Former Economist correspondent and Daily Telegraph South East Asia Correspondent. Author of 'Kathmandu' - a social and political history of the city. ****

Hong Kong Sevens 2024: could France superstar Antoine Dupont add X-factor to city in April?

25 Oct 2023  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Sports Events

Antoine Dupont, the world-renowned scrum-half, is transitioning to rugby sevens with hopes of competing in the Olympics, potentially playing in the Hong Kong Sevens in April 2024. Dupont's inclusion in the France squad for the Vancouver SVNS tournament marks his shift from 15-a-side rugby. The Hong Kong Sevens, scheduled for April 5-7, 2024, will be the last at Hong Kong Stadium before moving to the new Kai Tak Sports Park. Dupont's participation is expected to enhance the event's appeal, which has lacked star power since Fiji's Waisale Serevi. France's sevens team, needing Dupont's talent, aims to improve its Olympic record. Former England sevens captain Tom Mitchell believes Dupont will adapt well to the sevens format. France will compete against the United States, Samoa, and Australia in Vancouver.

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World Rugby Sevens Series France Rugby Sevens HSBC SVNS

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I am a Communication & Media Specialist, continuously working on evolving into a resource influenced by creative elements. I have over fifteen years of experience working in varied capacities with advertising agencies, television production houses and for one of Africa’s largest multidisciplinary ...

Thrilling Opening Game for the Rugby Africa Gold Cup

16 Jun 2018  |  rugbyafrica.africa-newsroom.com  |  English  |  Rugby

The Rugby Africa Gold Cup opened with a match between Zimbabwe Sables and Morocco’s Atlas Lions on June 16, 2018, ending in a 23-23 draw. The game was intense, with both teams showing strong defense and taking advantage of penalties. Zimbabwe's Shingirai Katsvere and Morocco's Hmidouch Chakir were notable players, contributing significantly to their teams' scores. Post-match comments from both teams' captains and Morocco's coach reflected a recognition of the challenges faced and the need for improvement. The event was praised for its excitement and the growing popularity of rugby in Africa by Rugby Africa's chairman and APO Group's CEO. Upcoming games include Namibia vs. Tunisia and Morocco vs. Kenya, with Zimbabwe set to play Namibia on August 4.

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World Rugby Rugby Africa

I'm a freelance journalist and editor who has 12 years industry experience. I have worked in Australia, Singapore and the UK in print, online, radio and TV. Primarily my background is in magazines and newspapers, originally starting in business journalism and niche subjects. I was the news editor ...

Five things we learned from the Wallabies' win over Georgia

12 Oct 2019  |  www.theroar.com.au  |  English  |  World Cup

Australia's win over Georgia was unconvincing, highlighting the Wallabies' ongoing issues with discipline, ball-handling, and execution. Key takeaways include the need for improved tackling to avoid penalties, Matt To’omua's unsuitability as a fly half, Jack Dempsey's growing impact, Marika Korobiete's standout performance, and the team's inconsistency, which casts doubt on their World Cup-winning potential.

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World Rugby Wallabies

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Antoine Dupont is a journalist based in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Antoine Dupont savours ‘sensational’ first France gold of Games in rugby sevens

27 Jul 2024  |  inkl  |  English  |  Sports

Antoine Dupont led France to a sensational victory in rugby sevens at the Olympics, dethroning the two-time champions Fiji with a remarkable performance. Dupont's strategic play and adaptability were pivotal in France's triumph, marking a significant moment for French rugby. Fiji, despite a strong start, faced internal challenges and criticism, leading to a change in coaching staff. The victory is seen as a potential turning point for French rugby, with Dupont's influence extending beyond the traditional format of the sport.

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French Rugby Team World Rugby HSBC SVNS

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Fuad Esack is a multimedia journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa. He has extensive experience in print, broadcasting and digital platforms. as well as a background in advertising copywriting. Also good with layout, basic design, photography and phone/videography.

Looking back at the year in sport

31 Dec 2023  |  www.athlonenews.co.za  |  English  |  Local Sports

The article reviews notable sports events and achievements in Athlone throughout 2023, highlighting key performances in cricket, soccer, gymnastics, athletics, boxing, breakdancing, ice hockey, table tennis, basketball, skateboarding, and mixed martial arts. It also pays tribute to significant figures and records set in various sports disciplines, showcasing the vibrant local sports scene and the accomplishments of athletes from the region.

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Western Province Rugby Football Union World Boxing Federation Rylands Cricket Club Durbanville Cricket Club Western Province Cricket Association Athlone Athletics Bothasig Knights Bellville Tygers University of the Western Cape Western Province Cricket Club Greenwood Athletic FC Bemur Gymnastics and Dance Primrose SA Sports Association for the Physically Disabled Unitie Sports Club Grassy Park United Cape Town Spurs Red Bull BC One International Ice Hockey Federation SA Ice Hockey Federation Boundary Table Tennis Club Shiloh Topspinners Table Tennis Club Cape Town Tigers Basketball Club Minnesota Timberwolves International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Collegians RFC Hamediehs RFC Nantes Athletic Club Diadora FC Goulburn Athletic AFC Safa Cape Town Goulburn FC International Table Tennis Federation

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Viola Gaskell is a journalist based in Hawai'i. Her work includes photography and writing on various elements of local culture including the wealth of traditional and modern storylines that collide on a daily basis. 

