Charles Sale: MCC chief "insults" election hopefuls

MCC chief 'insults' election hopefuls

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UPDATED:

22:46 GMT, 20 December 2012

The MCC are embroiled in yet another
internal row after chairman Oliver Stocken astonished members of
cricket’s most famous private club with his comments about the main
committee election.

Stocken, who has been accused by
legal grandee Lord Grabiner of running MCC like a ‘personal fiefdom’,
damned the six candidates in the ballot, saying he wouldn’t recommend
any of them because they did not have the qualities of those retiring
from the MCC committee.

A general view of Lords

Stocken’s letter to members said: ‘It has been decided not to recommend any nominees but instead to refer to the skills and attributes possessed by the four elected members who are due to retire. It is highly unlikely the qualities of the new members will match those retiring.’

The six nominees include Hampshire president and former county captain Nick Pocock and City high-flyer Vicky Griffiths, who has been nominated by Andy Flower and Mike Gatting.

Senior MCC member Laurence Dillamore described Stocken’s comments as ‘the most insulting and condescending communication from the club in all the 40 years I have been a member’. He added: ‘It is breathtaking contempt and directly questions the competence of the proposers and seconders.’

An MCC spokesperson said the chairman’s letter was for guidance and had not meant to be a slight on anyone.

Sir Terry Leahy, former CEO of Tesco

Former Tesco chief Sir Terry Leahy (right), tipped to be FA chairman before David Bernstein was appointed, is again being linked with the role.

Leading businessman Leahy, long-time Everton supporter, England 2018 bid adviser and knowledgeable about the FA through Tesco's sponsorship, ticks most boxes.

But there is doubt whether Leahy could commit at least two days a week to the FA having taken up a number of advisory roles since leaving Tesco.

Others in the frame are Football League chairman Greg Clarke, St George's Park chairman David Sheepshanks and independent FA director Heather Rabbatts. Dame Sue Campbell, who is stepping down from the chairmanship of UK Sport, should certainly be on the FA headhunters' list.

It's Roger and out…

The Lawn Tennis Association remuneration committee, which awarded chief executive Roger Draper his 640,000-a-year package, have Draper as one of two executive staff invitees who attend meetings. And you wouldn’t have put it past the hapless LTA for Draper to be present when his salary was discussed. However, it was confirmed yesterday that Draper left the room before his 201,000 bonus was awarded. Cathie Sabin, the LTA deputy president, would not discuss Draper’s money yesterday but said: ‘The board is backing Roger.’

Moz Dee, talkSPORT's programme director who has done a lot to raise the profile of the station, is leaving to set up Contented Digital Media, supplying original material to broadcasters. Dee, who will want to earn more than he did at talkSPORT, is unlikely to have made such a move without deals – most probably with BT Sport – already in place.

British Olympic Association pleasure at securing Minas Tennis Club in Belo Horizonte for their Team GB preparation camp for the 2016 Rio Games will be enhanced by the knowledge Australia were also chasing the venue.

Hard-hitting BBC political editor Nick Robinson, who hosted Manchester United’s UNESCO dinner, hardly put the players through the wringer. United fan Robinson asked Nemanja Vidic what it was like to be back from injury, Rio Ferdinand what it was like to have Vidic back and Wayne Rooney what it was like playing alongside Robin van Persie. The only remotely edgy question was put to Rooney, with Robinson asking for advice on his hairline.

Harry Redknapp wants Blackburn job – EXCLUSIVE

EXCLUSIVE: Redknapp's Rovers return! Harry in shock bid for vacant Blackburn job

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UPDATED:

08:43 GMT, 25 October 2012

Harry Redknapp has emerged as a shock contender to take over as Blackburn Rovers manager.

Sportsmail understands that the former Tottenham boss will throw his hat into the ring after he was persuaded to drop down into the Championship by Blackburn’s global advisor Shebby Singh.

Singh initially targeted young up-and-coming coaches who had played for Blackburn like Tim Sherwood and Billy McKinlay, but an outcry from supporters has convinced him to look at a more experienced option in Redknapp.

