Scotland captain Tuipulotu ruled out of Six Nations

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2025

admin

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu has been ruled out of the Six Nations because of the pectoral muscle injury he picked up while training with Glasgow Warriors.

The 27-year-old, one of the game’s most highly rated centres, will have surgery to repair the issue.

The injury also casts doubt on Tuipulotu’s chances of touring Australia with the British and Irish Lions this summer, although he is expected to return before the end of the domestic season.

Flanker Rory Darge, 24, and fly-half Finn Russell, 32, will co-captain Scotland in his absence.

Capped 30 times since his debut in 2021, Tuipulotu has scored three Scotland tries and forms a dynamic midfield partnership with Huw Jones.

Lock Scott Cummings, 28, is also likely to miss the Six Nations with the arm fracture that forced him off during Glasgow’s game against Harlequins.

The withdrawals of Cummings and Tuipulotu take Gregor Townsend’s squad down to 36, but no additional players will be called up at this point.

Townsend’s side open their championship at home to Italy on 1 February.

McIlroy confirms place at Irish Open in September

Published

12 hours ago

January 21, 2025

admin

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.

Scotland ‘have to cope with injuries’ – Townsend

Published

12 hours ago

January 21, 2025

admin

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

admin

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.”

Get the latest WSL news