All Blacks superstars Aaron Smith and Beauden Barrett will head to Japan after the World Cup in France to play with Toyota Verblitz.The pair are the two most-capped backs in All Blacks' history, with 34-year-old Smith playing 114 Tests and 31-year-old Barrett 112.Halfback Smith, has signed a long-term deal with Toyota, meaning 2023 is likely to be his last season in New Zealand.However, five eighth/fullback Barrett could return home to play after 2024."I'm looking forward to taking up this opportunity with Toyota alongside a good friend and long-term teammate in Aaron," Barrett said in a statement."My agent Warren Alcock is in communication and negotiation with New Zealand Rugby, the Blues and Toyota about my future beyond the Japan One 2024 season."Smith and Barrett will play for the Highlanders and Auckland Blues, respectively, in Super Rugby Pacific this season and will be available for the All Blacks through to the end of the World Cup.Smith is the Highlanders' most capped player, with 176 matches for the Dunedin-based side since his 2011 debut."You look at Aaron and you think, this guy could go on forever," said Highlanders CEO Roger Clark."I know we and every Highlanders fan would want him to. Unfortunately, that is not a reality in professional rugby."I would encourage everyone to come out this season and watch the master at work one last time."Meanwhile, the All Blacks have had to make way for the FIFA Women's World Cup, with this year's home Test against world champions South Africa to be played at rugby league venue Mt Smart Stadium instead of their Eden Park fortress.The FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July and August has taken priority in booking New Zealand stadiums during the months in which the Rugby Championship will be played.FIFA's strict rules around stadium usage before soccer World Cup matches means the All Blacks' July 15 clash with the Springboks moves across Auckland to Mt Smart Stadium, home ground of the NRL's Warriors.The All Blacks' second Bledisloe Cup Test against the Wallabies will be played at Dunedin's indoor Forsyth-Barr Stadium on August 5.Dunedin will only host group matches at the FIFA Women's World Cup and that stage will be over before the rugby Test is played.The All Blacks and Springboks also will meet at Twickenham in England on August 25 in a truncated Rugby Championship.Click Here: All Blacks rugby store

RA CEO Andy Marinos has revealed a combined trans-Tasman women's competition could happen as early as this year.Marinos made the comments after confirming Jay Tregonning will remain as Wallaroos' coach for 2023.The re-appointment came after Tregonning took the largely semi-professional program to the World Cup quarter-finals, knocked out by juggernauts England.They were also beaten by the Black Ferns on the opening day, with both teams ending up in the deciding game as the better-funded teams naturally dominated the tournament.Having shown their competitiveness against the best teams in the world, Marinos was eager to fast-track investment as they prepare to lay out the plan towards the eventual professionalisation of the program in the coming days.“It’s very much in our focus. We’re going to make some announcements later on in the week around what that looks like but we are fully committed to continual investment and building that Wallaroos program up,” Marinos told reporters.“We’re looking to build into ’25 and into ’29…we’ll look to make further announcements in the next week but we’re excited about the women’s program.“The need (for investment) was identified into the World Cup and we’ve seen the success of a systematic and organic investment into the Women’s Sevens program and the benefits. Obviously, going into the World Cup last year knowing we’re aware of the investment other programs have had and (it's) absolutely a priority of the board to keep abreast of that. “There’s definitely progressions towards a full-time, professional Wallaroos program,” Tregonning added. “I agree in regards to the investment within teams and where they finish within the ranking last year. We’ve got that many talented athletes in Australia and we want to keep promoting the game to attract as many of those girls into Rugby.”With that comes a growth in the domestic competition in Marinos' eyes, currently involving the five Australian clubs and Fijian Drua.The potential of a Super W/Aupiki crossover comp was flagged at the end of last year when the future of Super Rugby Pacific was confirmed.As a number of Wallaroos head overseas for further opportunities, both Marinos and Tregonning were buoyed by the prospect of testing themselves against the best.“At a worse case, next year,” Marinos responded when asked about the competition.“We certainly as RA (Rugby Australia) want to have that in place for next year. We’re also working closely with World Rugby as part of an overall strategic view that we’ve done into the women’s program and how we can invest additional money into competition structures which will be part of the high-performance piece from World Rugby.“As all those pieces come together, we’ll certainly be solidifying those plans around where Super W goes.“The girls overseas are pursuing the chance to play a higher level of Rugby on a more regular basis so to bring that home would only make us stronger,” Tregonning believes.“A strong competitive Super W program makes a stronger Wallaroos and that’s definitely something that we look forward to seeing in the future.”Click Here: Thiago Silva Jersey Sale

According to RMC Sport no arrests have been made following violent scenes at the Allianz Riveria between fans of OGC Nice and Köln which caused a delay to kick-off ahead of their first fixture in the Europa Conference League group stage.

