Sports

Buttler rejects calls for Afghanistan boycott

Published

12 hours ago

January 21, 2025

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England’s match against Afghanistan at the Champions Trophy next month should go ahead despite calls for a boycott, says captain Jos Buttler.

A cross-party letter, signed by nearly 200 UK politicians, was sent to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) calling for England to refuse to play in response to the Taliban regime’s assault on women’s rights.

Female participation in sport has effectively been outlawed since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.

Speaking publicly on the issue for the first time, Buttler said: “Political situations like this… as a player you’re trying to be as informed as you can be.

“The experts know a lot more about it, so I’ve been trying to stay in dialogue with Rob Key [ECB managing director of men’s cricket] and the guys above to see how they see it.

“I don’t think a boycott is the way to go about it.”

Sports

McIlroy confirms place at Irish Open in September

Published

12 hours ago

January 21, 2025

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Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy will compete in this year’s Irish Open at the K-Club in County Kildare.

The Holywood player’s only success in his home tournament came at the same venue in 2016.

McIlroy produced a superb birdie-par-eagle finish in the final round to secure victory by three shots.

In September last year, the world number three finished second in the Irish Open at Royal County Down, one shot behind winner Rasmus Hoejgaard.

McIlroy will aim to double his tally of wins at the tournament from 3-7 September.

Sports

Scotland ‘have to cope with injuries’ – Townsend

Published

12 hours ago

January 21, 2025

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Gregor Townsend says Scotland “have to be able to cope with injuries” after losing Sione Tuipulotu for the Six Nations.

Rory Darge and Finn Russell will step in as co-captains with Tuipulotu to have pectoral muscle surgery. The Glasgow Warriors centre is expected back by the end of the domestic season, keeping his British and Irish Lions hopes alive.

“It’s more the blow for him,” said Townsend. “We really feel for him.

“We had three players that got injured and, when it’s so close to the tournament, it’s obviously really disappointing.

“For the team, you have to be able to cope with injuries. They’re going to happen leading up to a tournament, but also they’re going to happen within the tournament.”

Sports

Former Arsenal and Scotland defender Beattie retires

Published

12 hours ago

January 21, 2025

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Former Scotland defender Jen Beattie has announced her retirement after a successful 16-year career.

The 33-year-old ends her time at United States club Bay FC having previously spent nine years at Arsenal across two spells, making 166 appearances.

Beattie, who retired from international football in 2022, scored 24 goals in 143 games for Scotland and played at the 2019 Women’s World Cup.

She says the “timing felt right” to retire, and hopes to do more broadcasting, having worked with BBC Sport and Sky Sports.

“I’m nervous, I’m excited and all the things, but I’m ready for what’s next,” she added.

“To be honest, I think it’s probably been on my mind for a couple of years now. It’s probably been on my mind even before I retired from Scotland.

“Since I’ve been doing the broadcasting a little bit more I’ve just had so much enjoyment from it.

“Leaving Arsenal at any point was always going to be hard. So it’s been on my mind for a while. Not being at my best anymore, I just felt like it was the right time.”

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