8 hours ago
Andrew Symonds once produced one of the rarest scoring feats in Test cricket, collecting eight runs from a single delivery during Australia's Test against New Zealand at the Gabba in Brisbane in 2008-09.
The bizarre sequence involved an all-run four followed by four overthrows, with New Zealand fast bowler Iain O'Brien at the centre of the drama. There was an added twist to the incident, as O'Brien had seen Symonds dropped off the previous delivery before eventually dismissing him just two ****** later.
Australia were 124 for four in the 46th over after Ricky Ponting had decided to bat in Brisbane.
O'Brien opened the over with a bouncer, which Symonds ducked under. The bowler went short again with his next delivery, and this time Symonds pulled the ball towards mid-wicket.
However, Aaron Redmond put down the chance.
O'Brien responded as fast bowlers often do after a missed opportunity, sending down another short delivery. This time, the ball was outside off-stump and Symonds attacked it ferociously with a pull.
The enormous Gabba outfield slowed the ball down, but Symonds and Michael Clarke had already completed three runs by the time Redmond got to it.
The pair then decided to push for another run, hoping to take advantage of the throw.
That decision produced chaos.
New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum moved across to collect the return. He gathered the ball, turned and threw it towards the stumps, only to discover that Symonds had already made his ground.
There was another problem for New Zealand. ****** ody was positioned behind the wicketkeeper to stop the throw.
The ball therefore continued all the way to the boundary. Symonds had effectively turned a pull shot into an extraordinary eight-run haul.
Umpire Rudi Koertzen then signalled the total by raising eight fingers, meaning eight runs were added to Australia's score and Symonds' tally.
It was two more than the figure commonly described as the maximum possible from a single delivery and even one more than the total India received in a penalty-run incident against Bangladesh at Chattogram.
Symonds' eight-run delivery was only the fourth known instance of eight runs being scored from a single ball in Test cricket at that point.
The first recorded example came in Melbourne during the 1928-29 series, which was also the final Test of Don Bradman's first series.
England's Patsy Hendren scored eight after completing four runs and then benefiting from four overthrows off Australian debutant Percy Hornibrook.
Another unusual eight-run delivery occurred in Melbourne during the 1980-81 season.
New Zealand's John Wright was the beneficiary on that occasion. He ran four before four overthrows followed after Rod Marsh collected the fielder's return and threw the ball towards the stumps. The throw escaped and Wright picked up the additional runs off Lenny Pascoe's delivery.
The other known instance before Symonds came in Port-of-Spain during the
The bizarre sequence involved an all-run four followed by four overthrows, with New Zealand fast bowler Iain O'Brien at the centre of the drama. There was an added twist to the incident, as O'Brien had seen Symonds dropped off the previous delivery before eventually dismissing him just two ****** later.
Australia were 124 for four in the 46th over after Ricky Ponting had decided to bat in Brisbane.
O'Brien opened the over with a bouncer, which Symonds ducked under. The bowler went short again with his next delivery, and this time Symonds pulled the ball towards mid-wicket.
However, Aaron Redmond put down the chance.
O'Brien responded as fast bowlers often do after a missed opportunity, sending down another short delivery. This time, the ball was outside off-stump and Symonds attacked it ferociously with a pull.
The enormous Gabba outfield slowed the ball down, but Symonds and Michael Clarke had already completed three runs by the time Redmond got to it.
The pair then decided to push for another run, hoping to take advantage of the throw.
That decision produced chaos.
New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum moved across to collect the return. He gathered the ball, turned and threw it towards the stumps, only to discover that Symonds had already made his ground.
There was another problem for New Zealand. ****** ody was positioned behind the wicketkeeper to stop the throw.
The ball therefore continued all the way to the boundary. Symonds had effectively turned a pull shot into an extraordinary eight-run haul.
Umpire Rudi Koertzen then signalled the total by raising eight fingers, meaning eight runs were added to Australia's score and Symonds' tally.
It was two more than the figure commonly described as the maximum possible from a single delivery and even one more than the total India received in a penalty-run incident against Bangladesh at Chattogram.
Symonds' eight-run delivery was only the fourth known instance of eight runs being scored from a single ball in Test cricket at that point.
The first recorded example came in Melbourne during the 1928-29 series, which was also the final Test of Don Bradman's first series.
England's Patsy Hendren scored eight after completing four runs and then benefiting from four overthrows off Australian debutant Percy Hornibrook.
Another unusual eight-run delivery occurred in Melbourne during the 1980-81 season.
New Zealand's John Wright was the beneficiary on that occasion. He ran four before four overthrows followed after Rod Marsh collected the fielder's return and threw the ball towards the stumps. The throw escaped and Wright picked up the additional runs off Lenny Pascoe's delivery.