“There were no arrests, but investigations will be carried out, including an analysis of the video to identify the supporters responsible.” said public prosecutor Xavier Bonhomme.

The kick-off of Nice’s Europa Conference League opener against Köln was delayed until 19:40 after the game was initially supposed to start at 18:45. 

Pre-match, Köln fans left their section behind the goal to confront the Nice Ultras, who were located at the opposite end of the stadium. Missiles and flares were launched toward the home supporters, which incited a response from the Nice fans, who made their way around the stadium to confront the away section. 

Earlier in the day, Köln fans gathered in Nice’s central square, Place Masséna. Whilst there were no reported confrontations during this reunion of German fans, Nice’s store, which is located in the square, was vandalised. 

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Getting to the stadium is no easy task in itself. The Allianz Riviera is located on the outskirts of the city and is only accessible by tram or car. Understandably, many of the away fans opt for the former option. Extra trams were not scheduled to cope with the reported 8,000 Köln fans who have made the trip for the clash, making for a difficult, and for many, lengthy journey to the stadium. 

The confrontation, instigated by the Köln fans, forced their captain Jonas Hector to make his way out onto the pitch and plead for calm, telling them to get behind the team to help them win the match. 

There was a large delay between the postponement and the new kick-off time, during which time RMC reported that the match was going to be called off. However, the match will go ahead at the new time of 19:40. A tannoy announcement said that any further incident would lead to the postponement of the fixture. 

L’Équipe are reporting that Marco Verratti (29) and Marquinhos (28) are both set to sign contract extensions at Ligue 1 champions PSG.

Luis Campos has raised the prospect of an extension recently, with both players’ current deals set to expire in 2024. Negotiations for a new contract for both players were already well advanced with the old management of the club. Marquinhos in particular was close to putting pen to paper on a contract that would run until 2027.

The interested parties: the two players, their entourages and the club management, simply need to pick up where they left off in order to quickly conclude their contract extension agreements. 

Verratti has been at the Parc des Princes for over 10 years having arrived from Pescara for a reported €12m in 2012. In that time, he has made 387 appearances for PSG, whilst Brazilian centre-back Marquinhos is the captain of the club. 

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Rugby Australia are hoping to fast-track the development of female referees within the country through the female Match Official Leadership Program.The annual two-day program was held last weekend, designed to create female leaders within the Match Official community whilst increasing female participation.It is supported by RA, The Rugby Club Foundation, Australian Sport Commission and the Australian Sports Foundation as they seek to further raise representation within refereeing, referee coaching, and referee administration."The MO Female Leadership Program has been developed to build capability and capacity for women to become leaders within the MO community," program mentor and head of Inclusion – Referee Amy Perrett said in a statement."Most of these women are the only female MO in their association. It's a fantastic opportunity to bring them together, share their experiences and know they have a network around them.""This is a key initiative to help recruit and retain female MO's, and to build a pathway for female referees, referee coaches and administrators as we head towards the Golden Decade."Referees such as Jess Ling are among several graduates from the program in 2022, with Ling making her Test debut last April as she officiated Fiji v Japan.Ling is joined by the likes of  Ella Goldsmith and Leesa Kenny, with Goldsmith refereeing at the World School Sevens whilst Kenny officiated the final of the Defence World Cup.There are nine participants from across the country, with an additional 7 mentors for the 2023 program.Mentors include trailblazer Perrett along with current leading female referees Tyler Miller and Amber McLachlan.Both Miller and McLachlan refereed at Rugby World Cup 2021, with McLachlan serving as assistant referee for New Zealand's thrilling semi-final victory over France.Rugby Australia Female Match Official Leadership Program 2023ParticipantsClare Adamson – NSWRRAJessica Craig – QRRAZoe Groaters -NT Rugby RefereesAmy Kilmister – ACTRRAAlyssa Osborne – GCDRUAmanda Sheeky – SARU RefereesMarika Vertzonis – VRRAJamie Wilson – SARU Referees Caitlin Winslade – SNRRMentorsAnnie Dickeson – ACTRAARachel Horton – New England Rugby RefereesKath Little – New England Rugby RefereesTyler Miller – Rugby WA RefereesAmber McLachlan – VRRAMelanie Nash – VRRAAmy Perrett – NSWRRAClick Here: Antoine Griezmann jersey sale

