Gareth Bale-led consortium reportedly submits £40 million offer to buy Cardiff
Rhodri Evans
A consortium led by Gareth Bale has reportedly submitted a £40 million offer to buy Cardiff City, his home-town club.
The former Real Madrid and Wales legend confirmed his intentions to make a bid to buy Cardiff last week, saying that he is the ideal man to turn the club around after relegation to League One.
The club has dropped to the third tier of English football for the first time since 2002/03 and there were a number of protests against Vincent Tan’s ownership of Cardiff.
Tan has invested more than £200 million into the club since taking over in 2010, but Cardiff have been on a downward trajectory for over five years now.
“We are interested in getting Cardiff. It’s my home club, it’s where I grew up and my uncle [Chris Pike] used to play for them,” Bale said last week.
“To be involved with an ownership group would be a dream come true.
“It is a club close to my heart and I would love to be able to be a part of growing Cardiff and taking it to the Premier League where it belongs. I know how amazing the Welsh fans and Cardiff fans are.
“It would be amazing to try and do something together. We are trying to engage with Cardiff and more news will come out on that in the future, but hopefully we can get something done.”
The makeup of the group led by Bale is unknown but it is thought to include US investors. Last month an initial proposal by Bale’s consortium was reportedly dismissed by Tan.
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’ Women’s European Championship campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this July for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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50 Years of Polo
Rhodri Evans
Its introduction may have marked Volkswagen’s first move into the small car segment but, 50 years after making its debut, the Polo’s now legendary status means that today the hatchback has earned a big reputation and a huge following around the world.
‘Small on the inside. Big on the inside.’ was the advertising slogan used to launch the Polo in May 1975 and, now half-a-century later, Volkswagen is celebrating a model that has had a massive impact on its global brand success. Over five decades, six generations of the famed Volkswagen have clocked up more than 20 million sales.
It’s fair to say nobody expected the extremely compact two-door to become such a global phenomenon and international best-seller.
When the first new Polo was unveiled, it was part of a new Volkswagen model family designed to succeed the renowned VW Beetle – the Polo following in the tyre tracks of the Passat (1973) and Golf (1974).
However, with its clean design based on the Audi 50 and high functionality, it didn’t take too long for the Polo to capture the spirit of the times and the admiration of motorists.
Efficient, practical and affordable, the lightweight vehicle was also characterised by agility, very good handling characteristics and economical engines – core virtues that have continued the model’s success story to this day.
Through each of its six generations, the Polo has been developed further to take its popularity to new heights and win over more drivers. The Polo II brought a number of improvements from 1981 onwards, whilst the Polo III was one of the first vehicles in its class with innovative safety features such as airbags and was available for the first time as a GTI.
Other highlights saw the introduction of a host of digital innovations on the Polo V: from 2009, infotainment and assistance systems made driving more comfortable than ever.
Since then, connectivity, safety and driving dynamics and, following a product upgrade in 2021, the latest Polo is more digital and innovative than ever before boasting assistance and comfort systems that are otherwise known only from higher vehicle classes.
Undeniably a pioneer in its class, affordable mobility, timeless design and pioneering technology have become the hallmarks of the Polo that have not only appealed to car buyers but also earned the acclaim of the automotive press with an awards haul that has included the Car of the Year 2010, World Car of the Year 2010 and World Urban Car 2018 titles to name but a few.
At Sinclair Volkswagen retailers in Newport, Cardiff, Bridgend, Port Talbot, Swansea and Neyland, the Polo continues to be a huge hit amongst customers and those looking to purchase models from the group’s impressive and extensive Approved Used stock.
The latest versions are stylish, superb to drive and lavishly equipped with specifications that are the envy of their rivals.
As well as Life, Style, R-Line, Black Edition and GTI trims, there is one option that is proving to be a real favourite – the Polo Match and it’s easy to see why.
With its extra spec and technology that includes parking sensors, rear view camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, wireless mobile phone charging, heated door mirrors, Apple CarPlay and Android, it’s no wonder why so many Sinclair Volkswagen customers are finding this Polo in particular to be their perfect Match!
