Leicester to pay €20m including bonuses for Wout Faes

L’Équipe affirm that Premier League side Leicester City have honed in on Belgian international central defender Wout Fees as a replacement for Wesley Fofana, who is joining Chelsea for more than €85m.

The Foxes have scouted the 24-year-old Stade de Reims defender heavily over several months and Faes has been removed from the SDR squad to face Angers during this mid-week as a result of his imminent transfer.

The deal thrashed out between Reims and Leicester is that Faes will make the move for €20m including bonuses, where he will sign a 5-year contract with LCFC.

 

 

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United Rugby Championship: Herschel Jantjies ready to shine for Stormers

Stormers and Springboks scrum-half Herschel Jantjies is delighted to be fit again and determined to take his game up a notch during the rest of 2023.

Jantjies spent the last month on the sidelines with a rib injury but made a try-scoring return after coming off the bench for the Cape Town-based franchise during their home victory over Clermont Auvergne in the Champions Cup last week.

Key player for the Stormers

The 26-year-old was a key player during the Stormers’ victorious 2021/22 United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign, but injuries have limited him to just five appearances in that competition this season.

“Missing out on a few games at home and on tour due to injury has been really frustrating,” Jantjies told the Stormers’ official website. “In saying that, it gave me some time to reflect and make sure I am still on the right path.

“Last week’s game was very special and I think the way we came back from our first half performance shows what we stand for as the DHL Stormers and hopefully says something about the standards that we set for ourselves.”

Jantjies will start amongst the replacements when the Stormers resume their URC campaign against Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium on Friday, as the champions aim to return to winning ways in the tournament after losing their previous match against Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun on January 8.

With the likes of captain Steven Kitshoff and fellow Springbok prop Frans Malherbe not included in the Stormers squad for the trip to Ulster, Jantjies will have a key role to play as one of the senior players in a relatively inexperienced team which includes youngsters like Suleiman Hartzenberg and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who are aged 19 and 20 respectively.

“I think with the long season, it’s good for the boys [Kitshoff and Malherbe] to get a bit of a breather! We need them firing when it’s crunch time,” he said.

“I really enjoy the challenge of leadership, it’s always great to contribute in whatever way possible. I am in a very fortunate position and am definitely very blessed to be seen in a leadership position, and my number one priority is to lead with my performances and the way that I carry myself between the four lines. The rest of the stuff is purely a bonus.”

The previous match between the Stormers and Ulster was last season’s tightly contested semi-final in Cape Town, when an injury-time conversion from Manie Libbok sealed a memorable win for the home side.

Jantjies expects a tougher challenge for the Stormers in their first visit to Kingspan Stadium.

“Ulster will be a different monster in the sense that they are at home and are used to the conditions and the fact that they are playing in front of what will hopefully be a packed home crowd for them,” he added.

Eyeing World Cup spot with Springboks

Although Jantjies was delighted to cross the whitewash against Clermont, he is determined to grow his game as he aims to be included in South Africa‘s squad when they defend their title at the Rugby World Cup in France later this year.

“Tries are always fun and contributing in any way possible is what it’s all about,” he said. “It was a step in the right direction and for me, it’s always been about chasing myself and trying to improve and adapt.

“Sometimes things don’t go your way, but I believe that if I keep working hard and keep on trying, things will eventually go my way. The goal now is to work even harder and to make sure my name is with no doubt on that World Cup list.”

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WATCH: Carlos Spencer’s son, Payton, shows his class with try on debut for New Zealand Sevens

The son of legendary All Blacks and Blues fly-half Carlos Spencer, Payton, marked his New Zealand Sevens debut with two tries against Uruguay on Friday.

Spencer, 18, grabbed a brace and set up another try in the 45-7 victory as the All Blacks Sevens opened their tournament account in decent style in Sydney.

Carter to Spencer

His first score came from another familiar name, Carter, but Leroy is no relation to Dan, with Spencer showing his pace as he breezed under the uprights.

The youngster looked very much at home at senior level as his first tournament on the World Rugby Sevens Series illustrated what potential the player has.

That impressive try on three minutes was followed by Spencer assisting Brady Rush’s score four minutes into the second half as New Zealand pulled away.

