Sports

Beaumont pledges World Rugby review in re-election bid

Published

5 years ago

April 14, 2020

Bill Beaumont has pledged an independent review of World Rugby’s governance should he be re-elected as the global body’s chairman next month.

Former England captain Beaumont is facing a challenge from vice-chairman Agustin Pichot, with the Argentina great campaigning on a reform platform.

Beaumont is keen to avoid being portrayed as the ‘establishment’ candidate, concerned solely with the fate of rugby union’s current major nations.

“Our aim is to have a more representative and diverse international federation that better serves the game, not one that is seen to only support the ‘old guard’,” said Beaumont, who published his manifesto on Tuesday.

Beaumont, running on a ticket that has French Rugby Federation president Bernard Laporte standing for vice-president, added: “To achieve our aim of a strong international federation with a clear vision, we are proposing a wide-ranging governance review led by two independently appointed people.”

The aim was to “bring in fresh ideas and perspective”.

Beaumont was behind World Rugby’s plan for a global nations championship.

That scheme failed to get off the drawing board last year when it failed to gain the support of all of Europe’s leading Six Nations representatives, with Scotland and Ireland in particular concerned about the prospect of relegation that would ensue in a new set-up designed to provide a pathway for emerging countries.

– ‘Virus is greatest challenge’ –

“For rugby to thrive we need for it to grow into a global sport and move beyond its traditional territories,” Beaumont said Tuesday.

“To achieve this we need a coherent and meaningful global calendar that supports those at the top of the game and develops those aspiring to be there,” the 68-year-old former lock insisted.

The global outbreak of the coronavirus, which has led to the shutdown of most major sport worldwide, threatens to have a huge impact on rugby union as finances from international matches help subsidise all levels of the game.

Rugby Australia alone is forecasting losses of some $74 million if their entire season, which includes Tests against Ireland and Fiji in July, is wiped out.

ALSO READ:COVID-19: FG attributes slow space of testing to PCR machines

Doubts also remain over whether lockdown restrictions imposed by national governments in response to the health threat posed by COVID-19 will have eased sufficiently for spectators to be allowed to attend the money-spinning November Tests in Europe.

“World Rugby needs to review its financial policies and not rely on those who have traditionally underpinned the game,” said Beaumont, who labelled the coronavirus as “the greatest challenge rugby has faced in recent years”.

Pichot, 45, announced his challenge on Sunday and promptly received backing from former England coach Clive Woodward, who played Test rugby alongside Beaumont.

Former Pumas scrum-half Pichot said the coronavirus provided an opportunity for the “global realignment” of the game, insisting now was the right moment for rugby’s commercial income to be “moving on from the time where those benefits were for just a few”.

The election is due to take place by electronic ballot on April 26, with the results announced on May 12.

Sports

Ex- NBA Chair, Balogun tasks legal professionals on mentorship

Published

4 weeks ago

July 17, 2025

milcah

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Former Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin branch, Chief Rafiu Balogun (SAN), has urged his professional colleagues, particularly those who are alumni of the University of Ilorin, to provide mentorship to their junior ones, especially undergraduates .

The former Ilorin NBA branch Chairman said the much needed mentorship is necessary to complement the efforts of those who have cultivated the act of giving back financially to their alma mater.

Chief Balogun, who was an alumnus of the University of Ilorin and one of the 50 Ambassadors of the institution, spoke with journalists on the sidelines of the “University of Ilorin Ambassadors’ investiture, Distinguished Alumni and Award ceremony, where the University raked in cash donations of N600 million from the honourees.

The legal luminary, who doubles as the North Central Chairman of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria and Chairman of the Kwara State chapter of the society, stressed the need for Nigerians, especially those who are successful in their professional callings to cultivate the habit of rendering service to humanity.

He added: “That is why in the Red Cross, one of our seven principles is humanity, service to humanity is key, it is very paramount. As the Chairman of Red Cross here in Kwara State and Chairman of the North Central of Red Cross, I totally agree with what Kuliyan Gerin said that you must give back to the society.