In Germany, Volkswagen kicked-off Polo’s 50th anniversary year by exhibiting a pair of pristine first-generation models at the Bremen Classic Motorshow – a 1975 Polo L and a hill climb Polo from 1977.
In this landmark year, the manufacturer has also just announced the release of a special model, the Polo Edition 50 based on the Style equipment line. It is distinguished by a 3D badge on the B-pillar with the lettering ‘50’ as well as commemorative lettering inside on the front sill panel mouldings, lower steering wheel and on the high-gloss black dashboard on the front passenger side.
Half a century after making its debut, the Polo can be rightfully proclaimed amongst the world’s most successful small compact vehicles and, thanks to the panache and performance of the 2025 range, its appeal shows no sign of abating. In this special anniversary year, the Volkswagen Polo is truly 50 years strong and regarded as a genuine golden wonder of its time.
For further information on the Polo range or to book a test drive, please contact your nearest Sinclair Volkswagen retailer or visit www.sinclairvolkswagen.co.uk
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’ Women’s European Championship campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this July for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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History Makers: Wales women on the brink of first major tournament
Rhodri Evans
Wales Women are on the brink of history.
Manager Rhian Wilkinson has selected a highly experienced 23-player squad for her side’s first ever major tournament – the 2025 Women’s European Championships in Switzerland.
Angharad James captains the group and has over 100 caps to her name and forms a strong group of senior players with fellow centurions Jess Fishlock – Wales’ record goalscorer and appearance maker – Hayley Ladd, and Sophie Ingle.
Ingle was touch and go to make the plane to Switzerland, having injured her ACL in preseason last year. Having been captain in Wilkinson’s first match in charge, Ingle’s composure and comfort on the ball are vital for Wales to gain ascendancy in midfield.
The former Chelsea midfielder trained with the squad during Wales’ recent international camp but has not played for nearly a year.
“We needed to make sure that Sophie Ingle was in a good place, she’s still on her path to full fitness but she’s in a position now where she can contribute which is important for us,” Wilkinson said.
“Sophie’s pushing, she’s looking really good in training. She made me look foolish yesterday, I should never jump into training anymore, it’s not good for my ego!
“She has to be able to contribute in some way, that was the pre-requisite that I had. When she was able to meet that she was a straight into the squad.”
Midfield is an area of the pitch where Wales have real strength. Captain James is a stalwart in the centre of the pitch, while Alice Griffiths, Lois Joel, and Carrie Jones are all rapidly improving.
Add in Hayley Ladd – a midfielder at club level and central defender for Cymru – and Wales are well placed to cover for Ingle if she is not available from the beginning of the tournament.
It is a similar situation facing Wales in O’Sullivan’s position of goalkeeper. Olivia Clark of Leicester City has been Wilkinson’s undisputed number one since the Canadian took the job last year, while Safia Middleton-Patel is highly rated and gaining experience at Manchester United.
However, if the worst were to happen and Clark pick up a late injury, Wales would be in crisis mode. Third choice goalkeeper Poppy Soper is the only member of the squad without a senior international cap.
In defence, Wales look lean and mean. Rhiannon Roberts, Gemma Evans, and Ladd form as solid a back three as you can get at Wales’ level, while Josie Green, Charlie Estcourt, Lily Woodham, Ella Powell, and Esther Morgan are all rearing to be given a chance either at wing back or centre half.
Up front, Wilkinson is still heavily reliant on veteran forward Jess Fishlock for goals.
“Jess is going to be the face, the name of Wales,” Wilkinson added.
“She knows that. But equally there is a group of senior players who have come through the whole thing, they have seen it all, been through it all and fought the fights.
“To get the team over the line at what may be the end of their careers… it’s one of those things as a coach you are really proud of, to help deliver that.”
Hannah Cain and Ffion Morgan are point of difference players but are still at the stage of their careers where they need to be managed and put in optimal positions in order to thrive.
Elise Hughes, having only just returned from her own long term knee injury, is ready to be given more of a central role in the attack.
Rachel Rowe, Kayleigh Barton, and Ceri Holland are reliable as they come and while chip in in important moments.
While Wales inevitably head to Switzerland the heavy underdogs in their group containing Netherlands, France, and England, this squad has quality and experience in abundance.