Spencer was not done there though, as he again showed his pace to claim his second try before Akuila Rokolisoa went over for the final score of the game.

“Not bad at all. I wasn’t expecting to score any, let alone two so yeah it is neat,” Spencer told the All Blacks Sevens Twitter account after his debut effort.

“It all feels quite magical at the moment to say the least so it’s amazing, (I feel) privileged,” he added following a special first run-out to his Sevens career.

Carlos Spencer played for the All Blacks 44 times, scoring 383 points, with his mercurial talent keeping supporters on the edge of their seat during games.

It appears that Payton is a chip off the old block as he starts his senior career on the Sevens circuit, with a move to XVs no doubt soon on the horizon.

The All Blacks Sevens, who are atop World Rugby’s Sevens Series table, are keen to respond from last week’s loss in the final to Argentina in Hamilton.

'It's not out of reach': Sevens legend Sharni Williams eyeing off Paris tilt

Sharni Williams has got the 2024 Olympics firmly in her sights as the Sevens legend reflects on a whirlwind 12 months.The 34-year-old became just the second Australian alongside Charlotte Caslick to win at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Rugby Sevens World Cup and the World Series as the team completed the 'Triple Crown' in 2022.HSBC SYDNEY SEVENS TICKET FINAL RELEASE: GET YOUR TICKETS TO RUGBY’S BIGGEST PARTY NOW!This was coupled with a brief stint with the Wallaroos, guiding them to their best result since 2010.“Taking all three was something to be really proud as an Aussie but even for Rugby, it isn’t our top sport here in Australia and we need to get it back on the map," Williams said“I think we can hold ourselves really proud of all our efforts last year.”Williams will be 36 at the Paris Games but has shown no sign of slowing down, named Player of the Final during September's Sevens World Cup in Cape Town.“It’s not out of my reach at all,” she believes.“Being respectful of the team, I’m still up there with the top girls so I’ll continue to put my foot out there and give everything for that.“The story I’ve been able to write already is something this little country kid could never have thought of.“If it ends, it ends and we’ll call it quits but I’m just enjoying every moment because you don’t know when it’s going to happen.”You'd struggle to find a teammate with a bad word to say about Williams.Whilst she doesn't lead them out anymore, the stalwart is a key leader in a youthful squad that cherish and absorb every piece of wisdom she delivers.“Without her, there is a bit of a hole. When she wasn’t around on 15s, we were all standing around like ‘we’re missing something’ and as soon as she came back, the team felt grounded again,” Madison Ashby notes.“She makes sure she is the hardest worker in her position and she told me how she studies herself and every single one of us players to know how we play so she can play off us.“She does all her recovery and food right outside of footy which I reckon is helping her now. When she plays with us, she brings that different dynamic that us young girls aren’t able to bring yet.“Sharni has that experience and humility that makes our team who we are.”“We say she's like a bottle of wine, she gets finer with age,” fellow young gun Maddison Levi said.“I’m 20, been in the program for a year and my body is already aching and tired (laughs) but for her to go for so many years and put on a show and still make Dream Teams, she’s one of the driving forces of our team.“To have her still playing is an inspiration for the younger ones and makes me look like a sook after complaining after one year. She definitely helps us and the knowledge she has learnt over the years has helped our team continue to grow. “It’s pretty exciting to see if she can still do at 34, what we can do.”Williams took time to praise the influence of Head of Athletic Performance Tom Carter and soon-to-be wife Mel in keeping her fresh and continuing to hit personal bests on and off the field.“It’s about being ok with yourself," she believes“I do a lot of work on myself and with my family and soon-to-be-wife Mel, she’s my number one person and I can confide to her in everything and she’s able to get me through. “I’ve got some great people and support around me like Tommy Carter (Head of Athletic Performance) changing my whole game and physique, (Tim) Walshy trusting me and keeping me from 2016 as we reminisce on a gold medal and wanting to do it again.“It’s not just me on my own, there are people around me that are helping me live this dream and succeed. They will be the people that will be and always are thanked at the end of a tournament when you’ve had either a win and success or you’re down in the dumps, they’re the ones who cop it.”When asked why she keeps going, the answer is simple.“Because I love it," Wiliams adds“It’s given me my identity, it makes me who I am at the moment. We talk about limits in life and we put limits on ourselves and everyone puts that age card on you but that’s just a number. Life is short and when you’re retired, you’re retired. At the moment, it’s trusting and believing in myself and my support system.”Click Here: soccer jersey sale

