Sports

Ireland hang tough to retain Six Nations title – ARN News Centre

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1 year ago

March 18, 2024

Staff Reporter

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AFP

Ireland spluttered but did enough to beat Scotland 17-13 at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday and clinch back-to-back Six Nations titles for the second time in 11 years to put last year’s World Cup disappointment behind them.

After England denied them a bid for successive Grand Slams last week, a sluggish Ireland looked at risk of relinquishing their grip on the title and giving the English something to play for in Paris after eking out an unconvincing 7-6 halftime lead.

Andy Farrell’s men showed far more intent straight after the break, however, pushing hard until Andrew Porter’s 65th-minute try put daylight between the sides, only for a late Huw Jones try and an Irish yellow card to set up a nervy finish.

The victory kept Ireland clear of second-placed England, eased the disappointment of another crushing World Cup quarter-final defeat and ensured the post-Johnny Sexton era began with silverware.

It may also prove a fitting farewell to Sexton’s successor as captain, Peter O’Mahony, who before lifting the trophy said his 105th cap could be his last.

“If it was the last one, I’ll be a happy man,” said the 34-year-old Munster flanker who was in tears during the anthems and indicated he would make a decision about his future within weeks.

O’Mahony had reminded fans after the disappointment at Twickenham that Ireland would have given anything for a single title not so long ago. They had gone 24 years without a championship before the Grand Slam of 2009.

“These days don’t come around,” he said. “We put in a lot of hard work, going back to the World Cup. It was tough but it galvanised us. To come back from that defeat, it shows the character in the group we have.”

SCRAPPY OPENING

The game was punctuated with nerves for the home fans, Finn Russell putting Scotland 3-0 ahead after a scrappy opening where the ball spent more time being pinged into the air than put through the hands.

The Scots gifted Ireland an opening try with a horror show of a lineout five metres from their own line that flew past all the Scottish jumpers into the arms of hooker Dan Sheehan who strolled over for his fifth try of the championship.

A tired looking Ireland attack lacked fluidity, conceding eight early turnovers, but they were also blunted by an organised Scottish defence coach Gregor Townsend said was the best he had seen in recent years.

The mistakes were not limited to Ireland, though, as neither side were able to control a forgettable first half.

Ireland came alive after the break, flyhalf Jack Crowley nudging them four points clear before prop Tadhg Furlong was denied a try in a tight call by the officials and the hosts knocked on twice with the tryline beckoning.

Ireland kept coming as the subdued atmosphere of the first 40 minutes swung between choruses of “The Fields of Athenry” and nervous groans before Porter scored with a clever tap penalty after Scotland’s Ewan Ashman was sent to the sin bin.

A yellow card for Irish replacement Harry Byrne four minutes from time ensured a far nervier finish that Ireland would have liked, particularly when Jones cut the deficit to four points, but the hosts hung tight.

“We’ve had spells in this competition where we’ve been brilliant but at the same time we’ve had spells where we’ve allowed teams to get on the front foot,” said Scotland captain Russell whose side finished with two wins and three defeats.

“We need to get mentally stronger and put in performances week in week out.”

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UAE’s baseball governing committee eyes new growth opportunities

Published

2 days ago

June 25, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The UAE’s Baseball Governing Committee is actively pushing forward with its plans to grow and develop the sport across the country, with a focus on grassroots talent and international partnerships.

The three-member committee, led by Dr. Tayyab Kamali as chairman and joined by Zayed Abbas and Mubashshir Usmani, continues to explore new avenues for expanding baseball’s footprint in the Emirates.

Baseball’s governance was officially placed under the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) by the UAE two years ago. Since then, the committee has worked to build a solid foundation for the sport, from youth engagement to infrastructure development.

Dr. Tayyab Kamali, Chairman of the Baseball Governing Committee, said: “The Emirates Cricket Board remains committed to the growth of baseball in the UAE. We’re creating opportunities to promote the sport through talent development, establishing academies, and hosting world-class events across the country.”

He added that the committee has also engaged with several international baseball organisations and that a series of exciting partnerships and initiatives will be announced soon.

With baseball’s rising popularity globally and increasing interest among young athletes in the UAE, the committee is optimistic about the sport’s future in the region.

Sports

UFC returns to Abu Dhabi this July with blockbuster fight night at Etihad Arena

Published

1 week ago

June 20, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Mark your calendars, fight fans. The UFC is making its return to Abu Dhabi on July 26, bringing a stacked Fight Night card to Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed the first six explosive matchups, including a can’t-miss main event featuring former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker taking on Reinier de Ridder, the surging Dutch fighter making waves across the division.

The co-main event sees rising star Aaron Pico make his highly anticipated UFC debut in a five-round featherweight showdown against the undefeated Movsar Evloev.