Wilkinson’s team face the winners of the previous two tournaments – Netherlands in 2017 and England in 2022 – as well as France who were beaten semi-finalists in both.
“I’m in a perfect situation, which is that I don’t care, and I think that is the gift of it, being our first opportunity, we get to walk into this experience fearless,” Wilkinson said when the draw was made in December.
“There are not many people that expect much from us, the people that expect the most are ourselves.
“And so, would we like to face the best? Why wouldn’t we?”
Wilkinson added she has complete faith her players will show they belong on the biggest stage and can surprise people.
“Yes, it is really challenging to get wins against some of these top teams, but you can’t get a better measure [of where you are at], and what an experience for my players,” she said.
“My players need to go against them to recognise how good they are and also for the world to know how good they are. Once you see my players up against the best then you can really start valuing them for the level that they are.
“This is a special group, and they want to compete against the best of the best.”
With Wales going into the 16-team tournament as the lowest ranked team and still finding their way at the elite level of international football, Wilkinson hopes that her team will surprise a few this summer.
“At least one of our players will surprise people at the Euros. It’s not even a question,” Wilkinson asserted.
“Rankings are one measure of a team, but I think what people will realise is that Wales is a sporting nation, and equally the passion and the desire to play for themselves, their families and their country is unparalleled.
“I am sure people will be looking up Wales on a map very soon.”
More than 2,000 fans are expected to be in the Red Wall for each match of what will be a momentous occasion for Welsh women’s football.
“The fanbase show up, they show up and they show up in good voice as well,” Wilkinson added.
“As a Canadian, we are very polite and [there is] a little clap now and again. To hear that Red Wall, that voice, the anthem, in those lulls in the game how everybody’s invested in trying to support the team.”
While her players have the prospect of the biggest week of their lives just over the horizon, Wilkinson is keen for her squad to stay in the moment and enjoy themselves at the EUROs.
“The players have done the training, they’ve done the hard work and now it’s just around the corner,” she finished.
“It is exciting because there’s an unknown, but also this is what we’ve been waiting for, so we’ve got to make sure we enjoy the journey.”
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’ Women’s European Championship campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this July for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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Wales team for first Japan test announced with Macleod, Hardy, Costelow all returning
Rhodri Evans
Matt Sherratt has named his Wales 23 to face Japan in the first of two summer tests, with Dewi Lake captaining the side in Kitakyushu.
Josh Macleod returns to the red of Wales for the first time since the autumn of 2022 after an excellent season with Scarlets.
Macleod’s Scarlets teammate, Sam Costelow, and Ospreys scrumhalf Kieran Hardy partner each other at halfback, having also recently returned to the squad.
Alex Mann is selected at blindside flanker and Taulupe Faletau completes the back row at No. 8.
Ben Carter missed the 2025 Six Nations through injury, and makes his international comeback alongside Teddy Williams in the second row. Either side of Lake in the front row are Nicky Smith and Keiron Assiratti at loosehead and tighthead respectively.
Johnny Williams is selected at outside centre, having last featured for Wales at Rugby World Cup 2023. Ben Thomas partners Williams in the midfield.
Josh Adams and Tom Rogers are selected on the wings, while Blair Murray completes the starting XV at fullback.
There is a six-two split among the Wales replacements.
Hooker Liam Belcher is in line to make his Wales debut off the bench. Archie Griffin, who missed the Six Nations due to injury, provides cover at tighthead prop and Gareth Thomas is the cover at loosehead prop.
James Ratti, Aaron Wainwright and Tommy Reffell provide the remaining forward cover. Rhodri Williams and Joe Roberts are the replacement backs.
“We’ve had a very good build-up,” Sherratt said of his Wales selection. “We tried to give everyone a fair chance of selection.
“One of the key messages was it’s going to be a 23-man job. So, we’ve tried to spread the experience out in terms of getting some experience coming off the bench. I think an 80-minute performance, that physical edge and making sure that we transfer training into the game is going to be the biggest thing for us.
“It’s going to be humid. It’s going to be hot. Japan traditionally play quite a fast brand of rugby, so us getting up to speed with that is going to be key. We’ve seen from just being around Kitakyushu this last week, there seems to be a real affinity between some of the Japanese locals and the Welsh team. Hopefully it will be fantastic on Saturday.