The other known instance before Symonds came in Port-of-Spain during the
5 days ago
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — It's no secret how the breaking news on Raygun unfolded at the Paris Olympics: the memes and the mockery came thick and fast.
The Australian breaker at the center of it all, Rachael Gunn, has told how she had an inkling of how it might go when she saw a therapist ahead of the 2024 Games.
The trailer for "Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly," a Netflix documentary launched this month, begins with Gunn recounting how she went to the therapist in a panic right before the Olympics and was asked what's the worst that could happen?
"The whole world could laugh at me," she recalled answering, before adding that the therapist responded: "Do you think that's reasonable?"
Cue clips and sounds of hysterical laughing in the wake of her now infamous and much-trolled performance when breaking made its Olympic debut in France.
#brisbane
The Australian breaker at the center of it all, Rachael Gunn, has told how she had an inkling of how it might go when she saw a therapist ahead of the 2024 Games.
The trailer for "Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly," a Netflix documentary launched this month, begins with Gunn recounting how she went to the therapist in a panic right before the Olympics and was asked what's the worst that could happen?
"The whole world could laugh at me," she recalled answering, before adding that the therapist responded: "Do you think that's reasonable?"
Cue clips and sounds of hysterical laughing in the wake of her now infamous and much-trolled performance when breaking made its Olympic debut in France.
#brisbane
9 days ago
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Motor neurone disease has not stopped Jai Arrow's attempt to bring up a career milestone in Australia's National Rugby League.
Earlier this week, the NRL allowed an exception to its rules to allow the veteran forward a chance to be on the field for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in his 99th and 100th rugby league games for the club, if only for the first few seconds of the game.
Arrow was subsequently named co-captain and led South Sydney onto the field through a guard of honor for Saturday's game against the Gold Coast ****** ans Saturday, in an emotional scene that brought tears to players and fans alike.
The 31-year-old was visibly moved, frequently looking to the sky as he embraced several teammates while "You'll Never Walk Alone" played around the stadium.
As the referee signaled the start of the match, a brief pause allowed Arrow to be substituted without taking part in any play.
#field #australia
Earlier this week, the NRL allowed an exception to its rules to allow the veteran forward a chance to be on the field for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in his 99th and 100th rugby league games for the club, if only for the first few seconds of the game.
Arrow was subsequently named co-captain and led South Sydney onto the field through a guard of honor for Saturday's game against the Gold Coast ****** ans Saturday, in an emotional scene that brought tears to players and fans alike.
The 31-year-old was visibly moved, frequently looking to the sky as he embraced several teammates while "You'll Never Walk Alone" played around the stadium.
As the referee signaled the start of the match, a brief pause allowed Arrow to be substituted without taking part in any play.
#field #australia
9 days ago
Ravichandran Ashwin believes Rishabh Pant needs to show greater awareness of match situations and take more responsibility with the bat, despite the wicketkeeper-batter putting together a respectable series against Sri Lanka.
Pant finished the two-Test series with 168 runs and two half-centuries. However, Ashwin feels the numbers do not tell the complete story and wants the India batter to exercise more judgement when deciding how to attack.
Pant's aggressive approach has come under scrutiny over the past few months, with questions being raised about whether he sometimes takes unnecessary risks and fails to put enough value on his wicket.
The former India spinner pointed to Pant's dismissal against South Africa in Guwahati last year as an example. While captaining India in the absence of Shubman Gill, Pant charged down the track against Marco Jansen and edged the delivery to the wicketkeeper.
Pant is currently a Test-only player for India after falling out of favour in the white-ball formats. Ashwin believes his decision-making in Test cricket remains an area that needs attention.
"My expectation from Rishabh Pant hasn't been fulfilled till now. I am very sorry. Sonal Dinusha had his strike rate up there. But the difference is high-risk options. When you have the game in your hand, these are all statements: 'That's how Rishabh plays.' It is about what your team needs," Ashwin said on 'Ash Ki Baat'.
During the discussion, the host argued that Pant's unique ability and his history of producing match-winning performances meant he should be given some freedom to play his natural game.
Ashwin, however, insisted that even an exceptional player cannot be exempt from the demands of the situation.
"Rishabh played a class knock in Sydney and Brisbane, but you couldn't have won that match without Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur. It takes 11 cricketers to build a Test and win it in the last session of the game, but it takes only 1 moment of foolishness to lose a Test," said Ashwin.
The former off-spinner clarified that his criticism was not directed at Pant's attacking style itself. Instead, he wants the batter to recognise when the situation demands a different approach.