Viola graduated with a Bachelors degree in Visual & Multimedia Journalism from ...

Hong Kong Sevens: when the world turns up for a party – on and off the pitch

25 Mar 2019  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Events

The Hong Kong Sevens, a premier tournament in the World Rugby Sevens Series, is a highly anticipated event that attracts top players and fans from around the globe. The 44th edition, starting on April 5, promises a blend of intense rugby action and festive atmosphere. Players like Cecil Afrika, Tim Mikkelson, and Kameli Soejima express their excitement and admiration for the unique energy and history of the event. The tournament is not just about the games but also the vibrant city life, with fans and players enjoying Hong Kong's cultural and culinary offerings. The event features various activities, including performances and family-friendly events, making it a city-wide celebration.

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World Rugby Sevens Series All Blacks Sevens Blitzboks

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Roberto Gotta is a journalist based in Bologna, Italy.

Even rugby closes to transgender

30 Jul 2022  |  ilGiornale.it  |  Italian  |  Rugby

The Rugby Football Union in England voted 33-26 against allowing transgender athletes to participate in women's rugby with full physical contact, following a consultation period with over 11,000 opinions. This decision aligns with the World Rugby's 2020 stance and has sparked protests and debates about diversity. The article also references similar decisions in swimming and the case of South African runner Castor Semenya, highlighting ongoing controversies in sports regarding transgender and intersex athletes.

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World Rugby Rugby Football Union Penn Federazione internazionale di nuoto

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Mike Hove is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Athletes, Authorities, Speak on Rugby Growth, Celebrate Springboks Historic Win

30 Oct 2023  |  www.voaafrica.com  |  English  |  Sports Development

South Africa's national rugby team, the Springboks, will begin an appreciation tour in Gauteng following their World Cup victory. World Rugby's latest rankings place the Springboks first, with Ireland second and New Zealand third. Former players Mandla Mhinga and Zukile Ncube attribute South Africa's success to significant investment in rugby and foresee further achievements, including a potential three-peat at the 2027 World Cup in Australia. Rugby Africa's president, Herbert Mensah, emphasizes the need for more investment to elevate the sport in Africa, which has seen growing interest in countries like Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.

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Rugby Africa World Rugby Springboks

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Anmol Irfan is a journalist based in Lahore, Pakistan. She has a BA in History from the London School of Economics. She is also the Founder of Perspective Magazine, an online magazine and community platform that seeks to empower marginalised voices and unheard stories in Pakistan. 
Her writing ...

Paris Olympics 2024: How Women Athletes Smashed Stereotypes

08 Aug 2024  |  The Persistent  |  English  |  Women in Sports

The Paris Olympics 2024 is marked by significant strides in gender equality, with women athletes breaking stereotypes and challenging societal norms. Notable achievements include Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez and Azerbaijani archer Yaylagul Ramazanova competing while pregnant, and U.S. rugby player Ilona Maher advocating against body shaming. Algerian boxer Imane Khelif stands against gender-based bullying, while older athletes like Xia Lian Ni and Zeng Zhiying defy age-related stereotypes. These athletes serve as powerful role models, contributing to long-term societal change towards inclusivity and respect.

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World Rugby U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee China's national team

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Laura Lynott is a senior journalist based in Dublin, Ireland who has worked in national and local newspapers for 15 years.  Laura has worked freelance for almost three of those and has written for magazines and websites in the U.K. and Ireland.
Throughout her lengthy career, Laura has written ...

Revealed: The top Google searches in Ireland in 2023

01 Oct 2023  |  www.independent.ie  |  English  |  Celebrity Deaths

Ireland's top Google searches in 2023 reflect a diverse range of interests, from blockbuster movies like 'Oppenheimer' and 'Barbie' to major sports events such as the Rugby World Cup and FIFA Women's World Cup. The nation also mourned cultural icons like Sinéad O’Connor and Shane MacGowan, who were among the most-searched individuals. Entertainment searches were dominated by TV shows like 'The Last of Us' and 'Welcome to Wrexham.' TikTok's influence was evident with 'Viking toast' becoming a viral recipe search. Coldplay and Taylor Swift were the most-searched music acts, with both set to tour Ireland next year. Practical searches included 'How to claim rent tax credit,' reflecting ongoing economic concerns.

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FIFA Women's World Cup Rugby World Cup RTÉ

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Enock Muchinjo is a journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The Springboks are not truly representative of African rugby. African rugby is struggling

30 Oct 2023  |  apnews.com  |  English  |  Rugby World Cup

Africa is home to the Rugby World Cup champion, with the Springboks winning back-to-back titles. However, the success of South Africa's team, led by Siya Kolisi, does not reflect the overall state of African rugby, which struggles with competitiveness and investment. Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah highlights the need for more funding and support to make African teams competitive. Namibia, despite qualifying for every World Cup since 1999, has yet to win a match and faces significant challenges. The article calls for structural changes and better support to help African rugby grow and compete on the world stage.