“Something we made a big point of in the first team meeting. There’s a number of players who’ve worked their way back into the squad.
“Josh Macleod is an obvious one. He’s struggled with some injuries, had a real rollercoaster over the last three or four years, so him coming back in is massive.
“I think you could tell from the players’ reaction when Liam Belcher was selected how much he deserves it.
“He’s been in the regional game for 10 years, changed clubs. He’s gone back to university to do an electrician’s degree and then he’s managed to work his way into the national squad. So yeah, delighted for Liam.”
Eddie Jones gives eight debuts
Veteran Michael Leitch, 36, will captain Japan and is the only member of the squad who has more than 50 caps. Leitch has featured in four World Cups and played 87 internationals for the Brave Blossoms.
Head coach Jones says Japan were without about 15 players as he named eight uncapped internationals in his matchday 23.
Prop Yota Kamimori and wing Kippei Ishida, who Jones says can be a Japan version of South Africa double World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe, will both make international debuts, while there are six new potential caps on the replacements bench.
Teams
Japan
Takuro Matsunaga; Kippei Ishida, Dylan Riley, Shogo Nakano, Malo Tuitama; Seungsin Lee, Shinobu Fujiwara; Yota Kamimori, Mamoru Harada, Shuhei Takeuchi, Epineri Uluiviti, Warner Deans, Michael Leitch (capt), Jack Cornelsen, Amato Fakatava.
Replacements
Hayate Era, Sena Kimura, Keijiro Tamefusa, Waisake Raratubua, Ben Gunter, Shuntaro Kitamura, Ichigo Nakakusu, Halatoa Vailea.
Wales
Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Sam Costelow, Kieran Hardy; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (capt), Keiron Assiratti, Ben Carter, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, Josh Macleod, Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements
Liam Belcher, Gareth Thomas, Archie Griffin, James Ratti, Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Joe Roberts.
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’ Women’s European Championship campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this July for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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Joe Cordina: 'I want to be back in mix for big fights'
Rhodri Evans
“I’m excited to be back.”
After 13 months, one marquee fight in Saudi Arabia cancelled, and ‘a bit of hoovering’, Joe Cordina, Wales’ most high profile male boxer, is making his comeback.
The 34-year-old has not been in a ring since lost his IBF super featherweight world title to Anthony Cacace, after a controversial late shot knocked him out of stride in the world title bout.
That will end when he faces Mexican fighter Jaret Gonzalez as part of the undercard for Jack Catterall-Harlem Eubank at the Manchester Arena on Saturday, July 5th.
Having finally committed to making the step up in weight from superfeather to lightweight, Cordina was due to face the American Shakur Stevenson for the WBC title on October last year, but his opponent injured his shoulder with weeks to go before the bout and his shot at becoming a two-weight world champ seemed lost.
Now though, Cordina is keen to get back in the ring and show everyone the ability that made him the IBF world champion.
“I just want to back in the mix and get back to those big fights,” Cordina said exclusively to Sportin Wales.
“That’s what gets your juices flowing, those big fights. Like Joe Calzaghe with Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones, Mikkel Kessler, and Chris Eubank. Win, lose, or draw, people remember those fights.
“I was on the brink of having one of those big fights with Shakur [Stevenson] but that fell through, no fault of my own.
“I’m just ready to get back on the horse, keep getting myself in the battle, and get myself back on trajectory for one of those big fights.”
Cordina’s opponent in Manchester – Gonzalez – is a relative unknown to British boxing. From Monterrey in Northern Mexico, his record mirrors Cordina: 18 fights, 17 wins, one defeat.
Cordina has won nine fights by knock out, Gonzalez 13. Cordina is the more agile, quick fighter, Gonzalez favours a power punch.
When asked how much tape Cordina has watched of his opponent, the answer is surprising.
“None! I can’t find him,” Cordina revealed with a glint in his eye.
“They [Matchroom] offered me two fighters: one was 19-0 with six knockouts and the other 17-1 with 13 knockouts. I know for a fact that I would go into the ring with the first one knowing that he can’t hurt me and that’s what would slip me up.