"I am just talking about the times when these chances are being taken when the game is on the line. I love Rishabh the player. It is about playing situations in this format. Sehwag and Gilchrist played high brand of cricket, but these two don't get edged out while dancing down to Marco Jansen when your team is trailing by 500 runs. Don't place these marketing lines in front of me ever again," he added.
Ashwin also called for more straightforward feedback for Pant, arguing that his status as a special talent should not shield him from criticism.
The former India spinner pointed out that Pant has now played 50 Tests and believes his experience means he should be expected to take greater responsibility.
"Don't give one player special treatment. Thi
Pant finished the two-Test series with 168 runs and two half-centuries. However, Ashwin feels the numbers do not tell the complete story and wants the India batter to exercise more judgement when deciding how to attack.
Pant's aggressive approach has come under scrutiny over the past few months, with questions being raised about whether he sometimes takes unnecessary risks and fails to put enough value on his wicket.
The former India spinner pointed to Pant's dismissal against South Africa in Guwahati last year as an example. While captaining India in the absence of Shubman Gill, Pant charged down the track against Marco Jansen and edged the delivery to the wicketkeeper.
Pant is currently a Test-only player for India after falling out of favour in the white-ball formats. Ashwin believes his decision-making in Test cricket remains an area that needs attention.
"My expectation from Rishabh Pant hasn't been fulfilled till now. I am very sorry. Sonal Dinusha had his strike rate up there. But the difference is high-risk options. When you have the game in your hand, these are all statements: 'That's how Rishabh plays.' It is about what your team needs," Ashwin said on 'Ash Ki Baat'.
During the discussion, the host argued that Pant's unique ability and his history of producing match-winning performances meant he should be given some freedom to play his natural game.
Ashwin, however, insisted that even an exceptional player cannot be exempt from the demands of the situation.
"Rishabh played a class knock in Sydney and Brisbane, but you couldn't have won that match without Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur. It takes 11 cricketers to build a Test and win it in the last session of the game, but it takes only 1 moment of foolishness to lose a Test," said Ashwin.
The former off-spinner clarified that his criticism was not directed at Pant's attacking style itself. Instead, he wants the batter to recognise when the situation demands a different approach.
"I am just talking about the times when these chances are being taken when the game is on the line. I love Rishabh the player. It is about playing situations in this format. Sehwag and Gilchrist played high brand of cricket, but these two don't get edged out while dancing down to Marco Jansen when your team is trailing by 500 runs. Don't place these marketing lines in front of me ever again," he added.
Ashwin also called for more straightforward feedback for Pant, arguing that his status as a special talent should not shield him from criticism.
The former India spinner pointed out that Pant has now played 50 Tests and believes his experience means he should be expected to take greater responsibility.
"Don't give one player special treatment. Thi
27 days ago
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Wallabies lock Miles Amatosero has been banned for three weeks after admitting to dangerous play in Australia's 35-32 win over ****** an in Osaka last weekend.
Amatosero was shown a red card late in the first half after a video match official ruled that his left shoulder made contact with the head of an opposing player as he attempted a clean out in a maul.
A southern hemisphere rugby judiciary committee on Tuesday suspended Amatosero for three weeks, a timeframe that includes another test against ****** an on Saturday, a club game for Gordon in Sydney's Shute Shield and a test against Argentina on Aug. 29.
He could become eligible to play against Argentina, though, after being given permission to apply to take part in World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Program as a substitute for the last match of the sanction.
The 203-centimeter (6-foot-8) Amatosero made his test debut in Joe Schmidt's last match as head coach against Italy last month and was selected to start in the first test match under new coach Les Kiss.
#amatosero #last #Japan #Argentina
Amatosero was shown a red card late in the first half after a video match official ruled that his left shoulder made contact with the head of an opposing player as he attempted a clean out in a maul.
A southern hemisphere rugby judiciary committee on Tuesday suspended Amatosero for three weeks, a timeframe that includes another test against ****** an on Saturday, a club game for Gordon in Sydney's Shute Shield and a test against Argentina on Aug. 29.
He could become eligible to play against Argentina, though, after being given permission to apply to take part in World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Program as a substitute for the last match of the sanction.
The 203-centimeter (6-foot-8) Amatosero made his test debut in Joe Schmidt's last match as head coach against Italy last month and was selected to start in the first test match under new coach Les Kiss.
#amatosero #last #Japan #Argentina
1 month ago
Two members of Iran women's football team have become Australian citizens, having previously been granted humanitarian asylum following this year's Asian Cup.
Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, 34, and Fatemeh Pasandideh, 22, were naturalised in Brisbane, Queensland, on Wednesday — five months after refusing to return to Iran.