Rovers return: Harry Redknapp is ready to throw his hat in the ring for the vacant Blackburn job

Rovers return: Harry Redknapp is ready to throw his hat in the ring for the vacant Blackburn job

The 65-year-old has been working in an advisory role at his old club Bournemouth since he left Spurs in June, but sources close to Redknapp have confirmed that he would be very interested in succeeding Steve Kean and has no qualms about moving to Lancashire from his home on the South Coast.

Preliminary discussions have already taken place with his representatives and he is expected to have a formal interview at Ewood Park before the weekend.

Singh said: 'We understand that many fans are feeling frustrated. But we said from the outset that we would not be rushed into an appointment, this is too big a decision for that.'

Former West Ham boss Redknapp would represent a major coup for Singh as he strives to appease those fans and restore the club to the glory days they enjoyed under Jack Walker’s ownership.

Back of the net: Grant Hanley scores against Sheffield Wednesday

Winning ways: Grant Hanley (celebrating, below) scored in Blackburn's 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Ewood Park on Wednesday night to put Rovers within five points of Championship leaders Leicester

Happy days: Grant Hanley celebrates his goal at Ewood Park

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway and Molde’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remain in contention, although former Bolton boss Owen Coyle is believed to have shown little interest when he was approached earlier this week.

Despite Singh’s change of direction, Chorley manager and former Blackburn midfielder Garry Flitcroft is also being considered.

Flitcroft was in the stands at Ewood to see caretaker boss Eric Black celebrate his first win in five games since Kean’s departure.

No go: Billy McKinlay

Contender: Tim Sherwood

Outcry: Blackburn fans were not in favour of initial targets in Billy McKInlay and Tim Sherwood (R)

Black had urged owners Venky’s to install the new man as soon as possible after overseeing a disappointing run of three draws and a defeat, but at least he had something to smile about as an early goal from Grant Hanley lifted Blackburn up six places to fifth.

The Scot is expected to stay in charge for Saturday's home game against Watford and hopes the win will calm his side’s nerves.

'My only target now is Watford,' said Black.

'We have to resolve this feeling of anxiety which invites pressure, but hopefully this will make a big difference.'

Meanwhile, Blackburn are close to signing Cameron Jerome on a short-term loan deal after the striker became surplus to requirements at Stoke

Same again: Blackburn caretaker manager Eric Black is expected to remain in charge for this weekend's match against Watford

Same again: Blackburn caretaker manager Eric Black is expected to remain in charge for this weekend's match against Watford

Harry Redknapp link to Bournemouth job not denied by Eddie Mitchell

Bournemouth chief Mitchell fuels Redknapp rumours after refusing to rule out return

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UPDATED:

10:27 GMT, 4 October 2012

Chairman Eddie Mitchell is refusing to be drawn about suggestions Harry Redknapp could take charge of Bournemouth – even if just on a caretaker basis.

The npower League One club are looking for a new manager after parting company with Paul Groves and his assistant Shaun Brooks on Wednesday.

It came less than 24 hours after the 3-1 defeat to Crawley which sent the Cherries fifth from bottom, with just one win from 10 League games.

Sitting comfortably: Harry Redknapp has been linked with the vacant Bournemouth post

Sitting comfortably: Harry Redknapp has been linked with the vacant Bournemouth post

Former Tottenham boss Redknapp recently returned to the south-coast club – where he began his career in management in 1983 – in an advisory role.

Redknapp and former manager Eddie Howe, now at Burnley, are the early bookmaker favourites for the job.

But when asked whether Redknapp could take caretaker charge for Saturday's trip to Coventry, Mitchell told Hot Radio: 'We've spoken about the football club and the best way forward and Harry knows my feelings but I can't say much more than that.

New direction: The former Spurs man currently has a backroom role at the club

New direction: The former Spurs man currently has a backroom role at the club

'Harry is his own man and he's got the capability to manage at a club much higher than a League One club, but that's where we are at the moment.'