“I want to get someone to I need to be switched on against. He [Gonzalez] is born in Mexico, so we know he can punch, that he’s dangerous. But I’m experienced, I’m going to be ready.”
For all Cordina’s talk of big fights in the future, he is fully aware that he must get past this first hurdle before he can entertain those thoughts.
“If I don’t win on Saturday, then the big nights aren’t there,” Cordina added.
“I have to make sure I win on Saturday, and then we can start planning.”
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’ Women’s European Championship campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this July for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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Robbie Savage appointed manager of Forest Green Rovers
Rhodri Evans
Former Wales international footballer Robbie Savage has been appointed manager of Forest Green Rovers.
Savage, who won 39 caps for Wales, had been managing non-league side Macclesfield FC since 2024.
Forest Green sacked Steve Cotterill last week, after the National League team missed out on promotion to the Football League via the play-offs last season.
“I feel I have an opportunity to develop a squad to create an attacking brand of football – an aggressive form of football to try and get Forest Green back into the EFL,” Savage said.
“I want a fast, exciting style but the most important thing is to win games.”
Forest Green finished third in the National League last season but were beaten by seventh-placed Southend in the play-offs on penalties, to miss out on a place in the Wembley final.
Savage links up with former Wales team-mate Mark Bowen at the Bolt New Lawn, who was appointed Forest Green’s director of football last month. They have not disclosed the length of his contract.
His son, Charlie Savage, also had a spell on loan at Forest Green during the second half of the 2023-24 campaign, scoring one goal in 15 games.
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’ Women’s European Championship campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this July for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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Wales international goalkeeper Danny Ward signs for Wrexham
Rhodri Evans
Wales international goalkeeper Danny Ward has signed for Championship side AFC Wrexham on a free transfer.
The move is pending registration and clearance, but Ward is expected to make the move, with his previous contract at Leicester City expiring on June 30th.
Ward has signed a three-year deal at Cae Ras, and is Wrexham’s second signing of the summer window.
The 32-year-old arrives from Leicester, having made 52 appearances since signing for the Foxes in 2018. Ward previously came through the Wrexham academy, only making one senior appearance before being signed by Liverpool as a 21-year-old in 2014.
Ward joins Wrexham in search of first time minutes, having struggled to become Leicester’s number one during his time at the King Power Stadium, leading to him losing his Wales place to Karl Darlow in recent months.
Prior Darlow’s call-up in autumn of 2024, Ward was Wales’ long-term first choice ‘keeper, earning 44 caps for Cymru.
The Wrexham-born keeper has played a key role on the international stage, making appearances at Euro 2016, Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“It’s an exciting time and an amazing feeling to be back at the club,” said Ward.
“I’m forever grateful for the opportunity that the club gave me at an early age and I hope I can repay that.”
“We’re delighted to welcome Danny back to Wrexham. He’s a keeper with a lot of experience and he’s going to be a great addition to the squad,” Phil Parkinson added.
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’ Women’s European Championship campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this July for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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Mimi Xu to make senior Wimbledon debut in all-British clash with Raducanu
Rhodri Evans
Mimi Xu is set to make senior Wimbledon debut in all-British clash with Emma Raducanu on Monday afternoon.
The Swansea-born 17-year-old will face the British number one on Court One, having made the final of the Wimbledon junior doubles in 2024.
“To get to play my first major Wimbledon, it means absolutely everything to me,” said Xu.
“I’ve got nothing to lose in a match-up like that, I think I can really go out there and play freely and show everyone what I can do.”
Xu is the first Welsh player in the main singles draw at Wimbledon for 20 years, with Rebecca Llewellyn being the last in 2005.
“I really hope that I’m making Wales proud. I was in Swansea for 13 years so it’s really nice to be doing it for them as well,” she said.
Xu is competing as a wildcard in the women’s singles, and has also qualified for the double, where she will partner fellow Briton Ella McDonald.
She has already impressed during the grass court season, reaching the quarter-finals of the Birmingham Open, beating world number 52 Alycia Parks on the way. Xu currently sits at 318th in the world and is climbing the rankings by the month.
She could also feature as one of the main contenders for the junior title if she opts to play that event this year.