Waratahs fullback Kurtley Beale stood down

Rugby Australia has confirmed NSW Waratahs fullback Kurtley Beale has been stood down from Rugby effective immediately.The 33-year-old was reportedly charged with two counts of sexually touching another person without consent, inciting another person to sexually touch them without consent, and sexual intercourse without consent."Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs advise that Kurtley Beale has been suspended from all forms of Rugby with immediate effect pending the conclusion of legal proceedings, as well as Rugby Australia’s own investigations," the statement read."This step follows Mr Beale’s arrest and subsequent charge with serious criminal offences, and is in line with Rugby Australia’s Professional Player Code of Conduct."The Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) has been informed of this development."As this remains a legal matter, there will be no further comment until the conclusion of these proceedings."Beale signed with the NSW Waratahs for the 2023 Super Rugby season from French club Racing 92.He returned to the club where he made his Super Rugby debut in 2007, playing 148 games for the club over three stints.Beale went on to make his Wallabies debut in 2009, representing his country on 90 occasions.Click Here: kids football tracksuits

PSG worry about goalkeeper situation as Keylor Navas stays

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According to L’Équipe Paris Saint-Germain are internally worried about once again having manage two world class keepers vying for number one spot in the French capital – as Keylor Navas decided to stay at PSG after a move to Napoli didn’t materialise. 

Manager Christophe Galtier has already established his hierarchy between the two, putting the Italian International ahead of the Costa Rican – which caused frustration for Navas who looked to move away.

Navas reluctantly accepted the need to move away from PSG, as Napoli were involved in lengthy discussions for the goalkeeper during the same time that talks were occurring over midfielder Fabián Ruiz. 

There were two options being discussed over Navas’ move: the first option was a straight loan deal with no option to buy the player on a permanent deal. The second, as proposed by Napoli, was to terminate the Costa Rican’s current PSG contract in order to offer the player 3-year deal with an annual net salary of €4.5 plus bonuses a year.

Instead, the Costa Rican announced on deadline day that he will stay at PSG – ending any potential move to the Serie A. 

 

 

 

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Gaëtan Laborde agrees terms with OGC Nice, medical imminent

As reported by L’Équipe, Rennes striker has agreed on personal terms with OGC Nice and is expected to fly to the south coast of France this evening to complete his move to the Allianz Riviera with a medical scheduled for tomorrow.

Not part of the SRFC squad to play Brest this evening, the 28-year-old Laborde will join Nice on a four-year contract after just one year at Rennes following his switch from Montpellier last summer. At Nice, he will be reunited with his strike partner from Montpellier, Andy Delort, after the pair formed a prolific duo at MHSC.

Nice are expected to pay €15m for Laborde while Amine Gouiri is expected to move in the opposite direction to Rennes from Nice amid frosty relations with new coach Lucien Favre in a move that will cost Rennes €28m

The former Bordeaux and Clermont striker Laborde managed 19 goals and eight assists in all competitions for Bruno Genesio’s attacking side last season over 47 games.

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World Rugby CEO Gilpin opens up about tackle debate