Redknapp has been linked with the likes of Southampton, Queens Park Rangers, Leicester and even the New York Red Bulls having left Tottenham duringt the summer.

The 65-year-old, however, did make a shock comeback with little-known Wimborne Town in a charity match in Dorset.

Redknapp stunned the non-league side with a rousing pre-match team talk before he took his place on the bench. The match was played to raise 8,000 for local Andy Culliford who suffers from Motor Neurone Disease.

London 2012 Olympics: Lord Moynihan steps down as BOA chairman

Going out on a high: Lord Moynihan to step down as BOA chairman

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UPDATED:

13:32 GMT, 13 August 2012

Olympics 2012

Lord Moynihan is stepping down as chairman of the British Olympic Association.

Moynihan, who has helped steer Team GB to 29 golds and third place in the medal table at the London 2012 Olympics, has written to the the BOA executive board, the National Olympic Committee and the BOA advisory board to confirm his decision.

He intends to stay on as chairman until an election is held in November to find a successor.

Stepping down: Lord Moynihan announced his decision on Monday

Stepping down: Lord Moynihan announced his decision on Monday

A BOA spokesman said: 'Lord Moynihan
has decided that he is going to step down as chairman of the BOA once a
successor is elected to the position later this year.'

He revealed that his priorities include a smooth handover to his successor and ensuring there is a strong sports policy so the momentum from the Games is not lost.

In his letter, Lord Moynihan wrote: 'Firstly, I want to congratulate you all on a magnificent Olympic Games and to thank you for all that you have done to ensure their success.

'The last two weeks have united and inspired the whole country and have surpassed all expectations.

'I am enormously proud to be able to say that with your help, Team GB has not only succeeded at London 2012, it has excelled.

Success story: Team GB won 65 medals

Success story: Team GB won 65 medals

'The years of hard work and preparation undertaken by everyone at the BOA have paid historic dividends through the delivery of so many outstanding personal bests by our athletes.

'After their incredible performances, securing an historic third place for Team GB in the medal table, the 541 athletes of Team GB truly deserve to be called our “greatest team ever”.

'The Prime Minister's announcement that funding for our Olympic athletes is now guaranteed for the next four years in the run-up to Rio represents the successful culmination of our campaign for secured lottery funding.

'It means that our athletes' success in Beijing 2008, now built on and furthered during London 2012, can be carried forward with renewed confidence in Rio 2016.

Legacy: Moynihan hopes for continued success at Rio 2016

Legacy: Moynihan hopes for continued success at Rio 2016

'As a result of the success of Team GB, the reputation of the BOA, its staff and volunteers is rightly at an all-time high. We now have a unique opportunity to capitalise on this success and to build a stronger and even more victorious team in the future.

'Over the last seven years, the BOA has striven to become a modern, accountable, performance-driven, highly professional, athlete-centric organisation, of which we can all be extremely proud. On a year-by year basis, the athletes have been increasingly supportive of the backing they have received from the BOA performance teams in the Olympic villages and at the venues.

'Put simply: this was a job outstandingly well done by everyone who works at the BOA, the governing bodies and the volunteers who joined the BOA team in the run-up to the Games and I am exceptionally grateful to you all.'

London 2012 Olympics: Saudi Arabia allow female athletes to compete

Saudi Arabia allow females to compete at Olympics after threat of gender bias ban

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UPDATED:

19:31 GMT, 25 June 2012

Saudi Arabia will allow women to compete under their flag in the Olympic Games for the first time this summer.

Showjumper Dalma Rushdi Malhas will become their first ever female competitor after the nation was threatened with being banned.

Olympics bosses said the country could be disqualified for gender discrimination after it appeared to block female athletes from taking part.

Winner: Showjumper Dalma Rushdi Malhas will become Saudi Arabia's first ever female competitor after the nation was threatened with being banned

Winner: Showjumper Dalma Rushdi Malhas will become Saudi Arabia's first ever female competitor after the nation was threatened with being banned

But the Saudi embassy told the BBC its Olympic Committee would now 'oversee participation of women athletes who can qualify'.

