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Commonwealth Games 2022 weightlifting: Kyle Bruce robbed, Australia news

Aussie weightlifter Kyle Bruce was in tears after he had the gold medal taken off him following a controversial review.

It appeared Bruce had set a new Commonwealth record in the 81kg category with a lift that was given the all-clear by all three judges.

However, on slow-motion review, officials judged that Bruce’s arms did not fully extend.

The ruling saw him relegated to the silver medal.

England’s Chris Murray eventually set a new Games record after lifting 325kg from his snatch and clean and Jerk lifts.

Bruce looked absolutely shattered as the decision was announced and was seen being consoled by a member of the Australian team.

He was also in tears when interviewed by Channel 7 as he spoke about wanting to do his father proud.

Bruce wears his father’s compression top every time he competes following his dad’s death in 2015.

“It got overruled for a press out, I haven’t seen the video so I’m not sure but sometimes it’s just how the sport goes and congratulations to Chris on winning it. He was the good lifter on the day and I just got a bit unlucky there.”

He said he was “devastated”.

“My only focus and goal coming into these Games was winning that gold medal for Australia and coming away with that silver. Not going to lie, is quite disappointing. I set my standards very high but that’s just how sport goes sometimes and I’ll be ready for 2026 and I’ll come back and have some redemption I think.”

He was briefly overcome with emotion and needed several moments to compose himself when speaking of his dad.

“My dad actually passed away in 2015 and I just wear his shirt because… so he’s always there with me,” he said after a long pause.

“Just so he’s always there for me. This one’s for him.”

The commentators on Channel 7 were heartbroken for him.

“Oh no. He got the three green lights and now the jury has had another look at that and decided that is a no lift,” one commentator said.

“A tragedy for Kyle Bruce. He goes back to the silver medal position. The silver that he won four years ago.

“There’s tears backstage.

“What about the emotion? Then this man (Murray) has got to come out and try and steal it.”

When cutting away from the action to move to the netball, Sevens host Mel McLaughlin described the result as “heartbreaking”.

Aussie netball legend Cox summed it up perfectly: “Sport is horrible. It is also good in the same package.”

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Entertainment

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s daughter Zahara starts at Spelman College

Angelina Jolie’s 17-year-old daughter, Zahara, is set to start her first year at the esteemed US university Spelman College.

The actress, 47, posted an Instagram photo on Sunday of “Zahara with her Spelman sisters”.

The teenager was all smiles posing for the picture in a white tee and jeans, Page Six reported.

“Congratulations to all new students starting this year,” Jolie captioned the social media upload. “A very special place and an honor to have a family member as a new Spelman girl.”

Spelman, which was founded in 1881, is a “historically black college and a global leader in the education of women of African descent”, according to the private school’s website.

Jolie, who is also the mother of Maddox, 20, Pax, 18, Shiloh, 16, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 14, similarly documented her eldest son’s experience when he enrolled at Yonsei University in South Korea in August 2019.

“He has been studying Korean language,” the Oscar winner explained to People of Maddox’s decision at the time. “He has lessons multiple times a week to prepare.”

Jolie told the magazine four months prior that she was “nothing but proud” of Maddox, adding: “I look forward to all he will do.”

When the Maleficent star dropped her and ex-husband Brad Pitt’s son off at Yonsei, she was filmed telling other students that she was “trying not to cry”.

Pitt, 58, was absent at the drop-off, with Maddox telling a reporter the following month that he did not know whether his dad planned to visit.

“Well, whatever happens, happens,” he said in September 2019 amid their strained relationship.

Jolie and her Mr. and Mrs. Smith co-star called it quits in September 2016.

While they were declared legally single nearly three years later, the former couple’s legal battle is still ongoing.

Pitt was granted joint custody of their minor children in May 2021.

Judge Judge John Ouderkirk, however, was subsequently disqualified from the case for not sufficiently disclosing business relationships with Pitt’s attorneys, so the exes are still fighting for custody.

This story originally appeared on Page Six and has been reproduced with permission

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Sports

South Africa defeats England by 90 runs, Jos Buttler, record as captain, Matthew Mott, Tabraiz Shamsi, latest, updates

Tabraiz Shamsi’s maiden five-wicket Twenty20 international haul sealed South Africa’s 90-run thrashing of England on Sunday as the Proteas completed a 2-1 series win.