“People like us, I am not rich but at least we’re providing mentorship to our juniors, to our students through the law society because I was the one that started the Law Society here during my tenure as
President. We mentored them, we are also giving back, it could be in terms of knowledge, in terms of materials, in terms of fees, advice, it can come in any way. It needs not be money alone.

“So that is why I am totally in support and in line with Kuliyan Gerin that you cannot say because you have succeeded in life you have amassed so much wealth without giving back.

“In fact, God is going to judge you, you are going to render account, according to Professor Oloyede.

“So, we appreciate them (UNILORIN) because they thought we have been representing the University well, and that is why we are honoured.”

End

Sports

Title: Real Madrid and Barcelona Share Mutual Respect, Says Ancelotti Ahead of Copa Final

Published

4 months ago

April 4, 2025

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by Ajadi Ashraf, Kaduna.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti says there is mutual respect between his side and fierce rivals Barcelona, as both clubs gear up for an intense run-in across multiple competitions.

Speaking ahead of Madrid’s weekend La Liga clash against Valencia, Ancelotti acknowledged Barcelona’s form and quality, stating, “Barcelona is playing well, they’re in good form. I think there’s a lot of respect for Barcelona because of their quality, and I think Barcelona also has a lot of respect for Real Madrid.”

Madrid trail league leaders Barcelona by three points with nine matches left to play and will face the Catalan side in the Copa del Rey final on April 26. Both teams are also through to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Los Blancos booked their place in the Copa final after a dramatic 5-4 aggregate win over Real Sociedad, while Barcelona narrowly edged past Atletico Madrid.

Madrid’s preparations for the weekend are clouded by injury concerns, with first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois still sidelined due to a muscle issue. Second-choice keeper Andriy Lunin is also a doubt, leaving the door open for 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez to possibly make his senior debut.

“There is no concern, Courtois is much better and we think he can make it for Tuesday [against Arsenal],” Ancelotti said. “We have a doubt for tomorrow’s game with Lunin… and if he’s not fit I have total confidence in Fran.”

Ancelotti acknowledged the physical toll of their midweek extra-time thriller and praised upcoming opponents Valencia, who are unbeaten in four games.

“We have some doubts, obviously, due to the effort in extra-time,” he said. “We are aware that Valencia are doing very well. This is an important moment of the season.”

Sports

Mbappe Among Three Real Madrid Stars Fined by UEFA for ‘Indecent Conduct’

Published

4 months ago

April 4, 2025

milcah

by Ajadi Ashraf, Kaduna.

UEFA has fined Kylian Mbappe and two other Real Madrid players for “violating basic rules of decent conduct” during their Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash against Atletico Madrid.

The European football governing body announced on Friday that Mbappe was fined €30,000, while defender Antonio Rudiger was handed a heavier €40,000 fine. Midfielder Dani Ceballos received a €20,000 penalty. Meanwhile, Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior, who was also under investigation, escaped punishment.

In addition to the fines, Mbappe and Rudiger were issued a suspended one-match ban in European competitions. This means they remain eligible for Real Madrid’s quarter-final first leg against Arsenal on Tuesday, as the suspension will only be enforced in case of further misconduct.

UEFA did not provide specific details of the players’ actions but cited a breach of Article 11 of its disciplinary regulations, which mandates “decent conduct” from participants. The incident stems from the heated Madrid derby on March 12 at the Metropolitano Stadium, where Real Madrid edged Atletico on penalties following a 2-2 aggregate draw.

Reports indicate that several Madrid players provoked and taunted Atletico fans during their celebrations after sealing the dramatic victory.

Real Madrid, the defending champions with a record 15 European titles, now turn their attention to a high-stakes clash with Premier League giants Arsenal.

UEFA has fined Kylian Mbappe and two other Real Madrid players for “violating basic rules of decent conduct” during their Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash against Atletico Madrid.

Reports indicate that several Madrid players provoked and taunted Atletico fans during their celebrations after sealing the dramatic victory.

Real Madrid, the defending champions with a record 15 European titles, now turn their attention to a high-stakes clash with Premier League giants Arsenal.