The decision, supported by Saudi ruler King Abdullah, was taken earlier this month.

But an announcement was reportedly delayed due to the death of Crown Prince Nayef, the heir to the throne.

Women's participation in sport has long been met with opposition in the desert kingdom.

Discrimination: The group Human Rights Watch reported that at a recent marathon event in Saudi Arabia women were only allowed to compete if they wore the abaya - a black robe that covers teh body head to toe

Changes: The Saudi embassy said its Olympic Committee would now 'oversee participation of women athletes who can qualify'

'It's very sensitive,' a senior Saudi official told the broadcaster.

'King Abdullah is trying to initiate reform in a subtle way, by finding the right balance between going too fast or too slow.

'For example, he allowed the participation of women in the Shura council (an advisory body) so the Olympic decision is part of an ongoing process, it's not isolated.'

Malhas is expected to be the only female Saudi competitor at Olympic standard, but others could now compete.

If selected, their outfits would most likely comprise loose-fitting garments and a 'sports hijab', a scarf covering the hair but not the face.

Missing out: The deeply conservative nation is in talks over the 'practicalities' of including women in their team

Missing out: The deeply conservative nation was in talks over the 'practicalities' of including women in their team

The announcement comes after Olympics minister Hugh Robertson said he had no power to intervene if Saudi Arabia blocked female athletes from competing in London.

In April he said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was 'working on the issue' to 'try to find a way so that some Saudi women are able to compete'.

He said: 'You are always balancing the conservative elements in Saudi Arabia against those who want to reach out.

'But of course I would very much like to see Saudi women competing in London.'

Hodgson"s warning: Misbehave and you will not be playing for England again

Hodgson's warning: Misbehave and you will not be playing for England again

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UPDATED:

01:59 GMT, 20 May 2012

England's new manager, Roy Hodgson, has laid down the law over how he expects his squad to behave during Euro 2012 this summer. Hodgson has told his players that they will be allowed to enjoy the city centre attractions of Krakow – their base for the tournament.

But he has warned them that if any player indulges in the sort of behaviour that brought England's World Cup rugby team into disrepute, they will not be part of his future plans.

Warning: England manager Roy Hodgson demands good behaviour from his squad

Warning: England manager Roy Hodgson demands good behaviour from his squad

Hodgson's squad will be given an advisory document which the Football Association have drawn up in order to avoid the type of debacle that dogged England's trip to New Zealand last autumn.

Members of the team were photographed drinking late into the night and became embroiled in embarrassing off-the-field incidents.

The FA had already decided under former manager Fabio Capello to ditch the idea of using a remote training camp, an experience that bored many of the players in South Africa during the 2010 World Cup.

Instead, England will base themselves in the picturesque, but lively, Polish city of Krakow and have booked the Hotel Stary in the city centre for the duration of the tournament.

Centre of attention: Manchester United's Wayne Rooney at a nightclub in Las Vegas last week

Centre of attention: Manchester United's Wayne Rooney at a nightclub in Las Vegas last week

Hodgson fully supports the move but, with the hotel surrounded by bars, nightclubs and restaurants, says he will be reminding the players of their responsibilities as national team representatives.

'My message will be very simple: “Not only do I expect you to behave yourself, I'm going to demand that you behave yourself”,' said Hodgson last week.

'And I'm going to demand also that any time they're in a public place, they are aware of the fact that if they do anything they shouldn't, they will not only be letting themselves down, they'll be letting us all down, because unfortunately the criticism will pile upon us all.

'So it's a big responsibility. If there's anybody here who can't take that responsibility, he's not going to play a big part in my thinking in the future.

Having a flutter: Wayne Rooney and Wes Brown playing cards in Las Vegas

Having a flutter: Wayne Rooney and Wes Brown playing cards in Las Vegas

'I think they're fully aware of their responsibilities. I won't be hesitant in pointing them out and Adrian [Bevington, Club England managing director] has put together a document that we'll take up with them, especially in light of the England rugby team. We don't want any repeats of those types of things.