World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin says laws lowering tackle height in the professional game are not inevitable but more consultation is necessary to avoid the firestorm the issue has generated in England.The newly formed Community Clubs Union in England is looking at mustering enough support to force an extraordinary general meeting of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and trigger a vote of no confidence in the board and its chief executive Bill Sweeney.HSBC SYDNEY SEVENS TICKET FINAL RELEASE: GET YOUR TICKETS TO RUGBY’S BIGGEST PARTY NOW!The RFU on Friday apologised for its handling of a decision to ban tackling above the waist in community rugby from next season."We fully acknowledge we got the engagement wrong and we are truly sorry," the RFU said.Asked at the Sydney Sevens tournament on Saturday about the unrest, Gilpin said "Those situations are always concerning. "You'd like to think the right level of dialogue now between the community game and the RFU will allow common-sense to prevail."What we've recognised is that at the elite level of the game we've got an environment that is very different to the community game. "The medical provisions, the technology we can use with players."Gilpin said he was surprised by the level of push-back in England to the proposed amendments."That's about how you communicate the message and land the message, and how you take people with you and consult in advance of announcing those changes," he said. GilpIn revealed the international governing body had already held discussions with Rugby Australia about the issue of tackle height."Australia is such an important market to us in the next 10 years because of the opportunities that are here, and Rugby Australia – like others – are absolutely committed to working with us … on tackle height and other safety initiatives," he said."It's about taking the time that's necessary. Yes, we've got to move quickly, because once you know – as we know in the sport – that lowering the tackle height is going to make the game safer, you can't un-know that fact."But it's about balancing that with taking the time to consult with all parts of the game, so that when you make those decisions you're taking everyone with you. "If you're not, we're not going to be successful in implementing that change anyway."Gilpin said he did not think it was "inevitable" tackle height would be lowered from the shoulder in the professional game ."Our approach in the elite game is to use coaching intervention and sanctions to try and drive behavioural change."Players are already understanding they need to lower the tackle height at the elite level of the game in order to reduce head contact. "Whether we need to make rule changes to drive that is an area we're working pretty hard to understand."Click Here: Highlanders Jersey

Caslick breaks try-scoring record as Australia claim fifth

Australia has finished Sydney on a strong note with a 36-12 win over Fiji.Charlotte Caslick starred with a double, becoming the all-time leading try scorer for an Australian on the World Series with 143 tries.HSBC SYDNEY SEVENS TICKET FINAL RELEASE: GET YOUR TICKETS TO RUGBY’S BIGGEST PARTY NOW!It wasn’t all the Australians' way in the match, with Fiji taking a quick 12-7 lead after four minutes.This is where the defending Player of the Year kicked into gear.Caslick grubbered the ball through and looked set to score before the ball just hit the corner post and went out.A minute later, the 27-year-old darted down the short side and raced away to break the record set by Ellia Green with no 142.She moved into fifth on the all-time list alongside Ghislaine Landry with try 143 to put the game well and truly out of reach.“I’ve been playing for so long that I guess over time I’ve collected a few points,’” Caslick said with a smile.“I’m a ball player so I don’t really think about scoring the tries so I guess it just shows how long I’ve been playing for.”Walsh took the chance to experiment with his line-up and it paid off when Teagan Levi set up sister Maddi for the opener before Fijian’s resurgence.With Caslick putting the Aussies on level terms at the break, a yellow card to Talei Wilson opened the game up for the Australians.Faith Nathan used her pace to get on the outside of the defence to score, followed minutes later by Caslick and a wondering chip-and-chase from Teagan Levi.Lily Dick’s powerful effort at the end of the game sealed a comprehensive win for the hosts, looking to put yesterday’s defeat behind them.“It was a good way to finish,” Caslick added.“Obviously we were disappointed with yesterday and we haven’t really respected the ball that much this tournament so that was a good showing against a really strong Fiji side.“They had a lot of fans here as well so it was really fun also to play in front of them and the Australians.”Australia 36 (TRIES: Caslick 2, Dick, M. Levi, T. Levi, Nathan; CONS: Hinds 2, du Toit) def Fiji 12 (TRIES: Bese, Nabura; CONS: Naimasi)Click Here: England Mens Alternate Rugby Shirt 2022-23

Kylian Mbappé describes Neymar relationship as “hot and cold”

PSG forward Kylian Mbappé (23) described his relationship with teammate Neymar (30) as “hot and cold” during a pre-match press conference ahead of the club’s fixture against Juventus. 

According to sources contacted by Get French Football News, Mbappé wanted Neymar to be sold this summer. The Frenchman had decided that “there was only room for two of, Neymar and Lionel Messi” and he was eager to learn from Messi rather than Neymar, with whom he has already spent multiple seasons. 

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Mbappé has now opened up about his relationship with his Brazilian teammate. “We have always had a relationship based on respect, but we’ve always had hotter and colder moments. There are periods where, as you see, we are the best friends in the world and other periods where we speak less. It’s the nature of our relationship, but there is a lot of respect.”

He continued, “I have a lot of respect for the player that he is, what he represents and the importance that he has in our team. When you have two players with strong personalities like that, life isn’t linear. It’s true that sometimes things happen but it’s always respectful and in the interest of PSG.”