Seven members of Iran's travelling party for the tournament had initially sought asylum in Australia after their country's elimination from the tournament. Five subsequently changed their minds to return to Iran, but Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh remained in Australia.
The two received their citizenship certificates at a ceremony attended by Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
Ramezanisadeh said her citizenship "represents hope, safety, and the chance to build a new future", while Pasandideh said the moment "feels like a new beginning".
#pasandideh #asylum #return #tournament
Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, 34, and Fatemeh Pasandideh, 22, were naturalised in Brisbane, Queensland, on Wednesday — five months after refusing to return to Iran.
Seven members of Iran's travelling party for the tournament had initially sought asylum in Australia after their country's elimination from the tournament. Five subsequently changed their minds to return to Iran, but Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh remained in Australia.
The two received their citizenship certificates at a ceremony attended by Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
Ramezanisadeh said her citizenship "represents hope, safety, and the chance to build a new future", while Pasandideh said the moment "feels like a new beginning".
#pasandideh #asylum #return #tournament
1 month ago
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Two members of the Iranian women's soccer team who claimed asylum in Australia in March have been granted citizenship.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh said in a statement Thursday that Immigration Minister Tony Burke swore them in the day before at a citizenship ceremony in their Australian home city of Brisbane.
Friends and supporters from the local Iranian community attended the ceremony.
"Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen. Australia has given me the opportunity to build my life and my future, and I feel, more than ever, that I belong here," Ramezanisadeh said in the statement.
Ramezanisadeh said her Iranian roots and memories would always be part of her.
#australian #feel #melbourne
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh said in a statement Thursday that Immigration Minister Tony Burke swore them in the day before at a citizenship ceremony in their Australian home city of Brisbane.
Friends and supporters from the local Iranian community attended the ceremony.
"Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen. Australia has given me the opportunity to build my life and my future, and I feel, more than ever, that I belong here," Ramezanisadeh said in the statement.
Ramezanisadeh said her Iranian roots and memories would always be part of her.
#australian #feel #melbourne
1 month ago
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Argentina flyhalf Tomás Albornoz has been suspended for four matches after admitting to misconduct for "intimidatory" interactions with match officials following the Pumas' Nations Championshiprugby loss against England last month.
England won 31-24, holding on despite twice being reduced to 13 men. The referee issued seven yellow cards during the July 18 match and both teams were reduced to 13 at stages in the second half at Santiago del Estero, Argentina.
The committee on Wednesday said that contact with referee Angus Gardner, "although limited in nature, occurred while disputing a match official's decision and formed part of that overall course of intimidatory conduct."
It also found that Albornoz approached the referee on two separate occasions and had to be restrained by teammates.
Although the offense could carry a six-match suspension, the committee took into account Albornoz's early acceptance of the charge, private written apologies and his previously clear disciplinary record to reduce the ban to four games.
#referee
England won 31-24, holding on despite twice being reduced to 13 men. The referee issued seven yellow cards during the July 18 match and both teams were reduced to 13 at stages in the second half at Santiago del Estero, Argentina.
The committee on Wednesday said that contact with referee Angus Gardner, "although limited in nature, occurred while disputing a match official's decision and formed part of that overall course of intimidatory conduct."
It also found that Albornoz approached the referee on two separate occasions and had to be restrained by teammates.
Although the offense could carry a six-match suspension, the committee took into account Albornoz's early acceptance of the charge, private written apologies and his previously clear disciplinary record to reduce the ban to four games.
#referee
1 month ago
The South West of England's first LGBT+ inclusive rugby team is preparing for a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to play in an international competition.
The Bristol Bisons RFC team, first set up in 2005, will head to Brisbane, Australia, to take part in the Bingham Cup - an international gay rugby union tournament.
Taking place from 19 to 23 August, the tournament aims to attract players from around the world and marks the first time the Bristol Bisons have played in the southern hemisphere.
Director of rugby and head coach Sasha Acheson said the team were "determined to grab this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with both hands, playing with courage, creativity and relentless intent".
She said: "If we leave Australia knowing we honoured the opportunity, each other, and everything this journey could be, the results will be incredible."
#first #Opportunity #bristol #international
The Bristol Bisons RFC team, first set up in 2005, will head to Brisbane, Australia, to take part in the Bingham Cup - an international gay rugby union tournament.
Taking place from 19 to 23 August, the tournament aims to attract players from around the world and marks the first time the Bristol Bisons have played in the southern hemisphere.
Director of rugby and head coach Sasha Acheson said the team were "determined to grab this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with both hands, playing with courage, creativity and relentless intent".
She said: "If we leave Australia knowing we honoured the opportunity, each other, and everything this journey could be, the results will be incredible."