The 32-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner took 5-24 as England, set 192 for victory, collapsed to 101 all out with 20 balls to spare at Southampton after losing their last eight wickets for 49 runs.

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Earlier, in-form South Africa opener Reeza Hendricks hit 70 — his third fifty of the series — and Aiden Markram made an unbeaten 51 as the Proteas posted a competitive 191-5.

Recalled left-arm quick David Willey took 3-25.

Shamsi’s haul was all the more impressive given his expensive return of 0-49 in England’s series-opening win in Bristol.

But South Africa have been much improved in the field since that 41-run defeat and this win gave them a first T20 series success in England, as well as their first white-ball bilateral series victory in the country since 1998.

By contrast, defeat left England still searching for a first series win under new white-ball captain Jos Buttler following one-day international and T20 reverses against India and a drawn ODI campaign with the Proteas.

Moeen SMACKS fastest 50 ever for England | 01:46

MORE COVERAGE

‘I’ll have nightmares’: Aussie star in cricket ‘hall of infamy’ for cardinal hat-trick sin

‘How on earth?’: Gardner saves the day as Aussies pull off epic comeback

‘Strong as it’s ever been’: Cricket chiefs dismiss ODI concerns amid ‘healthy’ boost

Jonny Bairstow (27) was the only England batsman to make more than 20, but Buttler and white-ball coach Matthew Mott do have at least seven matches at this level scheduled in Pakistan in September in which to turn things around before the T20 World Cup in Australia.

England’s chase suffered an early setback when Buttler was out for 14, caught at short third man off spinner Keshav Maharaj.

The out-of-form Jason Roy fell for 17, caught behind off Anrich Nortje — in after South Africa decided against risking fellow fast bowler Kagiso Rabada’s injured ankle ahead of next month’s three-Test series in England.

And when Moeen Ali was brilliantly caught one-handed by a leaping Tristan Stubbs off part-time spinner Markram, the hosts were 59-4.

Shamsi then cleaned up Liam Livingstone before taking two wickets in two balls, with Sam Curran caught in the deep before Willey was clean bowled.

Jos Buttler is still yet to win a white-ball series as England skipper.  (Photo by Steve Bardens / AFP)
Jos Buttler is still yet to win a white-ball series as England skipper. (Photo by Steve Bardens / AFP)Source: AFP

Chris Jordan survived the hat-trick only to be lbw to Shamsi. Adil Rashid holed out off Shamsi before Maharaj ended the match when he dismissed Bairstow with the aid of a catch by David Miller — a memorable way for the South Africa captain to finish his 100th T20 international.

England’s decision to recall Willey in place of Richard Gleeson reaped an early reward when he had potential danger man Quinton de Kock chopping onto his stumps for a three-ball duck.

But South Africa recovered, with the Proteas 53-1 at the end of the powerplay. Hendricks completed a 42-ball fifty and he then upped the tempo with three boundaries in a 16th over bowled by Curran.

He was eventually well caught by wicketkeeper Buttler off the expensive Jordan (1-52).

But Markram, back in South Africa’s T20 team for the first time since last year’s World Cup, having first provided solid support, went on to a 36-ball fifty before Miller chipped in with a quickfire 22.

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Sports

Day Four, live blog, Aussies in action, Emma McKeon, full schedule, Cody Simpson, when do they swim, Diamonds, Hockeyroos, results

LIVE: Emma McKeon has cruised into another final as the Australian swim sensation continues her assault on the history books on Day Four of the Commonwealth Games.

On Day 3, McKeon broke the Commonwealth Games record with a stunning 11th career gold medal, and her meet isn’t finished yet with more medals still up for grabs.

In the swim finals scheduled for Tuesday morning (AEST), McKeon heads a raft of Australians including Kyle Chalmers, who withdrew from one event to prioritize the massive 100m freestyle final.

Follow all the action from Day Four at the Commonwealth Games in our LIVE BLOG below! See the full schedule at the bottom.

Medal Tally: Aussie gold rush continues as Women’s 7s erase Tokyo pain

McKeon was back in the pool - and is now back in another ending.
McKeon was back in the pool – and is now back in another ending.Source: Getty Images

McKeon once again hit the pool on Day Four in the women’s 100m freestyle heats, with fellow Aussies Shayna Jack and Mollie O’Callaghan also successfully qualifying for the semi-finals.

O’Callaghan qualified first in 54.28s, ahead of Jackthird in a comfortable 54.28s.

