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RUGBY BOSS BANNED FOR 'RACIST, HOMOPHOBIC, AND SEXIST' SPEECH

The terms of the ban prohibit Stewart from attending any rugby venue in Scotland for a year. Getty Images.

Scottish Rugby has imposed a 12-month ban on Alloa RFC president Alan Stewart attending matches following an after-dinner speech, described as "racist, homophobic and sexist" by some present.

Stewart has also been suspended from holding any role within the game over the same time period.

Multiple objections were made following remarks by Stewart during Musselburgh RFC's annual dinner on 18 April and an independent disciplinary panel has upheld a misconduct complaint.

Stewart, who can appeal against the decision, has also been instructed to undergo equality, diversity and inclusion training.

Charges against Musselburgh RFC and their president were not upheld.

In April, the board of Musselburgh RFC issued an apology to those who attended, saying: "We particularly wish to recognise and acknowledge the hurt caused to our women's team, who we are extremely proud of and to whom we are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment."

The club criticised the "very poor judgement of the speaker" and said he had sent a written apology.

In a statement issued at the same time, Scottish Rugby said it is "committed to equality, diversity and inclusion at every level of the game", adding: "There is no place for discriminatory behaviour in our sport, or in wider society."

BBC Scotland has approached Stewart and Alloa AFC for comment.

- Colin Moffat

RUGBY 🏉 LEGEND JOHN KEAR DIES "SUDDENLY"

Rugby league legend John Kear has died "suddenly", a day after commentating on the Challenge Cup final.

Kear, who was 71, was a former England, Wales, and two-time Challenge Cup-winning coach.

- Sky Sports 

RUGBY 🏉 MEME

 

WORLD RUGBY WHACKS GEORGIAN

 

REPORTS are that World Rugby have thrown the book at a group of Georgian rugby personnel who were not only guilty of doping but also attempted to hide it by substituting urine samples.

Image: Pixabay

World Rugby have thrown the book at a group of Georgian rugby personnel who were not only guilty of doping but also attempted to hide it by substituting urine samples.

Former captain Merab Sharikadze has been banned for a whopping 11 years because of multiple offences, and team doctor Nutsa Shamatava for nine.

The other players suspended are: Giorgi Chkoidze (six years), Lasha Khmaladze (three years), Miriani Modebadze (three years), Otar Lashkhi (three years), and Lasha Lomidze (nine months)

World Rugby said their investigation of the Georgia senior men’s team began before the World Cup in 2023.

A parallel investigation between World Rugby and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was triggered when irregularities in urine samples were identified by World Rugby’s athlete passport management programme, covering an extended period of time before the 2023 World Cup in France.

World Rugby alerted WADA immediately, and the two bodies worked closely together throughout extensive investigations, which featured targeted player testing and DNA analysis by World Rugby, including on historical samples held via World Rugby’s long-term storage programme.

World Rugby believed that the urine sample substitutions were conducted to conceal the use of performance-enhancing substances, while the players asserted that the sample substitutions aimed to conceal the use of non-performance-enhancing substances (namely, cannabis and tramadol).

World Rugby has charged the Georgia Rugby Union with misconduct. The Union accepted a financial penalty against them, and have agreed to adopt anti-doping education to try and avoid repeat offences.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “This case demonstrates the importance of operating a robust, science-led anti-doping programme with coordinated biological profile analysis, testing and long-term storage functions. Our extensive four-year investigation has helped identify subversion of the doping control process and sends a clear message that World Rugby takes all anti-doping matters extremely seriously.”

The scandal comes at an unfortunate time for Georgian rugby — they host this year’s Junior World Championship, which takes place from 27 June to 18 July.

The Junior Springboks are the defending champions.

- Mike Greenaway

WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS | TOP 15 NATIONS

 

HSBC SVNS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

Fiji and South Africa are tied for top spot on the #HSBCSVNS men's standings 🇫🇯🇿🇦

New York this weekend is the final round before the three-event HSBC SVNS World Championship starts in April 🏆

#GUINESSM6N TO BE CROWNED THIS WEEKEND

 

THE NRL MAKES HISTORY WITH LAS VEGAS THRILLER - AS ONE STAR HAS A NSFW MOMENT ON LIVE TV

Canterbury skipper Stephen Crichton stood up like only he can to land a field goal with six seconds of golden point remaining to sink a gallant St George Illawarra 15-14.