Rob Leota will make history as the first home-grown Melbourne-born captain after the Rebels confirmed his appointment on Thursday.The Wallaby embodies the 'Burn Boys' culture, an ever-growing group of Victorian-born players making their mark on World Rugby.This was reflected in last year's Bledisloe at Marvel Stadium, with Leota one of eight Wallabies either currently playing for the Rebels or born and bred in VictoriaIt shows how much the Rebels and coach Kevin Foote rate the 25-year-old when you consider Leota won't be available until May after he ruptured his Achilles during that defeat, with Brad Wilkin to lead the team in his absence.“If you look at Siya Kolisi and what he does in South Africa, he’s a spiritual warrior on the field but off it, he’s a very charismatic social guy,” Foote told rugby.com.au“That’s what I ask (Rob) to be…be that special guy and the bonder off the field and on the field be that warrior.“Obviously, we’ll miss him for the front end of the season but hopefully get him at the back. All the boys are behind him and want to play for him which is very special.”Leota is joined by fellow Victorian-bred International and Wallaroo Ash Marsters as club captains, with the Rebels' Super W side eager to build momentum after their impressive 36-12 trial victory over the Brumbies.“I’m proud to lead this awesome group in 2023,” said Marsters in a statement.  “We got a great, young, energetic group, that’s always trying to compete at training, plus a few older heads who bring a lot of experience, so that’s going to set our team up for a successful season ahead.  “While I'm leading, I’ll be aiming towards helping girls with aspirations to get in the gold jersey from Melbourne and that will be great.” Leota is the perfect example for the next generation of talent coming through the system as the first homegrown player to sign a Super contract with the Rebels, approaching the position with a relaxed but focused mindset.“For me, I’m a bit more relaxed,” Leota said when asked about his leadership style.“I like to have a bit more of a joke off the field and I think that’s important to not take it too seriously but I think as soon as we get on the paddock and train/play, it’s about being able to switch on and put in the work.“I think it’s important to have fun and connect with the team but when we get across that line, I’m big on putting my body on the line for the team and attack whoever comes in our way and does at us.”Wilkin and fellow vice-captain Reece Hodge will provide support as the club continues to build ahead of next Saturday's potential clash with former captain Michael Wells and the Western ForceClick Here: cheap adidas originals shoes

The Fijian Drua have terminated the contract of winger Vinaya Habosi ahead of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season. 

The Fijian international allegedly assaulted his partner last week, leading to the termination of his contract.

High-level breach

Habosi was a breakout star in the Drua’s first season in Super Rugby Pacific, scoring five tries and assisting two in his eleven matches for the side.

The 23-year-old’s standout debut season in Super Rugby earned him higher honours as he debuted for the Fiji senior team.

He made his Test debut during the Pacific Nations Cup, scoring in the 36-0 win over Tonga.

Habosi went on to feature for the Flying Fijians in their Autumn Nations Series campaign against Scotland and Ireland last November.

However, he will not turn out for the Fijian Drua this season after the side terminated his contract with immediate effect.

“The Fijian Drua today confirmed that player Vinaya Habosi has had his contract terminated with immediate effect, due to a high-level breach of the Club’s Code of Conduct,” the club said in a statement.

“The decision was made after careful consideration, and full due process was accorded to Vinaya throughout the process. The Fijian Drua will not comment further on this matter.“

Alleged assault

According to Mai TV Fiji, Habosi’s contract was terminated after a complaint against the winger was lodged at the Namaka Police Station.

#Breaking Alleged assault of partner saw Drua superstar 'The Bossman' Vinaya Habosi's contract terminated. A complaint against the winger has been lodged at the Namaka Police Station for assault. Mai TV understands the incident happened last week. #TeamFiji #Fiji #FijiNews https://t.co/ihdLvD9qk5

— Mai TV Fiji (@maitvfiji) February 7, 2023

It is reported that he is alleged to have assaulted his partner, with Mai TV adding that the incident happened last week.

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The winger has reportedly signed a deal to join Racing 92 after the Rugby World Cup, and it is also unclear what impact this will have on his contract with the Top 14 outfit.