“I was definitely trying to hold back,” Jack said after her race.

McKeon only managed third-fastest in her heat and sixth-fastest overall as she cruised to the finish in 55.36s.

The 28-year-old won the same event at the Tokyo Games last year and is a massive chance of doing the same in Birmingham.

Read more on the rest of the swimming results below, or skip to the morning finals’ schedule at bottom.

ALL-TIME COMEBACK FALLS JUST SHORT

Australia’s men’s triples lawn bowls team came within an inch of pulling off one of the all-time great comebacks only to fall just short in a gold medal heartbreak.

Barry Lester, Carl Healey and Ben Twist – all sporting brilliant gold-dyed haircuts – were down by as many as 12-1 to England’s team of Louis Ridout, Nick Brett and Jamie Chestney.

But the Aussies charged back into the fight as the home side began to fall apart, with Australia snagging four in the 12th end en route to tying the scores up at 12 apiece.

England didn’t score from the ninth end until the 16th, but claimed a single on that second-last leg and then did the same on the last leg – after Australia missed a host of chances at the death.

DIAMONDS DEMOLISH SA… BUT COP BIG BLOW

In easily their toughest test of the Commonwealth Games so far, the gold-medal-favorite Diamonds went up a gear to defeat South Africa 74-49.

From the start, the Diamonds were in fine form, shooting with outstanding accuracy and harrying the South Africans all over the court with exceptional pressure.

Australia is undefeated after three Pool A games. They play Wales tomorrow before a huge match with more-than-dark-horses Jamaica.

But a calf injury to Paige Hadley, who had played just 15 minutes in the second game after missing the opener, looms as a potentially defining moment in their campaign.

FULL STORY.

Diamonds’ dream run soured as star sidelined with calf injury

Kyle Bruce nearly claimed an incredible gold medal with this lift.Source: Channel 7

AUSSIE ROBBED IN WILD HEARTBREAK

Kyle Bruce has been controversially robbed of a gold medal in the men’s 81kg weightlifting after a heartbreaking judges’ decision.

23-year-old Bruce was a gifted rugby flanker who only entered the gym to improve his ability on the field, before swapping to weightlifting full time and going on to claim a silver medal four years ago.

This time around, I have finished second in the snatch portion of the competition by lifting 143kg before twice failing to lift 147kg.

He successfully lifted 180kg in the clean-and-jerk portion for a stunning total of 323kg which had him in a second. Then, with the gold medal on the line, he attempted to lift 183kg on his final attempt.

He struggled with the lift and was wobbling, but was initially given three green lights from the judges to indicate a successful lift… only to have it overturned almost immediately afterwards by the jury, who spotted a small movement of Bruce’s left elbow.

That relegated him to a silver medal, behind England’s Chris Murray in a Games Record 325kg total.

He said: “It got overruled for a press-out. I haven’t seen the video so I’m not sure. But sometimes this is how sport goes and you know, congratulations to Chris on winning it

“He was the good lifter on the day and I just got a bit unlucky there, but it is what it is, I’m humble in defeat and I’m happy.”

He adds: “Coming away with a silver, not gonna lie, is quite disappointing… I’ll be ready for 2026. I’ll come back and I’ll have some redemption.”

FULL STORY: ‘Devastated’ Aussie in tears after gold ‘stolen away’

Meanwhile, Sarah Maureen Cochrane competes in the women’s 64kg final at 11pm AEST.

Resilient Chalmers sets Games record | 00:27

CHALMERS WITHDRAWS AS AUSSIES SURGE INTO MORE FINALS

Kyle Chalmer has withdrawn from the 100m butterfly so that he can focus on his 100m freestyle final in the evening session.

His scintillating semi-final swim last night (local) has him the firm favorite to claim gold in his favored event, and it’s no surprise he’s going all-in.

Teammate Cody Simpson qualified fifth for the semi-finals in 52.47s, just behind fourth-placed Matt Temple, the Australian record holder touching in 52.28s.

“It’s a great heat swim for him,” Ian Thorpe declared on Channel 7 of Temple.

Simpson has already won a gold medal for his involvement in the first heat of the men’s 4 x 100m freestyle relay, although he did not swim in the final.