#first #Opportunity #bristol #international
1 month ago
Australian Rules Football
AFL Men's — Round 19
Brisbane Lions vs. Port Adelaide Power — Fox Soccer Plus, 11 p.m.
North Melbourne Kangaroos vs. St. Kilda Saints — FS2/Fox One, 1 a.m. (Sunday)
Baseball
Banana Ball World Tour
Game 2, Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
Savannah Bananas vs. Firefighters — ESPN/ESPN Unlimited, 5 p.m.
Beach Volleyball
AVP League
Week 7, EHP Resort & Marina, East Hampton, NY
Women: Austin Aces vs. Brooklyn Blaze/Men's: Miami Mayhem vs. San Diego Smash — The CW, 1 p.m.
Men's: Austin Aces vs. Brooklyn Blaze/Women's: Miami Mayhem vs. San Diego Smash — YouTube, 3 p.m.
CFL
Week 8
Toronto Argonauts at BC Lions — TSN1/TSN4/CBS Sports Network, 7 p.m.
College Football
Sun Belt Conference Football Media Days — ESPNU/ESPN Unlimited, 8 a.m.
#unlimited #brooklyn
AFL Men's — Round 19
Brisbane Lions vs. Port Adelaide Power — Fox Soccer Plus, 11 p.m.
North Melbourne Kangaroos vs. St. Kilda Saints — FS2/Fox One, 1 a.m. (Sunday)
Baseball
Banana Ball World Tour
Game 2, Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
Savannah Bananas vs. Firefighters — ESPN/ESPN Unlimited, 5 p.m.
Beach Volleyball
AVP League
Week 7, EHP Resort & Marina, East Hampton, NY
Women: Austin Aces vs. Brooklyn Blaze/Men's: Miami Mayhem vs. San Diego Smash — The CW, 1 p.m.
Men's: Austin Aces vs. Brooklyn Blaze/Women's: Miami Mayhem vs. San Diego Smash — YouTube, 3 p.m.
CFL
Week 8
Toronto Argonauts at BC Lions — TSN1/TSN4/CBS Sports Network, 7 p.m.
College Football
Sun Belt Conference Football Media Days — ESPNU/ESPN Unlimited, 8 a.m.
#unlimited #brooklyn
1 month ago
The Addicks announced news of the transfer via a post on their official club website this morning.
The 25-year-old moves to The Valley after spending six years in the Ninja A-League with Melbourne City. She has won three consecutive Ninja A-League **** les while she was also a championship winner last season.
Davidson has also turned out for Brisbane Roar and APIA Leichhardt in her career to date.
On the international stage, Davidson has been capped by Australia on four occasions in which she has scored one goal.
After joining Charlton Athletic, Davidson said “I spent six years at Melbourne City, and honestly can’t say a bad word about the club. Loved it, grew as a player and a person, but I thought I can’t say no to this opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started.
#davidson #club
The 25-year-old moves to The Valley after spending six years in the Ninja A-League with Melbourne City. She has won three consecutive Ninja A-League **** les while she was also a championship winner last season.
Davidson has also turned out for Brisbane Roar and APIA Leichhardt in her career to date.
On the international stage, Davidson has been capped by Australia on four occasions in which she has scored one goal.
After joining Charlton Athletic, Davidson said “I spent six years at Melbourne City, and honestly can’t say a bad word about the club. Loved it, grew as a player and a person, but I thought I can’t say no to this opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started.
#davidson #club
2 months ago
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang scored two tries and Romain Ntamack orchestrated a big comeback as France rallied for a 42-26 win over Australia on Saturday in the second round of the rugby Nations Championship.
The French led twice in the first half but trailed 21-12 at the break against a Wallabies lineup that used a one-man advantage to score two tries while Emmanuel Meafou was sidelined for 10 minutes for a yellow card.
But three tries in a seven-minute span, including two when Australian fullback Tom Wright was on the sidelines for a yellow card, swung momentum fully in favor of the back-to-back Six Nations champions.
France, on the rebound from a tournament-opening 34-32 loss to New Zealand, scored 30 consecutive points in a dominating performance after halftime, including tries for Grandidier-Nkanang, Ntamack, Florian Verhaeghe and Theo Attissogbe. Australia crossed in the 76th minute for a consolation try.
France will travel to Tokyo to play ****** an next week. The Wallabies, after the 33-31 loss to Ireland in the first round and the big defeat to France, will go to Perth, Western Australia, to take on Italy in a bid to break a six-test losing streak.
The French led twice in the first half but trailed 21-12 at the break against a Wallabies lineup that used a one-man advantage to score two tries while Emmanuel Meafou was sidelined for 10 minutes for a yellow card.
