Strong Irish influence in Farrell’s Lions coaching staff

Richard Wigglesworth, Simon Easterby, Andrew Goodman, John Fogarty and John Dalziel have all been confirmed as part of Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions coaching team for the tour of Australia this summer. England senior assistant coach Wigglesworth is a surprise selection formerly solely in charge of England’s attack he now also works with a focus on kicking strategy.

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Real Madrid close in on Alexander-Arnold signing

Real Madrid are in advanced talks to complete the signing of Liverpool full back Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer this summer. The 26 year old is in the last three months of his contract and is free to discuss his future with other clubs. The Spanish giants have long been admirers of the Merseysider and have developed a strategy of signing players on free transfer in recent years including Kylian Mbappe last summer.

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Boehly says Chelsea owners could split if stadium plans do not align

Todd Boehly says Chelsea’s owners could go their separate ways if they cannot agree on the future of Stamford Bridge. Chelsea bosses are considering whether to leave Stamford Bridge or to expand, with Earl’s Court seen as a possible new location. All options are being evaluated with the project said to be complicated by the limited space in London to build.

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Ireland survive scare dismissing Bulgaria to retain League B status

Evan Ferguson scored his first goal since November as the Republic of Ireland preserved their Nations League B status with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Bulgaria. Adam Idah struck after coming off the bench to secure a 2-1 play-off second-leg win in Dublin to give the fans something to celebrate after Valentin Antov had given the visitors a shock lead.

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Juventus sack manager Thiago Motta and appoint Igor Tudor

Juventus have sacked manager Thiago Motta after just nine months in charge and replaced him Croatian Igor Tudor. Former Italy international Motta, 42, departs with the 36-time Serie A champions one point outside the Champions League qualification places in fifth. His final match in charge was a 3-0 defeat at Fiorentina last weekend, having been thrashed 4-0 at home by Atalanta the previous week.

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