Official UFC Abu Dhabi Fight Card – July 26

Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder – Middleweight Main Event
Movsar Evloev vs. Aaron Pico – Featherweight Co-Main (5 rounds)
Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee – Bantamweight clash with fireworks guaranteed
Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov – High-stakes bantamweight bout
Shara Magomedov vs. Marc-André Barriault – Middleweight showdown
Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov – Light heavyweight banger

From title contenders to breakout stars and debuting fighters, this card is shaping up to be one of the summer’s most thrilling events in the UAE.

Tickets and more info coming soon. Stay tuned to UFC Arabia and Etihad Arena channels for updates.

Middle East

DP World ILT20 strikes deal with Kuwait Cricket Board to develop T20 game in region

Published

1 week ago

June 19, 2025

Michael Gomes

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In a major boost for regional cricket, the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) has signed a strategic partnership with the Kuwait Cricket Board to develop the sport in Kuwait and beyond.

The collaboration, formalised at a high-profile ceremony at Dubai International Stadium, will see Kuwait host ILT20 development tournaments, offer exposure to local players, and eventually aim to stage official ILT20 matches on Kuwaiti soil.

This marks the first official partnership of its kind between the Emirates Cricket Board and any other national board under the ILT20 framework, placing Kuwait on the global cricket map.

What This Means for Cricket in the Gulf

Annual ILT20 Development Tournaments in Kuwait to identify and nurture local talent
Opportunity for Kuwaiti players to be scouted by ILT20 franchises
Future possibility of ILT20 matches hosted in Kuwait, expanding the league’s GCC footprint
Greater involvement of local sponsors and Kuwaiti brands in regional cricket
Enhanced pathway for Kuwaiti nationals to pursue full-time cricket careers

Voices from the Partnership

Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of ILT20 and Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, said: “We are proud to announce this strategic collaboration with the Kuwait Cricket Board as they officially join the DP World ILT20 family. This partnership underscores our commitment to expanding the game’s footprint across the Gulf region. Kuwait is a valued partner, an ambitious country with a clear vision for promoting and developing cricket.

“With strong cricket-playing communities across the region, the DP World ILT20 aims to create opportunities for players and fans alike. Our goal is to elevate the sport and make the league a truly regional platform for cricket excellence.”

Haider Farman, President of Kuwait Cricket, stated: “It is an honour to formalise this landmark agreement between Kuwait Cricket and the Emirates Cricket Board to promote the DP World ILT20, both in our two countries and across the wider region. This partnership is a cornerstone in our shared vision to grow and globalise the sport of cricket.

“We take great pride in Kuwait being recognised as the first strategic partner of the DP World ILT20. Cricket is rapidly gaining momentum in Kuwait, and this collaboration will play a pivotal role in integrating more Kuwaiti nationals into the sport as players, officials, and professionals.

“With the upcoming Asian Games in Qatar (2030) and Saudi Arabia (2034), the timing is ideal. We believe this partnership will inspire the next generation across the GCC and lay the foundation for long-term cricketing success.”

David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, commented: “We congratulate Kuwait Cricket for their strategic foresight and leadership, which have made this exciting partnership possible. The DP World ILT20’s long-term vision extends beyond the UAE; it is to serve as a catalyst for cricket development across the Gulf.

“This agreement opens up incredible opportunities for young talent in Kuwait to grow, compete, and ultimately be scouted for the main league. We’ve already seen how UAE players have benefitted from exposure to high-level competition and coaching, with recent wins like the T20I series against Bangladesh highlighting that impact. We are confident Kuwait will see similar progress.”

Sajid Ashraf, Director General of Kuwait Cricket, added: “This collaboration marks a historic moment for Kuwait Cricket and the broader sporting community. Partnering with the Emirates Cricket Board and the world-class DP World ILT20 opens new doors for our players to pursue full-time careers in professional cricket.

“Beyond the field, this alliance provides a powerful platform for Kuwaiti corporations to connect with the region’s vibrant cricket-loving population. With more than two million expatriates in Kuwait and a population of five million, the potential for commercial engagement is significant.

“We look forward to the launch of the ILT20 Development Tournament in Kuwait and the many opportunities it will bring for players, fans, and businesses. This is a defining step towards building a stronger cricket ecosystem and ensuring lasting impact for generations to come.”

What’s Next?

The first DP World ILT20 Development Tournament in Kuwait is set to be announced soon. Meanwhile, ILT20 Season 4 kicks off in the UAE on December 2, 2025 (UAE National Day), with six teams competing across 34 matches, culminating in the final on January 4, 2026.

As cricket cements its popularity across the GCC, this collaboration signals a shared ambition: to create an inclusive cricket ecosystem, from Dubai to Kuwait and beyond.