'It's something we're going be talking about all the time, I guess, but I don't want to be teaching my grandmother how to suck eggs either. These are experienced players who have an incredible public profile.

'They know that every time they step out of the front door the eyes of the world are upon them. There are cameras everywhere nowadays. With the mobile phones, you can't escape it.'

Wayne Rooney experienced just that sort of attention last week when photographs of him enjoying a visit – allegedly in the early hours of Friday morning – to his hotel's nightclub in Las Vegas were published in a red-top newspaper.

Infamous: England players took part in a riotous drinking session in Hong Kong before Euro 96 which included the 'dentist's chair' - which led to Paul Gascoigne's notorious goal celebration against Scotland

Infamous: England players took part in a riotous drinking session in Hong Kong before Euro 96 which included the 'dentist's chair' – which led to Paul Gascoigne's notorious goal celebration against Scotland

Rooney is holidaying in the American city with his wife, Coleen, and their son, Kai.

The photographs showed the Manchester United striker chatting to other clubbers – and behaving impeccably.

The FA are about to start a process of consultation with England players on a code of conduct which, in future, will be accepted by all internationals as the rules by which they should abide.

It would cover expected behaviour on group trips and standardise disciplinary action to avoid the confusion as to whether a player should represent England when charged with a criminal offence.

John Terry has been picked for Hodgson's squad, despite being charged with racially abusing Anton Ferdinand.

Losing the job: John Terry (left) gives way to new captain Steven Gerrard (right)

New captain: Steven Gerrard

Losing the job: John Terry (left) gives way to new captain Steven Gerrard (right)

Terry denies the charge but has been stripped of the England captaincy.

On the issue of player behaviour, Hodgson, who coached Halmstad and Malmo in Sweden and the Finnish and Swiss national teams, said England ought to learn from their European opponents and trust players to behave in city centre environments.

'It wasn't my decision to go to Krakow but if I was asked how would I like my camp, either to be isolated or the other type where there is contact with other people, the players can go out and maybe have a cup of coffee and where they will see something else other than their room-mates, myself, and the coaching staff, then I would say give me that any day,' said Hodgson.

'The Swedes have been very good at that for years. Their mantra has been: “We're dealing with people who have the same goals as us, they want to do well. We'll make life as comfortable for them as we can and we trust them to behave like proper people when other people are around”.

'I hope it will go well and if it doesn't then we will have learned another lesson.

Laying down the law: Hodgson won't hesitate to ban any England players who misbehave

Laying down the law: Hodgson won't hesitate to ban any England players who misbehave

'Imprisoning people isn't the best way of getting the best out of them. Treating people like adults when they are adults is the best way of getting a working relationship with them. We're not at school. We're footballers. We've got the same goal, I hope, to play well and to achieve results for our team.'

Manchester United will not be given Premier League trophy against Manchester City

United could win title at the Etihad… but don't worry City fans, they won't be getting the trophy

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UPDATED:

07:58 GMT, 4 April 2012

Insult will not be added to injury at the Etihad Stadium on April 30 if Manchester United win the title there against bitter rivals Manchester City.

The Premier League have confirmed there will not be a trophy presentation at City's ground, even if Sir Alex Ferguson's side win their 20th league title at their neighbours ground.

The Red Devils are five points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League after seeing off Blackburn on Monday night with two late goals.

Raucous: Will Manchester United be celebrating a league win at the Etihad Stadium

Raucous: Will Manchester United be celebrating a league win at the Etihad Stadium

If both sides earn the same number of points between now and when they are due to meet, United will be able to win the league on their rival's patch.

A Premier league spokesperson said: 'There are no plans for there to be a trophy presentation on April 30, should the title race be decided. The preference is always to present the trophy at a home game.'

This preference has not always been adhered to; the Red Devils have been presented with the Premier League trophy at both the Riverside Stadium and Goodison Park.