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World Rugby Rugby Africa

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I am a seasoned multimedia producer and journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. I have a wealth of experience spanning 8 years garnered across Africa in media production, writing and reporting in the areas of lifestyle, governance, elections, politics, development and conflict.

Kenyan U-20 rugby star Brighetti switches to Italy

20 Jan 2020  |  newscentral.africa  |  English  |  Rugby

Kenya's under-20 rugby player Michele Brighetti is set to debut for Italy in the 2020 Six Nations U-20 Championships after being called up to the Italian Under-20 team. Brighetti, who played for Kenya's U-20 team in the 2019 World Rugby Under-20 Trophy, is eligible to switch national sides due to his Italian ancestry and not having played for Kenya's senior team. He joined Italy's elite rugby academy, Accademia Nazionale 'Ivan Francescato', in 2019. The article outlines the World Rugby regulations that allow such a switch.

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Federazione Italiana Rugby World Rugby Accademia Nazionale 'Ivan Francescato'

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JOEL OMOTTO is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. I have 10 years’ experience in print, TV and radio reporting, feature writing and research, combined with a university degree. I can report on location, do live TV and radio links as well as edit and layout newspaper pages, having worked as a sub-...

Kenya Sevens players and coach feel the need to quickly bounce back to the World Series is what is driving them to post impressive results at the 2024 Challenger Series

12 Jan 2024  |  Pulse Sports Kenya  |  English  |  Sports

Kenya Sevens is determined to return to the World Sevens Series by performing well in the 2024 Challenger Series. They started strong with a 41-0 win over Mexico and a 29-1 victory against Uganda, securing a spot in the cup quarter-finals. Head coach Kevin Wambua and co-captain Tony Omondi are focused on the goal of rejoining the top flight after being relegated last May. The team is taking each game seriously, with players like Kevin Wekesa and Nygel Amaitsa contributing significantly to the wins. Shujaa will face Germany next, already assured a place in the quarter-finals.

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World Rugby

Narissa Subramoney is a journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Springboks, All Blacks Train Before Rugby World Cup Final

25 Oct 2023  |  bgtvnetwork.com  |  English  |  Sports

The Springboks and All Blacks are set to compete for a record fourth Rugby World Cup title. South Africa leads the world rankings after defeating England, while New Zealand secured their final spot with a win over Argentina. The final will take place at Stade de France, where South Africa has an undefeated record in finals. An incident of alleged racism involving Springbok Bongi Mbonambi and England's Tom Curry during the semi-finals is under investigation by World Rugby.

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World Rugby All Blacks Springboks

David Walsh is a journalist based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Tragic lesson of hero who tried to fix rugby: a brain cannot be replaced

07 Dec 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Personal Story

Tom, a passionate rugby enthusiast, dedicated his life to advocating for player safety in the sport, particularly concerning brain injuries. Despite his efforts with Progressive Rugby to change the laws for safer play, he tragically succumbed to brain cancer. His devotion to rugby was evident in his personal life, often prioritizing the sport over other commitments. The article highlights Tom's journey, his family's support, and the irony of his death due to a brain condition, underscoring the ongoing challenges in addressing brain injuries in rugby.

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Gloucester Rugby Progressive Rugby World Rugby

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Jonathan White is a journalist based in Hong Kong, Hong Kong. Formerly with the South China Morning Post, Jonathan has covered sport, news and culture from China since 2007. He covered the Beijing 2008 Olympics, the Fifa World Cup in Brazil in 2014 and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. As well as his ...

Hong Kong, Singapore Sevens confirmed in rejigged Series schedule for 2021-22 season

13 Oct 2021  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Rugby

The Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is set to return to the HSBC World Sevens Series calendar for the 2021-22 season after being absent for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The schedule includes new events in France and Spain, with the series starting in Dubai and featuring both men's and women's events. Traditional venues in Sydney, Hamilton, and Cape Town are excluded this season. World Rugby Sevens and HSBC express excitement for the return of the series and the inclusion of new venues.

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World Rugby Sevens

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Richard Zimunya is a journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Junior Sables off to Kenya ahead of U20 Barthes Trophy

06 Apr 2022  |  Southern Eye  |  English  |  Rugby

The Zimbabwe Under-20 rugby team is set to leave for Kenya to participate in the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy tournament at Nyayo International Stadium. Competing against seven other teams, including Tunisia, Namibia, and host Kenya, the winner will represent Africa in the World Rugby Junior Trophy. Head coach Shaun De Souza expressed confidence in the team's performance, emphasizing their goal to win the tournament. The team had a successful four-day camp, with referee Talent Gore providing crucial rule guidance. Zimbabwe will face Tunisia in their opening match.

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World Rugby Rugby Africa

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