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Ramsey leaves Cardiff ‘with a lot of different emotions’
Rhodri Evans
Aaron Ramsey has said that he has left Cardiff City with “a lot of different emotions” ahead of a widely reported move to Mexico.
The Wales captain has agreed a deal to sign for Club Universidad Nacional – known as Pumas UNAM, whose manager Efrain Juarez shares the same agent as Ramsey.
If the move is finalised, Ramsey will become the first high-profile British player to play in the Mexican league.
Ramsey posted: “Although it has been personally challenging at times I made sure to give my all on and off the pitch for this wonderful club that is so close to my heart.
“For now I am on a new adventure but I will be keeping a close eye on the club as always and it will forever have my support.
“Good luck to the staff and all the players for the upcoming season and a big thank you to the amazing fans! Until next time, Aaron.”
Ramsey, who made 23 appearances and scored three goals upon his return to Cardiff, was also appointed interim player-manager for the side’s final three games of last season’s Championship.
The 34-year-old was unable to prevent his hometown club from relegation, and with his desire to continue playing made clear, his move away from the League One-bound Cardiff was on the cards.
While his Cardiff departure was confirmed, the club appointed Brian Barry-Murphy as boss and Ramsey’s former Wales teammate Gareth Bale has been linked with a consortium hoping to take over as new owners.
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Tomos Williams ruled out of Lions tour through injury
Rhodri Evans
Wales scrumhalf Tomos Williams has been ruled out of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour after injuring his hamstring in Saturday’s 7-54 victory over Western Force.
Williams scored twice and looked to have injured his hamstring when diving for the line for the second of the two.
Scotland’s Ben White – who has just finished his club season with French side Toulon – has been called up as his replacement.
“This is desperately sad news for Tomos,” said Lions tour manager Ieuan Evans.
“He is an exemplary Lion who had a brilliant season having joined the Tour as Premiership player of the season. He lit up this Lions tour with both his personality and his talent.”
The injury to Williams means there is now only one Welshman remaining in the 38-strong squad in flanker Jac Morgan.
Head coach Andy Farrell confirmed Williams’ injury ”was worse than expected”.
“He’s an outstanding player – he’s played unbelievably well,” said Farrell. “But we won’t just miss the player, we’ll miss the bloke.
“He’s everything you want to have on a tour which makes it tougher for us all.”
Jamison Gibson-Park back from injury
Farrell has also named his Lions side for their next match on tour against Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Irish duo Gibson-Park and Hugo Keenan will make their first appearances on tour, having missed the first two matches with niggling injuries.
In all, Farrell makes 14 changes to the side that soundly beat the Force in Perth, with only flyhalf Finn Russell retaining his place.
Scotland centre Huw Jones also starts for the first time on tour, with Bundee Aki partnering him in midfield.
Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher and Will Stuart will also start for the first time in the front-row as will Ollie Chessum at lock and Jack Conan at number eight.
Ireland’s James Ryan is set to make his Lions debut off the bench against the Reds.
The last remaining Welshman – Morgan – starts at openside flanker. With Williams out, Alex Mitchell is the replacement scrumhalf.
“Here we go now,” said Farrell in rainy Brisbane. “This is proper touring. Games are coming thick and fast.
“Three games in eight days and it keeps on rolling after that, so this is the exciting part of the tour for us. We’ve just been outlining to the lads this morning, actually, what the weeks are going to look like.
“Not much training out there on the field, but plenty of mental preparation. We see it as a great opportunity for ourselves to be fast-tracking our ambition, our potential as a team.”
Teams
British and Irish Lions
Hugo Keenan, Tommy Freeman, Huw Jones, Bundee Aki, Duhan Van der Merwe, Finn Russell, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andy Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Will Stuart, Maro Itoje (capt), Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Jac Morgan, Jack Conan.
Replacements:
Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell, Fin Smith, Garry Ringrose.
Queensland Reds
Jock Campbell (capt), Lachie Anderson, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Tim Ryan, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Kalani Thomas; Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, John Bryant, Joe Brial.
Replacements:
Josh Nasser, George Blake, Sef Fa’agase, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Louis Werchon, Isaac Henry.
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