But three tries in a seven-minute span, including two when Australian fullback Tom Wright was on the sidelines for a yellow card, swung momentum fully in favor of the back-to-back Six Nations champions.
France, on the rebound from a tournament-opening 34-32 loss to New Zealand, scored 30 consecutive points in a dominating performance after halftime, including tries for Grandidier-Nkanang, Ntamack, Florian Verhaeghe and Theo Attissogbe. Australia crossed in the 76th minute for a consolation try.
France will travel to Tokyo to play ****** an next week. The Wallabies, after the 33-31 loss to Ireland in the first round and the big defeat to France, will go to Perth, Western Australia, to take on Italy in a bid to break a six-test losing streak.
2 months ago
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Gout Gout says he'll have to withdraw from the world junior championships after straining his hamstring in training, a decision that takes one of the rising stars of track and field out of next month's meet.
"Unfortunately I suffered an injury to my left hamstring last night at training in Brisbane," the 18-year-old Australian sprinter posted on Instagram on Thursday. "I received this morning the MRI report, unfortunately the news is not good and I will not be able to compete in Eugene."
Gout said his focus now was on rehabilitation for the hamstring tear and he planned to "come back in 2027 better and stronger and faster."
"I have no other possibility but to accept this situation. I understand this is part of athletics."
Gout has already spent time training with Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles and has set an international record faster than Usain Bolt could produce at the Under-20 level. He was a strong favorite for gold at the Aug. 5-9 world juniors in Eugene, Oregon.
"Unfortunately I suffered an injury to my left hamstring last night at training in Brisbane," the 18-year-old Australian sprinter posted on Instagram on Thursday. "I received this morning the MRI report, unfortunately the news is not good and I will not be able to compete in Eugene."
Gout said his focus now was on rehabilitation for the hamstring tear and he planned to "come back in 2027 better and stronger and faster."
"I have no other possibility but to accept this situation. I understand this is part of athletics."
Gout has already spent time training with Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles and has set an international record faster than Usain Bolt could produce at the Under-20 level. He was a strong favorite for gold at the Aug. 5-9 world juniors in Eugene, Oregon.
2 months ago
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — An injury crisis in Australia's flyhalf ranks has resulted in Declan Meredith being selected to make his test debut for the Wallabies in the Nations Championship test against Six Nations **** list France on Saturday.
Meredith, a 27-year-old playmaker from Cairns in far north Australia who linked up with the Canberra-based Brumbies in 2023, will be the sixth different player to start a rugby test at No. 10 for Australia since July of last year.
Injuries to Carter Gordon, who started in last week's 33-31 loss to Ireland, and Ben Donaldson, who went on as a replacement and missed a late penalty goal that could have won the game, mean Meredith will join Brumbies teammate Ryan Lonergan in yet another halves pairing for the Wallabies.
In the last 12 months, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, James O'Connor, Tane Edmed and Gordon have been the starting playmaker for Australia.
Jock Campbell, who started at fullback last week in his first test in four years, will move to the bench as cover for Nos. 10 and 15, with Tom Wright returning at fullback in the only other change to the Wallabies' starting XV.
Meredith, a 27-year-old playmaker from Cairns in far north Australia who linked up with the Canberra-based Brumbies in 2023, will be the sixth different player to start a rugby test at No. 10 for Australia since July of last year.
Injuries to Carter Gordon, who started in last week's 33-31 loss to Ireland, and Ben Donaldson, who went on as a replacement and missed a late penalty goal that could have won the game, mean Meredith will join Brumbies teammate Ryan Lonergan in yet another halves pairing for the Wallabies.
In the last 12 months, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, James O'Connor, Tane Edmed and Gordon have been the starting playmaker for Australia.
Jock Campbell, who started at fullback last week in his first test in four years, will move to the bench as cover for Nos. 10 and 15, with Tom Wright returning at fullback in the only other change to the Wallabies' starting XV.
2 months ago
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — France winger Damian Penaud will miss the team's remaining matches in the Nations Championship this month after sustaining a calf injury in the tournament-opening 34-32 loss to New Zealand.
Penaud scored a national record-extending 41st try inside two minutes of Saturday's game in Christchurch but was replaced at halftime.
His withdrawal from the squad was confirmed by France on Monday, forcing him out of matches against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday and ***** an in Tokyo on July 18.
Les Tricolores didn't announce a replacement for Penaud, who returned to the squad after being dropped for the Six Nations.
___
Penaud scored a national record-extending 41st try inside two minutes of Saturday's game in Christchurch but was replaced at halftime.
His withdrawal from the squad was confirmed by France on Monday, forcing him out of matches against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday and ***** an in Tokyo on July 18.