Slump: Manchester City have played poorly recently

Slump: Manchester City have played poorly recently

In recent memory Arsenal won the league away against their fierce rivals Tottenham, but were not presented with the trophy at White Hart Lane.

Being given the title at City's ground would have been sweet revenge for United, having been whipped 6-1 by Roberto Mancini's team at Old Trafford earlier in the season, but merely winning the league there might well be enough to make up for it.

City have only given United 2,600 tickets for the game, rather than the recommended minimum of 2,880 – because of previous behaviour of Red Devils fans at the stadium.

Travelling supporters have persistently stood up and the local safety advisory group have imposed the caution because they fear fans standing in the lowest two rows in the second tier could fall down, onto people in the section below.

Revenge: Winning the title at City would make up for this

Revenge: Winning the title at City would make up for this

Fans of both clubs will meet Greater Manchester Police on April 24 to discuss safety issues surrounding the game.

In recent years there have been a several violent incidents around the stadium when the fixture has been played.

Stuart Lancaster rejects RFU plan for bigger England coaching team

EXCLUSIVE: Stuart's stand: Lancaster rejects RFU plan for bigger coaching team

By
Chris Foy

PUBLISHED:

22:30 GMT, 26 March 2012

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UPDATED:

22:30 GMT, 26 March 2012

Stuart Lancaster is understood to be ‘very confident’ that he will be appointed England’s long-term head coach this week, so much so that he has rejected RFU pressure to expand his preferred management team.

The union’s new chief executive, Ian Ritchie, was due to meet his four-man advisory panel on Monday for one final meeting before settling on a recommendation to present to the Twickenham board.

Despite suggestions the shortlist for the job features four names, Lancaster and South African Nick Mallett remain the prime contenders, with a decision expected to be announced before the weekend.

This will do just fine: Stuart Lancaster (centre) is keen to keep his coaching team the same with Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell

This will do just fine: Stuart Lancaster (centre) is keen to keep his coaching team the same with Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell

While each of the front-runners presented a compelling case in interviews last Thursday, Lancaster is thought to be highly optimistic he did enough in his interim stint during the Six Nations to claim the post on a permanent basis.

Sportsmail has learned that the 42-year-old former Leeds coach insisted to the interview panel that his vision for the future was founded on the continuation of the arrangements put in place for the championship — with a streamlined management including Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell as his assistants.

Making his case: Lancaster has outlined his plans to the RFU

Making his case: Lancaster has outlined his plans to the RFU

In order to retain Farrell, Lancaster would have to convince the RFU to buy out his contract at Saracens.

However, strong hints from Ritchie and his advisers that the union would be happier with an increase in the coaching resources — most likely to include an experienced ‘big hitter’ such as Wayne Smith from New Zealand — were apparently rebuffed by Lancaster, who indicated he would be prepared to review the situation later.

The former schoolteacher from Cumbria is confident he will win the vote on a wave of public backing after guiding England to four wins in the Six Nations.

Contender: Nick Mallett

Front runner: Stuart Lancaster

Head to head: Former Italy coach Nick Mallett and Lancaster and in the running for the England top job

However, he is understood to have considered the likely director of rugby vacancy at Bath as an enticing Plan B — with the hope Rowntree will join him — should Mallett or someone else be appointed.

Lancaster has received support from a member of Martin Johnson’s England management team, attack coach Brian Smith, who is back at London Irish as director of rugby.

Three wise men: Lancaster, Rowntree and Farrell oversaw a successful Six Nations campaign

Three wise men: Lancaster, Rowntree and Farrell oversaw a successful Six Nations campaign

The Australian said: ‘Stuart’s in a good position. He knew all those young players, he’s been responsible for the last four or five years for developing them. He’s feeling that love you feel when you’re in that honeymoon phase. I wish him every success.

‘What will they (RFU) do I don’t know, but I can see them leaving Stuart and the two coaches who are there with him and bringing someone like Sir Clive Woodward in over the top to work with them.

