Marin (a), Carla Bernat Escuder, Miyuu Goto 11:13 a.m. – Hailee Cooper, Siuue Wu, Dewi Weber 11:24 a.m. – Ally Ewing, Ana Belac, Xiyu Janet Lin 11:35 a.m. – Becky Morgan, Olivia Mehaffey, Ina Kim-Schaad (a) 11:46 a.m. – Chloe Kovelesky (a), Chiara Tamburlini, Chia Yen Wu 11:57 a.m. – Lois Lau, Yue Zhang, Amy Seung Hyun Lee (a) 3:30 p.m. – A Lim Kim, Yui Kawamoto, Megan Khang 3:41 p.m. – Ariya Jutanugarn, Allisen Corpuz, In Gee Chun 3:52 p.m. – Carlota Ciganda, Aki Iwai, Jennifer Kupcho 4:03 p.m. – Charley Hull, Jeeno Thitikul, Patty Tavatanakit 4:14 p.m. – Lydia Ko, Mao Saigo, Lauren Coughlin 4:25 p.m. – Brooke Henderson, Celine Boutier, Rio Takeda 4:36 p.m. – Michelle Wie West, Hinako Shibuno, Yani Tseng 4:47 p.m. – Chizzy Iwai, Hye-Jin Choi, Auston Kim 4:58 p.m. – Jungmin Hong, Lauren Kim (a), Sora Kamiya 5:09 p.m. – Melanie Green, Gurleen Kaur, Soomin Oh (a) 5:20 p.m. – Bronte Law, Johanna Sjursen, Bianca Pagdanganan 5:31 p.m. – Thanana Kotchasanmanee (a), Weiwei Zhang, Farah O’Keefe (a) 5:42 p.m. – Katherine Muzi, Laney Frye, Anita Lumpongpoung (a)
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Tee No. 10
9:45 a.m. – Catherine Park, Lucy Li, Asterisk Talley (a) 9:56 a.m. – Alison Lee, Paula Martin Sampedro (a), Jasmine Suwannapura 10:07 a.m. – Maja Stark, Megha Ganne, Miyu Yamashita 10:18 a.m. – Minjee Lee, Lottie Woad, Nasa Hataoka 10:29 a.m. – Nelly Korda, Hyo Joo Kim, Hannah Green 10:40 a.m. – Angel Yin, Gaby Lopez, Ruoning Yin 10:51 a.m. – Sei Young Kim, Linn Grant, Andrea Lee 11:02 a.m. – Jin Young Ko, Ayaka Furue, Grace Kim 11:13 a.m. – Miranda Wang, Esther Henseleit, Shuri Sakuma 11:24 a.m. – Brittany Lang, Danielle Kang, Sung Hyun Park 11:35 a.m. – Yuri Yoshida, Paula Francisco (a), Nataliya Guseva 11:46 a.m. – Nellie Ong (a), DaYeon Lee, Shiho Kuwaki 11:57 a.m. – Pauline del Rosario, Napat Lertsadwattana, Athena Singh (a) 3:30 p.m. – Anna Nordqvist, Ashleigh Buhai, Jiyai Shin 3:41 p.m. – Minsol Kim, Lilia Vu, Nanna Koerstz Madsen 3:52 p.m. – Yuka Saso, Jeongeun Lee6, Kiara Romero (a) 4:03 p.m. – Aphrodite Deng (a), Rose Zhang, Yealimi Noh 4:14 p.m. – Jenny Bae, Pajaree Anannarukarn, Yuna Araki 4:25 p.m. – Jinhee Im, Casandra Alexander, Ai Suzuki 4:36 p.m. – Somi Lee, Mimi Rhodes, Fuka Suga 4:47 p.m. – Minami Katsu, Anna Huang, Peiyun Chien 4:58 p.m. – Paula Reto, Veronika Kedronova (a), Gina Kim 5:09 p.m. – Minji Kang, Liqi Zeng, Zoe Cusack (a) 5:20 p.m. – Katelyn Kong (a), Amiyu Ozeki, Jaravee Boonchant 5:31 p.m. – Addie Dobson (a), Natsumi Hayakawa, Sofia Rivera (a) 5:42 p.m. – Kaleiya Romero, Jie-En Lin (a), Kaylyn Noh
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