Today's rugby news as WRU announce changes to leagues and fans left 'gutted' by Welsh star's release
Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, June 2.
Rugby Sport News
Sean O'Loughlin reveals shock after realising he'd been awarded an OBE
Sean O'Loughlin has been awarded an OBE for his services to rugby league. The Wigan Warriors legend won 10 major honours during his distinguished 19-year career, playing 459 games for his club along with 36 international appearances for England and Great Britain.
RL Today: Jake Connor attracting NRL interest & Kenny Edwards future
Hull FC full-back Jake Connor is attracting interest from clubs Down Under in the NRL. (Hull Daily Mail)
'Monumental moment': US equity firm takes stake in New Zealand's All Blacks
WELLINGTON: US private equity firm Silver Lake secured a NZ$200 million (US$134 million) stake in New Zealand Rugby and its famed All Blacks on Thursday (Jun 2) after provincial unions overwhelmingly endorsed the deal following years of wrangling.
Australian teams face daunting New Zealand challenge in Super finals series
MELBOURNE : Super Rugby's credibility as a competition will be under the microscope this weekend as fading hopes of an Australian revival meet the cold reality of New Zealand dominance in a much-criticised playoffs format.
Bulls still have room for manoeuvring should competitions pile up, says CEO
Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone is of the view that the Pretoria franchise will be able to deal with needed player resources once they get confirmation of the number of tournaments they will be involved in.
Vote clears way for private equity investment in All Blacks
A special general meeting of New Zealand Rugby in Auckland voted in favour of a private equity investment from US firm Silver Lake on Thursday, the final step in the approval process for the groundbreaking deal.
France investigating Champions League final chaos: UK
France is investigating the chaos at last weekend's Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid, Britain's top diplomat said on Wednesday, as pressure on the French interior minister grew over the police's handling. The mayhem outside the Stade de France stadium ahead of the showpiece event, which saw thousands of Liverpool supporters with tickets struggle to enter and police respond with tear gas, raised questions over the capacity of Paris to host the Olympic Games in 2024. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who has faced accusations of lying after he blamed the chaos on massive ticket scams, admitted that the organisation could "clearly" have been better. British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss held a telephone call with her French counterpart Catherine Colonna and said an investigation had been launched. "I raised concerns at appalling treatment of @liverpoolfc fans in Paris last weekend. I have been assured investigation now launched," she wrote on Twitter on Wednesday evening.