Les Tricolores didn't announce a replacement for Penaud, who returned to the squad after being dropped for the Six Nations.
___
2 months ago
SYDNEY (AP) — Flyhalf Sam Prendergast kicked a conversion with three minutes left, after replacement forward Thomas Clarkson scored a try, to give Ireland a 33-31 victory Saturday over Australia in their Nations Championship opener.
At a sold-out Sydney Football Stadium, the Wallabies led 24-19 at halftime after early tries by Dylan Pietsch and Jock Campbell. But the Irish stayed in touch through touchdowns from Cian Prendergast and Josh van der Flier, with Jamison Gibson-Park scoring a try on halftime to keep them in the match.
After the lead had changed seven times in the 10-try match, Ben Donaldson had the chance to give Australia the winning points, but he pushed a penalty attempt wide from more than 40 meters in the final seconds.
The match marked the start of the end of Joe Schmidt's coaching era at the Wallabies and close to the beginning of the Les Kiss era. Under Schmidt, Australia was winless in its tour to Britain late last year and was on a four-match losing streak.
Schmidt will stay on for two further Nations Championship tests against France in Brisbane next Saturday and vs. Italy in Perth on July 18. Kiss will officially take over on July 20 and is currently concluding his duties with the Queensland Reds Super Rugby side.
At a sold-out Sydney Football Stadium, the Wallabies led 24-19 at halftime after early tries by Dylan Pietsch and Jock Campbell. But the Irish stayed in touch through touchdowns from Cian Prendergast and Josh van der Flier, with Jamison Gibson-Park scoring a try on halftime to keep them in the match.
After the lead had changed seven times in the 10-try match, Ben Donaldson had the chance to give Australia the winning points, but he pushed a penalty attempt wide from more than 40 meters in the final seconds.
The match marked the start of the end of Joe Schmidt's coaching era at the Wallabies and close to the beginning of the Les Kiss era. Under Schmidt, Australia was winless in its tour to Britain late last year and was on a four-match losing streak.
Schmidt will stay on for two further Nations Championship tests against France in Brisbane next Saturday and vs. Italy in Perth on July 18. Kiss will officially take over on July 20 and is currently concluding his duties with the Queensland Reds Super Rugby side.
2 months ago
The tallest player in the history of Australia's National Rugby League is walking away to pursue an NFL career.
Ben Te Kura, a 6-foot-9, 268-pound 22-year-old, was released from his contract by the Brisbane Broncos, who announced that they are respecting his wishes to begin training in America now in preparation for potentially playing in the NFL in 2027.
“I’m very grateful to the Broncos for everything they’ve done to support me in pursuing an opportunity in the NFL,” Te Kura said.
Te Kura is expected to bulk up and attempt to make it to the NFL as an offensive tackle. Te Kura's agent compared him to Jordan Mailata, who went from playing rugby in Australia to becoming one of the best left tackles in the NFL.
For Australian rugby players who have the talent to make it in the NFL, the financial incentives to make the move are enormous: Mailata is on a three-year, $66 million contract. The highest-paid player in the National Rugby League makes a little under $1 million USD a year.
Ben Te Kura, a 6-foot-9, 268-pound 22-year-old, was released from his contract by the Brisbane Broncos, who announced that they are respecting his wishes to begin training in America now in preparation for potentially playing in the NFL in 2027.
“I’m very grateful to the Broncos for everything they’ve done to support me in pursuing an opportunity in the NFL,” Te Kura said.
Te Kura is expected to bulk up and attempt to make it to the NFL as an offensive tackle. Te Kura's agent compared him to Jordan Mailata, who went from playing rugby in Australia to becoming one of the best left tackles in the NFL.
For Australian rugby players who have the talent to make it in the NFL, the financial incentives to make the move are enormous: Mailata is on a three-year, $66 million contract. The highest-paid player in the National Rugby League makes a little under $1 million USD a year.
2 months ago
Australia said Monday its football team will play two games against powerhouse Brazil for their first home fixtures after the World Cup.
The Socceroos will face Carlo Ancelotti's decorated side in Townsville on September 25 and in Brisbane four days later.
"Brazil are a world-class football nation, and we look forward to facing them in Australia," said Socceroos coach Tony Popovic.
"While my immediate focus remains firmly on our World Cup campaign, I'm delighted that we are locking in fixtures of this calibre, because we want to consistently test ourselves against top-tier opposition moving forward."
The two teams have met 11 times since their first encounter in 1988, with Australia winning just once while banking two draws.
The Socceroos will face Carlo Ancelotti's decorated side in Townsville on September 25 and in Brisbane four days later.