FULL STORY: Legends not surprised as Chalmers pulls out of event at last minute

Australian swimmer Kyle Chalmers won his 100m freestyle semi final. Picture: Michael KleinSource: News Corp Australia

Meanwhile, Kaylee McKeown qualified fastest for the 200m backstroke final (2:10.95s), with fellow Aussie minna atherton also making it through in third (2:11.38s)

McKeown won the event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the recent 2022 World Championships in Budapest.

She also reached the final of the women’s 200m individual medley, qualifying behind Abbey Harkin in equal fourth with 2:13.24 and Ella Ramsay in km in 2:14.03. McKeown was seventh in 2:14.23s.

All three Aussies also qualified for the Women’s 100m Breaststroke semi-finals: Chelsea Hodge fourth in 1:07.68, Jenna Strauch fifth in 1:07.80, and Abbey Harkin sixth in 1:07.85.

debutante Grayson Bell qualified for the semi-finals of the men’s 50m breastroke in fifth after winning his heat in a personal best 27.63s. Sam Williamson won his own heat in 27.20s to qualify third-fastest. Joshua Young also qualified with his 27.96s.

Recent world championships silver medalist Lani Pallister qualified first for the final of the women’s 800m freestyle with a strong 8:32.67s. Ariarne Titmus qualified second-fastest with a very measured 8:36.17. Kiah Melverton was fourth-fastest in 8:40.29. Could we see another podium sweep?

MORE COVERAGE

Day 3 Wrap: ‘Extraordinary’ Aussies break world record, McKeon makes history

‘It is shocking’: Thorpe stunned as England world record holder toppled in ‘unbelievable’ boilover

AUSSIES SET TO RACK UP LAWN BOWLS MEDALS

Australia’s day has started in sensational style in the Lawn Bowls, with three teams all winning their semi-finals.

Carl HealeyBarrie Lester and Ben Twist are into the men’s treble final (9pm AEST) after beating Fiji 26 – 13. They will face England, who beat Wales 15-5 in the other semi-final.

Damian Delgado and Chris Favel are into the men’s pairs B6-B8 final after beating England 17-4.

And serena bonell and Cheryl Lindfield are into the women’s pairs B6-B8 final after seeing off South Africa 19-12 in their own semi. Both Para Pairs B6-B8 Finals take place on Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, Aussie Ellen Ryan competes in the finals of the women’s singles at 1.30am AEST on Tuesday.

Ellen Ryan of Team Australia is into the women’s singles final.Source: Getty Images

SIX-TIME COMPETITOR LEADS AUSSIE BRONZE

Australia’s six-time Commonwealth Games competitor Jian Fang Lay has led the Aussie team to bronze in the women’s table tennis.

She won the opening doubles with yangzi liu, who won her own singles game before Jian Fang Lay sealed the 3-0 over Wales with a singles victory of her own.

Jian Fang Lay now has eight minor medals to her name.

minhyung jee was the other member of the team.

Jian Fang Lay led the Aussies to bronze in table tennis!Source: Getty Images

KEY OVERNIGHT EVENTS

SWIMMING

In the morning session (4am AEST Tuesday), medals are on offer in the:

– men’s 100m freestyle final (Kyle ChalmerWilliam Xu Yang, Zac Incerti)

– women’s 200m backstroke final (Kaylee McKeown, Minna Atherton)

– women’s 200m individual medley final (Kaylee McKeown, Abbey Harkin, Ella Ramsay)

– men’s 50m freestyle S7 final (Matthew Levy, Joel Mundie)

– women’s 100m breastroke SB6 final (Isabella Vincent, Ella Jones)

– men’s 50m backstroke final (Ben Armbruster, Andrew Jeffcoat, Bradley Woodward)

– women’s 50m butterfly final (Alex Perkins, Emma McKeon, Holly Barratt)

– men’s 4x200m freestyle relay final (Australian team)

HOCKEY: The Kookaburras play their second game of the Games – facing NZ at 6am AEST.

JUDO: Aussie judoka Joshua Katz (60kg) and brother Nathan (66kg) are both competing for bronze medals overnight.

DAY FOUR SCHEDULE (ALL TIMES AEST)

Lawn Bowls and Para Lawns Bowls, 5.30pm

Hockey, 6:00 p.m.

Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis, 6.30pm

Weightlifting, 6.30pm

Judo, 7.00pm

Swimming and Para Swimming, 7.30pm

Badminton, 8:00 p.m.

Boxing, 9:00 p.m.

Netball, 9:00 p.m.