Decision maker: New RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie will make his recommendation to the board

Decision maker: New RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie will make his recommendation to the board

‘Clive has won a World Cup. There’s only a few in this country who really know how to do it. You would think the new CEO would see him as a resource.’

Smith described the World Cup in New Zealand and the aftermath — complete with leaked reports which contained criticism of his own contribution — as a ‘bloody nightmare’.

In a swipe at the RFU, he said: ‘The World Cup was unpleasant, it was grubby, but the organisation involved is the organisation that’s been involved in a lot of messy, grubby things in recent times. One or two individuals conducted themselves appallingly.’

Part of the team: Lancaster has proved to be a popular choice among the England squad

Part of the team: Lancaster has proved to be a popular choice among the England squad

Wales could see two more key figures from their Grand Slam success lured across the Channel to join wealthy French clubs.

RBS Six Nations Player of the Championship Dan Lydiate is reportedly being lined up by Toulouse, who sense they could secure the Dragons flanker this summer such is the scale of the economy drive among the Welsh regions.

Giant Blues wing Alex Cuthbert is said to have interested Northampton but is now on the radar of Toulon, Jonny Wilkinson’s club on the Cote d’Azur who are stockpiling Test players at a startling rate.

Cuthbert’s Blues team-mate Gethin Jenkins has already agreed to join Toulon at the end of this season, while Mike Phillips, Lee Byrne and James Hook are established in France.

England to appoint Stuart Lancaster

England poised to reward Lancaster with top job after impressing at interview

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UPDATED:

21:51 GMT, 24 March 2012

Stuart Lancaster remains the strong favourite to be appointed England’s permanent head coach in the next few days after impressing a four-man RFU advisory panel at an interview on Thursday.

RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie, who cancelled a proposed trip to the Hong Kong Sevens for further talks with panel members Sir Ian McGeechan and Conor O’Shea on Saturday, is expected to announce the eagerly anticipated appointment this week.

Former South Africa coach Nick Mallett flew back to Cape Town from Heathrow on Friday night and remains Lancaster’s only rival for the position.

Reason to celebrate: Stuart Lancaster (second right) is set for the England job

Reason to celebrate: Stuart Lancaster (second right) is set for the England job

Neither McGeechan nor O’Shea would comment on the process after Satruday’s game between Harlequins and Bath at Twickenham Stoop.

‘I genuinely don’t know when the appointment will be made,’ said O’Shea, Harlequins’ director of rugby. McGeechan was equally reticent when asked if Lancaster would be appointed.

Contender: Nick Mallett departs Heathrow after his England interview

Contender: Nick Mallett departs Heathrow after his England interview

William Hill were offering odds of 7-1 ON for Lancaster to be installed on a permanent basis after leading England to second place in the Six Nations Championship and impressing RFU board and council members. He received a standing ovation from 600 guests, including Ritchie, at a dinner following England’s 30-9 win over Ireland.

Lancaster would like to build a permanent centre of excellence to replace England’s current Pennyhill Park base and also sees summer rugby as a way to improve players’ skill sets.

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson hits out after fans blocked from watching cup clash

Leicester boss Pearson hits out after fans blocked from watching cup clash due to safety fears

Nigel Pearson believes that the
reputation of Leicester fans has been unfairly tarnished by the decision
to keep them away from Saturady's FA Cup tie at Norwich.

The npower Championship club had
their ticket allocation slashed from 4,200 to 2,400 after
recommendations from a Safety Advisory Panel in Norfolk after supporters
were classed as 'high risk'.

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson

Fuming: Leicester manager Nigel Pearson

Those that do travel tomorrow are planning to wear t-shirts printed with the words 'high risk' across the chest.

'We took 8,000 to Nottingham Forest which was a local derby and I don't think there was any fall-out from that one,' said Pearson.

'It has caused a lot of, not just bad feeling, but our fans feel their reputation has been tainted and tarnished by someone else's opinions.'