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SportsWrap: Lions roar, Chiefs soar, and unexpected appointments defined the weekend
Sizzling Hot Performances
- British & Irish Lions Tour Squad Announced: Dreams came true for 38 players as they were selected for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia. Ieuan Evans, Lions chair, revealed the squad at The O2 Arena in London, with reactions from players and clubs capturing the magnitude of the moment. Key names include Leinster dominating with 12 selections, and Maro Itoje being named as the tour captain.
- Benetton scored a bonus-point victory over Glasgow Warriors, boosting their URC play-off hopes and leaving Glasgow seeking improvement.
- Damian McKenzie steered the Chiefs to a come-from-behind win against the Crusaders, keeping them atop the Super Rugby Pacific table.
- Peter O’Mahony bid farewell to Thomond Park with a try and vital victory against Ulster, cementing Munster’s place in the URC knockout race.
Chilling Coldsetbacks
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Injuries and Absences:
- Ireland captain Caelan Doris missed out on Lions selection and requires surgery, ruling him out for four to six months.
- Fiji wing Josaia Raisuqe died in an accident at age 30.
- Wallabies stars Noah Lolesio and Joseph Suaalii sustained injuries that will keep them out of action.
- Eben Etzebeth left the field with a knee injury while playing for the Sharks.
- Glasgow Warriors suffered a disappointing loss to Benetton, leaving them with work to do before the URC knockout stage.
Shock Appointments and Surprises
- Geoff Parling, former England and Lions lock, was announced as the new head coach of Leicester Tigers from next season.