Squash, 9.00pm

Artistic Gymnastics, 10.00pm

Track and Para Track Cycling, 11.00pm

Hockey, 11:00 p.m.

Weightlifting, 11.00pm

Beach Volleyball, 11.30pm

Boxing, 3:30 a.m.

Weightlifting, 3.30am

Hockey, 4:00 a.m.

Swimming and Para Swimming, 4.00am

Beach Volleyball, 4.00am

Basketball 3×3 and Wheelchair Basketball 3×3, 4.30am

Follow all the action from Day 4 of the Commonwealth Games in our LIVE BLOG below!

Can’t see the blog? click here

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Prince William breaks protocol during UEFA Women’s Euro ceremony with Lionesses after England defeated Germany in final

Prince William cheekily broke protocol during his excitement and elation when England defeated Germany in the UEFA European Women’s Championship.

The English team – affectionately known as the Lionesses – won their first Euros trophy in extra time where they conquered the Germans 2-1 in front of a sell-out raucous home crowd at Wembley Stadium on Sunday night.

England’s Keira Walsh put a perfect through-ball to teammate Ella Toone who sent a perfect chip over the German goalkeeper to put the hosts ahead at the 61st minute.

Germany – who have never lost a Euros final – responded in the 78th minute with a strike near the goal to level the score and send the match into extra time.

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The crowd of more than 87,000 fans were on the edge of their seats with ten minutes left before the match was likely headed for a penalty shootout.

But a perfect corner from Lioness Lauren Hemp saw the ball bounce off Lucy Bronze into the German keeper before Chloe Kelly scored the winning goal.

The home fans roared with delight before the final whistle blew to confirm the Lionesses had secured their first major trophy in a stunning upset.

Prince William watched the final alongside other dignitaries, including the potential next British prime minister Liz Truss from the grandstand.

The Duke of Cambridge later handed out the winning medals to each of the women at the award ceremony where he understandably broke protocol.

He initially shook hands with some of the Lionesses before he offered hugs to congratulate the emotional players.

A royal member would traditionally offer their hand for a shake but Prince William has been known to break protocol in past engagements with the public.

Prince William also later took to social media to congratulate the English side again for their victory over Germany.

“Sensational,” he said on his official Twitter page.

“An incredible win @lionesses and the whole nation couldn’t be more prouder of you all.

“Wonderful to see history in the making tonight at Wembley, congratulations! W.”

The Queen also shared a congratulatory message on social media.

“My warmest congratulations, and those of my family, go to you all on winning the European Women’s Football Championships,” the statement read.

“It is a significant achievement for the entire team, including your support staff.

“The Championships and your performance in them have rightly won praise. However, your success goes far beyond the trophy you have so deservedly earned.”

Tens of thousands of Brits flooded pubs and bars around the country post-match to celebrate the Lionesses win.

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Kyle Chalmers feeding Emma McKeon, Cody Simpson drama says Johanna Griggs

Former Australian swimmer turned popular TV presenter Johanna Griggs says Kyle Chalmers is “feeding” the very headlines he’s railed against at the Commonwealth Games as she issued a reality check about the media’s role in covering sport.

The swimming star has blasted the media in Birmingham, accusing it of focusing on “clickbait” rather than the impressive results of our men and women in the pool.

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There have been reports and speculation about an icy dynamic within the Dolphins camp, sparked by the relationship between Chalmers, Emma McKeon and Cody Simpson.

Chalmers and McKeon were romantically linked last year and now the 28-year-old superstar is dating Simpson — who is competing in England as part of his first ever Australian team since ditching his music career and returning to competitive swimming.

The trio have repeatedly denied their relationship has caused any friction.

Chalmers cast doubt on his future in the sport if what he called “fake headlines” continued to be thrust into the spotlight, saying the media doesn’t understand the impact his stories have on athletes’ mental health.

However, Griggs — who won a backstroke bronze medal at the 1990 Commonwealth Games — says Chalmers is only giving the story more oxygen by continually mentioning it in interviews and on social media.

“The only person who is going to potentially derail (his campaign) — although it certainly didn’t look like it this morning in his 100m freestyle — could be Kyle himself,” Griggs told Sydney’s 104.9 Triple M Breakfast with MG, Jess & Pagey.

“He seems to be feeding it, which is the ironic situation with all these sorts of things.