A record Las Vegas crowd of 45,719 got their first taste of golden point footy and it took 89 minutes and 54 seconds of a cracking, old-fashioned arm wrestle to split the teams.

Crichton set himself in position from right in front to snap his left-footer straight through after playing a great match on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).

The Dogs led 10-8 at the break and went further ahead with a try to winger Jacob Kiraz after a trademark Crichton left-hand flick.

Dragons debutant winger Setu Tu, at the age of 27, capped a stellar match with a try in the 59th minute to reduce Canterbury's lead to just two.

The Red V defended like demons to scramble and deny the favourites on numerous occasions.

Stephen Crichton (pictured) starred as the Canterbury Bulldogs claimed a thrilling 15-14 victory against St George Illawarra 

With Valentine Holmes limping, Kyle Flanagan nailed a 30m penalty and it was 14-all with six minutes on the clock.

It was a thriller right to the end. With less than 40 seconds on the clock, Holmes looked to win the match for the Dragons, booting a drop goal from the halfway line. The ball agonisingly dropped short and the Doggies rebounded. Kiraz ran the ball up and offloaded to Marcelo Montoya, who broke through the Dragons’ line.

Defenders scrambled to bring the 189cm winger down, with Christian Tuipulotu grabbing the back of his shorts.

A record Las Vegas crowd of 45,719 got their first taste of golden point footy and it took 89 minutes and 54 seconds of a cracking, old-fashioned arm wrestle to split the teams

An embarrassing moment followed, as Montoya’s backside was exposed on live television. The Bulldogs went coast to coast, sending the ball wide as they attempted to touch down for another try but agonisingly knocked on, sending the match to extra time.

In the first segment of golden point, Jaydn Su'A charged down a Matt Burton shot. Connor Tracey did the same to deny Daniel Atkinson, while Valentine Holmes had another crack from 45m that failed.

Atkinson went for a failed 50m shot with 90 seconds to go and the Bulldogs received a penalty. Crichton then stood up to cap a man-of-the-match display.

The two sides have a fierce rivalry and there was niggle and flair-ups, particularly when Crichton caught Tu high.

There was a bizarre moment just before full-time as Marcelo Montoya's backside was exposed during a tackle

Dragons firebrand Luciano Leilua gave away a penalty in possession when he had a disagreement with Jacob Preston. Both captains were told to tell their players to cool it.

St George Illawarra prop Toby Couchman was put on report in the first half for a shoulder to the head of Sitili Tupouniua. Minutes later Red V winger Christian Tuipulotu was also booked for a shoulder charge on Connor Tracey.

The Dragons showcased resilience in defence in the opening half to thwart slick Canterbury attack, orchestrated by half Lachlan Galvin.

The Bulldogs winger had broken through the St George defence, but was humorously pulled down by his shorts

The 20-year-old has clearly upped his passing precision and decision making in the off-season and his confidence, execution and running game impressed.

St George Illawarra also got a controlled display from new half Atkinson, who called the plays and took most of the long kicks.

The Dogs scored the first try when Galvin spied a chance on the right side, skipped across and threw a slick pass to put storming back-rower Jacob Preston through.

The two sides have a fierce rivalry and there was niggle and flair-ups, particularly when Crichton caught Setu Tu (front left) high

Preston, a sublime hole runner, stepped fullback Clint Gutherson with ease.

The Dragons hit back with creative hooker Damien Cook dinking a slick left-foot grubber through for rampaging prop Emre Guler to plant it.

The Dragons were ultimately penalised for dissent, with Crichton making them pay with a try-assist and the magic moment at the death

After the break the Dragons blew up when Moses Suli went off for an HIA after they claimed he had been head-slammed by Bailey Hayward.

They were penalised for dissent and Crichton made them pay with a try-assist and the magic moment at the death.

- AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS

TOP 10 GREATEST RUGBY PLAYERS EVER

 

'GUTTED' ROBERTSON STEPS DOWN AS ALL BLACKS COACH AFTER REVIEW

 

Scott Robertson has stepped down as All Blacks coach. (Andrew Couldridge)

Scott Robertson has stepped down as New Zealand coach after an internal review of the All Blacks’s performance, New Zealand Rugby said on Thursday.

Speculation over Robertson’s future has mounted since December amid reports of friction between senior players and All Blacks staff.

Robertson, who replaced Ian Foster after the 2023 World Cup, guided the All Blacks to 10 wins out of 13 tests in the 2025 season, but the former Canterbury Crusaders coach came under pressure after a first-ever away defeat to Argentina and a record 43-10 loss to South Africa in Wellington.

The All Blacks were also well-beaten by England at Twickenham in November, ending their hopes of completing a Grand Slam of wins against the Home Nations.

“The mid-point in the Rugby World Cup cycle is the right time to look at the All Blacks’ progress over the first two seasons. The team are set to play a significant 2026 schedule and the tournament in 2027 remains the key goal,” said New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chair David Kirk.

“I have therefore reached an agreement with New Zealand Rugby to end my contract early.”

— Scott Robertson

“We’ve taken an extensive look at the team’s progress on and off the field and have subsequently had discussions with Scott on the way forward. NZR and Scott agree it is in the best interests of the team that he depart his role as head coach.”

Robertson, who was contracted to the end of the 2027 World Cup in Australia, said he was “gutted” by the decision but had agreed to cut short his tenure after reflecting on feedback in the review.

“Coaching the All Blacks has been the honour of my life. I am incredibly proud of what this team has achieved and of the progress we have made,” Robertson said.

“We have brought through a talented group of young players, strengthened the depth across the squad, and set solid foundations for the years ahead.

“After the end of year review I have taken time to reflect on some of the feedback. My priority has always been the success of the All Blacks and, after discussions with New Zealand Rugby, I believe it is in the best interests of the team for me to step aside.

“I have therefore reached an agreement with New Zealand Rugby to end my contract early so a new coaching group has the time it needs to prepare and take the team into the next World Cup.”

The governing body said a search for a replacement would commence immediately, with the All Blacks set to play their first Nations Championship tests in July.

Former Japan coach Jamie Joseph is seen as front-runner to replace Robertson, who was unable to replicate his huge success at provincial level with the Crusaders at test level.

- Reuters

MEN'S RUGBY 🏉 WORLD CUP 2027 DRAW

 

RIP: FORMER SPRINGBOK WING PASSES AWAY K,

SA Rugby has paid tribute to former Springbok wing Hendrik Jacobus “Hennie” van Zyl, who passed away on Monday at the age of 89.

At the time of his passing, Van Zyl – who was born on 31 January 1936 near Ventersdorp – was the second oldest living Springbok, after Frik du Preez, who celebrated his 90th birthday on 28 November.

Van Zyl, who made his debut against New Zealand in Johannesburg on 5 June 1960 at the age of 24, was a wing with speed to burn. He scored two tries on debut and a year later, recorded a hat-trick against Australia at the same venue.

The Lions (then called Transvaal) speedster played 10 Tests in 1960 and 1961 and Mr Alexander paid tribute to a player who always gave everything he had for his teams.

SA RUGBY PAY TRIBUTE TO THE SPRINGBOK TRAILBLAZER

A left wing with lots of pace, Van Zyl was a formidable Springbok who started his career in the forwards before moving to the wing.

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander offered condolences after the news came to light.

"“Even when his father tragically passed away in South Africa while Hennie was with the Boks on their Grand Slam tour between December 1960 and January 1961, he never gave anything but his best for the jersey.”

CAUSE OF DEATH

Van Zyl’s heath sadly started deteriorating a few years ago and he finally lost the battle with dementia on Monday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and other loved ones during this very difficult time – may you find solace in the memories of someone who represented our country with pride and made his mark on the history of rugby in South Africa,” Alexander added.

 - Craig Lewis

SPRINGBOKS BLOWOUT WALES 00-73 🤔