Fijian Drua kick off their Super Rugby Pacific campaign away to Moana Pasifika on February 25.

Marseille drop their first home points of the season as Guendouzi scored in both ends to earn a point against Rennes. In what was a frantic first half of action at the Stade Vélodrome, Marseille went behind to a Guendouzi own goal after some smart play between Bourigeaud and Traoré on the wing created a low-crossing chance which was inadvertently turned in by the former Arsenal man. Whilst Rennes looked in the ascendency for periods of the first half, Marseille came out the blocks quickly with a higher intensity – which ultimately saw Matteo Guendouzi atone for his earlier own goal by scoring a flicked header in the 52nd minute. Whilst the home side pushed in the second half, they couldn’t press home the advantage against a resolute Rennes defensively, who also looked good on the counter attack. 

MARSEILLE – (1, Guendouzi)

Lopez, 6

Mbemba, 6

Balerdi, 6

Kolasinac, 6

Clauss, 6 – A usual busy performance from Johnathan Clauss, who played with an intensity that has become expected of him in recent weeks. He couldn’t quite be as effective in terms of crosses and chance creation, but his general build up play was positive.

Rongier, 5

Veretout, 6

Tavares, 7 – After a disapointing display against Frankfurt in midweek, the Arsenal loanee looked threatening in Ligue 1 once for Marseille – although he once again frustrated with minor mistakes, they were overshadowed by what was a generally good attacking display, and physical display. 

Guendouzi, 7 – Whilst the own goal in the first half was harsh on a generally satisfactory performance, he livened up in the second half and scored that header early on to atone for his earlier misfortunes. Over than that, his performance was energetic in the second period – he would have been disappointed to come off the pitch in the latter stage of the game, and looked as if he wanted to contribute more later on for his side.

Harit, 7 

Sanchez, 6 – Whilst useful in Marseille’s build-up play, he offered very little in terms of shots on target for his side, and had to drop deep often in order to collect the ball from midfield. Service towards him was often lacking, as it was during the Frankfurt game.

Others: Under 6, Payet 4, Papa Gueye 5

RENNES – (1, Guendouzi OG)

Mandanda, 6 – It was a emotional return to the Stade Vélodrome for Steve Mandanda, who was applauded by both ends of Marseille’s ultras – his performance was satisfactory, being dependable when called upon. 

Truffert, 7 

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Theate, 7

Rodon, 6

Traoé, 7 – It was his 200th appearances for Rennes, and played well Great driving ball for the assist to Guendouzi’s own goal, combined really well with Bourigeaud on the right side in the first half and did his defensive duties well. However, his attacking runs were not as effective in the second period but he started to combine well with Doku in the latter periods of the game. 

Tait, 6 

Ugochukwu, 5

Doué, 6

Bourigeaud, 7

Terrier, 7  – A constant threat for Rennes on the counter attack and did well when Rennes looked on top in the first half and periods of the second half. 

Gouiri, 5 – Looked lost against Marseille, struggling to get on the ball or threaten Marseille’s backline at all, needs some work to fill the hole left by Gaëtan Laborde’s departure to OGC Nice. 

Others: Kamaldeen 6, Majer 6, Doku 7, Kalimuendo, 5

RMC Sport report tonight that Marseille striker Cédric Bakambu is set to join Olympiacos, as initially revealed by La Provence, with the Greek transfer window reaching its close tonight.

The Congolese forward, who is under contract with Marseille until 2024 after joining midway through last season, will join on a free transfer.

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The 31-year-old was ostensibly not in the plans of new manager Igor Tudor, having not even been registered for the team’s Champions League squad. In the league, he has only made three substitute appearances. Overall, he has scored 4 goals for the club in his 24 appearances.

His departure allows Marseille to free up space on the wage bill given their spendthrift summer and abundance of options for the forward position, having brought in the Colombian Luis Suárez, and Alexis Sánchez.

The former Sochaux and Villarreal man will link up with another ex-Marseille man in Greece in Mathieu Valbuena, who has played for the reigning league champions since 2019.