“You can’t just expect the headlines to always be great. You have to accept that occasionally they might be about other people and sometimes they may not necessarily show you in the same light.

“Do I think they (the headlines) are affecting Emma McKeon? Absolutely not.

“She’s amazing, right. So she’s proven, without question, that she is able to compartmentalize whatever’s going on.

Johanna Griggs dropped some truth bombs on Kyle Chalmers.
Johanna Griggs dropped some truth bombs on Kyle Chalmers.Source: Supplied
Chalmers is swimming brilliantly despite his concerns. Picture: Michael KleinSource: News Corp Australia

Griggs, who is part of Channel 7’s team covering the Games, also suggested the freestyle king needs to accept headlines aren’t always going to be positive in the world of professional sport.

“I think it would be tedious for them, being asked about it non-stop,” Griggs told Triple M.

“If you’re a tennis player, that happens not only at every major tournament, it happens at every press conference, it happens at every week — same as the footballers, week in, week out.

“It’s the reality of sport so I’m hoping Kyle stops feeding it.

“I get he’s feeling incredibly swamped at the moment. Every time he mentions it, he makes it a bigger story.”

Chalmers has won gold medals in Birmingham as part of Australia’s mixed relay team and in the 4x100m men’s freestyle relay.

After his impressive swim in the heats of the individual 100m freestyle event, the 24-year-old was asked how he was feeling.

“Terrible. Terrible. It’s been probably the hardest 12 hours in my sporting career for sure,” he said. “It is extremely hard. Extremely challenging.

“When you’re on the other side of the world and don’t have your direct support network around you it’s already hard enough, let alone last night.”

Chalmers was referring to the previous day’s press conference, which was stopped after a barrage of questions about his dynamic with Simpson and McKeon.

He said the way the situation has unfolded left his mum in tears when they spoke after the relay victory.

“I really feel I don’t deserve any of that and to be honest with you, it makes me question why I do this sport and where my future lies going forward,” Chalmers said.

“I don’t want any of this. I swim because it’s what I’m good at. I love swimming. I love being part of the Australian swimming team. Standing up in front of big crowds and swimming fast, but I don’t want the rest of it.

“And for me it’s taking too much of a toll on my mental health. It embarrasses me that my family, my grandparents have to sit down and read the stuff that gets put in the media.

“It upsets me that I have to go home to my mum crying on FaceTime to me.”

Emma McKeon’s relationship with Cody Simpson has generated plenty of headlines. Picture: Emma McKeon/InstagramSource: Supplied

He may be upset out of the water but in the pool, Chalmers looks as classy as ever. The South Australian — who won 100m freestyle gold at the Rio Olympics and silver at last year’s Tokyo Games — is eyeing off another medal in his pet event this week.

Chalmers crushed his 100m freestyle semi-final on Monday morning, touching the wall first and setting a new Commonwealth Games record time of 47.36 seconds.

Australian swimming champion Cate Campbell is working for Channel 7 in Birmingham and praised Chalmers for how he’s handling things during their poolside interview on Monday morning, before talk turned to his tattoos and what they symbolize.

“I’ve had three heart surgeries, I have a chain (tattoo) that is broken because my heart was holding me back and now it’s fixed,” Chalmers said.

“I’m the lion (tattoo) that’s broken out. So yeah, that’s a special one for me.”

Chalmers added he’s been brilliantly supported by those closest to him.

“I don’t have anything else to say, it’s rough,” he said. “It’s been a whirlwind. It’s nice to swim fast. I think it’s easy to put on a brave face and smile. It’s hard, it’s very hard.

“The team has been amazing.

“I just wanted to put my headphones on and switch off and not talk, (but) all of my teammates, coaches and staff coming up and saying they are there for me has been really special. I wouldn’t have been able to get through it without my teammates.

“I’m not a robot. We have feelings, we have emotions, we’re no different than anyone else. We struggle a lot, mental health is a huge thing in sport.”

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Pre-season games, Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo, contract, transfer, rumours, updates

Cristiano Ronaldo played 45 minutes as he made his first Manchester United appearance in 12 weeks during a 1-1 pre-season draw with Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford and later proclaimed: “Happy to be back”.

The 37-year-old Portugal forward, who missed the club’s pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia for personal reasons, reportedly wants to leave the club he rejoined last year.

Former Real Madrid and Juventus star Ronaldo finished as United’s top scorer last season with 24 goals.