"Brazil are a world-class football nation, and we look forward to facing them in Australia," said Socceroos coach Tony Popovic.
"While my immediate focus remains firmly on our World Cup campaign, I'm delighted that we are locking in fixtures of this calibre, because we want to consistently test ourselves against top-tier opposition moving forward."
The two teams have met 11 times since their first encounter in 1988, with Australia winning just once while banking two draws.
2 months ago
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is not over yet.
But the Brazil national team already has its opponent set for the first FIFA window after the World Cup.
Australia, Egypt’s rival in the Round of 32 of this World Cup, officially announced this Sunday (28) that it will play two friendlies against Brazil in September.
The matches will take place on the 25th and 29th of that month, both on Australian soil: Townsville and Brisbane, respectively.
With ticket pre-sale starting next Wednesday, the 1st.
But the Brazil national team already has its opponent set for the first FIFA window after the World Cup.
Australia, Egypt’s rival in the Round of 32 of this World Cup, officially announced this Sunday (28) that it will play two friendlies against Brazil in September.
The matches will take place on the 25th and 29th of that month, both on Australian soil: Townsville and Brisbane, respectively.
With ticket pre-sale starting next Wednesday, the 1st.
3 months ago
As Lewis Crocker realised a lifetime dream by winning the IBF welterweight ***** le at Windsor Park in his native Belfast last September, predictably, the questions as to what is next quickly followed.
Marquee names such as Conor Benn and Devin Haney were rumoured for a lucrative first defence, while a domestic rematch with Conah Walker was also touted, but instead of home comforts, the 29-year-old finds himself in Brisbane, Australia to face mandatory contender and local favourite Liam Paro on Wednesday.
With Paddy Donovan - whom Crocker had edged in their rematch to claim the ***** le last year to improve to 22 wins from as many contests - withdrawing from a final eliminator against Paro [27-1] in January, the former IBF light-welterweight champion was elevated to mandatory challenger.
Australian promoter No Limit would win the purse bid, edging out Crocker's promoter Matchroom by $27,000 (£20,000), handing Paro the opportunity to win a world ***** le in his native Queensland.
Roles are somewhat reversed this time, as Paro won his first world ***** le in the 10st division by upsetting the odds in June 2024 against Puerto Rico's Subriel Matias in enemy territory, before returning to the island to be out-pointed by USA's Richardson Hitchens six months later.
Marquee names such as Conor Benn and Devin Haney were rumoured for a lucrative first defence, while a domestic rematch with Conah Walker was also touted, but instead of home comforts, the 29-year-old finds himself in Brisbane, Australia to face mandatory contender and local favourite Liam Paro on Wednesday.
With Paddy Donovan - whom Crocker had edged in their rematch to claim the ***** le last year to improve to 22 wins from as many contests - withdrawing from a final eliminator against Paro [27-1] in January, the former IBF light-welterweight champion was elevated to mandatory challenger.
Australian promoter No Limit would win the purse bid, edging out Crocker's promoter Matchroom by $27,000 (£20,000), handing Paro the opportunity to win a world ***** le in his native Queensland.
Roles are somewhat reversed this time, as Paro won his first world ***** le in the 10st division by upsetting the odds in June 2024 against Puerto Rico's Subriel Matias in enemy territory, before returning to the island to be out-pointed by USA's Richardson Hitchens six months later.
3 months ago
IBF welterweight champion Lewis Crocker says he is "looking forward to showing my new and improved self" when he makes the first defence of his ***** le against Liam Paro in Brisbane on 24 June.
The Belfast man won the belt with a points win over Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park last September, but has since parted ways with coach Billy Nelson to team up with Huzaifah Iqbal.
While Nelson helped him realise a lifetime ambition last year, the defending champion feels he was getting a little "too comfortable" under his former coach and needed to change it up.
Despite the switch from Scotland to London, Crocker feels he is right at home and the decision to make the change will pay off when he takes on the former IBF light-welterweight champion at the Pat Rafter Arena.
"I just felt there was certain stuff I could be better at and the way I am now, it's all worked out," explained the 29-year-old, who has won all 22 of his professional contests.
The Belfast man won the belt with a points win over Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park last September, but has since parted ways with coach Billy Nelson to team up with Huzaifah Iqbal.
While Nelson helped him realise a lifetime ambition last year, the defending champion feels he was getting a little "too comfortable" under his former coach and needed to change it up.
Despite the switch from Scotland to London, Crocker feels he is right at home and the decision to make the change will pay off when he takes on the former IBF light-welterweight champion at the Pat Rafter Arena.
"I just felt there was certain stuff I could be better at and the way I am now, it's all worked out," explained the 29-year-old, who has won all 22 of his professional contests.