The 2023 edition of the Rugby Australia Awards are set to be unveiled in the coming days.As last year, the awards will be released across February and March to celebrate an incredible year of Rugby.It will conclude with the awarding of the John Eales Medal, with Wallabies flanker Michael Hooper out to win a record fifth award.Check out all the details for the 2023 Rugby Australia Awards below Harvey Norman Super Rugby Player of the Year – Rob ValetiniThe Super Rugby Player of the Year is awarded to the standout player from the 2022 Super Rugby season from the Australian clubs.Brumbies enforcer Valetini claimed the award after guiding the club to the semi-finals.Click here for more informationPAST WINNERS2021: James O'Connor (Reds)2019: Samu Kerevi (Reds)2018: Taniela Tupou (Reds)2017: Amanaki Mafi (Rebels)Community AwardsThe Community Awards recognises all the incredible contributors to the great game of Rugby.It aims to celebrate Rugby at all stages, especially at the grassroots level.These awards include Volunteer of the Year, Joe French Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rugby, Geoff ‘Bunter’ Shaw Community Coach of the Year Award and Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of RugbyBuildcorp Super W Player of the YearThe Super W Player of Year looks at the best player during the 2022 Super W competition from the Australian clubs.2022 saw the Fijiana Drua claim their first ever title, capping off a historic year for the expansion club.Last season lead to a number of players making their Wallaroos debut after breakout seasons.PAST WINNERS2021: Lucy Lockhart (Reds)2020: Ema Masi (Brumbies)2019: Tayla Stanford (Brumbies)2018: Shanice Parker (NSW)Fedex Referee of the YearThe Referee of the Year is awarded to the standout Australian Rugby referee across either Sevens or the 15-a-side format.It is awarded to the referee who demonstrates high standards of officiating and is considered to be a role model for the game in Australia.There have been several referees that have made their name on the World circuit, refereeing games at the Six Nations, Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup 2021.PAST WINNERS2021: Nic Berry2019: Nic Berry2018: Angus Gardner2017: Angus GardnerRookie of the YearRookie of the Year is awarded to the player who is deemed to have been the most outstanding first year player in Australia in the last 12 months.They must have made their debut for either the Wallabies, Wallaroos or Aust 7's teams on or since the opening game in the current rugby seasonPAST WINNERS2021: Andrew Kellaway2019: Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea and Jordan Petaia2018: Taniela Tupou2017: Ned HaniganCadbury Try of the YearThe Try of the Year is awarded to the best try scored by an Australian across the past 12 months.This includes Wallabies, Wallaroos, Super Rugby, Super W and Sevens.PAST WINNERS2021: Taniela Tupou v South Africa, Brisbane2019: Nic White v New Zealand, Perth2018: Taqele Naiyaravoro v Rebels (Round 5 – Super Rugby)2017: Joe Powell v Hurricanes (Round 2 – Super Rugby)Shawn Mackay Awards: Men’s and Women’s Sevens Players of the YearThe Shaun Mackay Awards celebrates the best Sevens players from 2022.It is awarded to the standout and most consistent Australian Men's and Women's Sevens player across the last 12 months.Both sides finished 2022 as the World Series champions, with the Women completing a historic Triple Crown.PAST WINNERS2021: Henry Hutchison & Charlotte Caslick2019: Maurice Longbottom & Charlotte Caslick2018: Ben O'Donnell & Evania Pelite2017: James Stannard & Chloe DaltonBuildcorp Wallaroos Player of the YearThe Wallaroos Player of the Year is awarded to the best and most consistent Women's player across the last 12 months.It must be a representative of Australia's national women's team (Wallaroos XV) and recognises the female Australian Rugby player that has shown the most outstanding on-field performance over the last 12 monthsThe award makes its return after a COVID-affected 2021 for the Wallaroos, with last season headlined by October's Rugby World CupPAST WINNERS2019: Grace Hamilton2018: Emily Chancellor2017: Hillisha SamoaJohn Eales MedalThe John Eales Medal represents the standout Men's Player across the last 12 months.Wallabies flanker Michael Hooper holds the record with five Medals since it was introduced in 2002.It is a peer-voted award to Wallaby that is considered the most outstanding performing player across the last 12 monthsPAST WINNERS2021: Michael Hooper2020: Michael Hooper2019: Marika Koroibete2018: David Pocock2017: Israel Folau2016: Michael Hooper2015: Israel Folau2014: Israel Folau2013: Michael Hooper2012: Nathan Sharpe2011: Kurtley Beale2010: David Pocock2009: Matt Giteau2008: George Smith2007: Nathan Sharpe2006: Chris Latham2005: Jeremy Paul 2004: David Lyons2003: Phil Waugh2002: George SmithClick Here: Ruben Dias Jersey Sale