Ronaldo returns to Manchester at last | 00:36

But the campaign as a whole was a huge disappointment for the club, with a sixth-place finish in the Premier League meaning they missed out on qualification for the Champions League.

Ronaldo was left out of United’s squad for Saturday’s friendly with Atletico Madrid in Oslo.

But, commenting on a post on a fan page about him missing the game in Norway, Ronaldo wrote Friday: “Domingo o rei joga” which translates as “Sunday the king plays”.

Ronaldo applauded fans on both sides of the ground as he led the team out for their pre-match warm-up on Sunday.

The veteran forward had one clear chance during his 45-minute appearance but drove over the bar after running on to Donny van de Beek’s lay-off.

LATEST ON RONALDO: Man Utd star chases stunning reunion with Sporting Lisbon

Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United during the Pre-Season Friendly match.  (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United during the Pre-Season Friendly match. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

After the match, Ronaldo posted a photograph of himself playing in the game on his Twitter feed beneath a caption of “Happy to be back”.

“I cannot tell at this moment [how fit Ronaldo is],” Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag said pre-game.

“He is not on the level of the rest of the squad because he has missed a lot of weeks.

“But he needs games and he needs training, a lot.”

New signings Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez both featured for an hour in a game set up by Ten Hag for the players who did not have major roles in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Atletico.

Amad Diallo, who was on loan at Rangers last season, gave United the lead early in the second half when the 20-year-old Ivory Coast winger fired in the rebound after a shot from Alex Telles had been saved.

United’s lead, however, lasted just nine minutes before Alvaro Garcia equalized in similar fashion after Tom Heaton had saved Isaac Palazon Camacho’s initial effort.

United start their Premier League campaign at home to Brighton on August 7.

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Tolu Latu returns to Australia, Tom Horton joins Leicester Tigers, Rugby World Cup 2023, Rugby Championship

Tolu Latu is once again a Waratah, and the hooker could yet emerge as a player of national interest should he keep on the straight and narrow over the next 16 months.

After weeks of negotiations with the Waratahs, the 21-Test hooker signed a one-year deal with the Super Rugby franchise last week.

By doing so, Darren Coleman has opted for the immense capability of Latu over rising hooker Tom Horton to compete with Wallabies incumbent hooker Dave Porecki and Mahe Vailanu.

It can be revealed Horton, 25, will instead join up with England Premiership champions Leicester, who are coached by Eddie Jones’ former right-hand man Steve Borthwick.

Tom Horton is heading to Leicester and won’t return to the Waratahs for 2023 after Tolu Latu signed with Darren Coleman’s men. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

With Argentine international Julian Montoya unavailable, Tom Youngs retired and Sydney-born England squad member Nic Dolly injured, Borthwick needs a hooker and Horton will compete for the role once his visa is approved and he touches down in the region.

The short-term deal is the perfect opportunity for Horton to grow after a frustrating few years where injuries have slowed his development.

But the Sydney Uni hooker need only look at his former teammate Porecki for inspiration, with the 29-year-old plying his trade in England for years before an opening popped up back at the Waratahs last year. Porecki’s Wallabies debut was delayed by a year because of an injury, but the experienced rake was one of Dave Rennie’s best players against England in July.

Latu’s return is hardly surprising.

He has been linked to a return with the Waratahs ever since he was let go by Stade Francais earlier in the year.

The Waratahs will have two Test hookers at the franchise with Tolu Latu joining Dave Porecki. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

His departure from the Paris-based Top 14 outfit came after more ill-discipline off the pitch and reckless moments on it, which ultimately saw the 21-Test hooker farewelled.

But his incredible potential, where he is one of the best in Australian rugby over the ball and at the scrum, has seen Australian rugby give the cat with nine lives another chance.

It shapes as his last, with Latu to be shown the door if he puts one foot wrong given his history.

Wallaby Tolu Latu has been handed a lifeline by the Waratahs. Photo: AAPSource: AAP

Latu has joined on a contract worth barely six figures, but if he manages to keep on the right side of the boot greater riches lay ahead.

He is unlikely to come into the reckoning for the Wallabies this year unless a number of injuries, but given his outstanding World Cup campaign in 2019 he is a bolter for next year’s tournament in France.

He will compete with Porecki, Folau Fainga’a and Lachlan Lonergan – all three of whom are in Argentina ahead of the Wallabies’ opening Rugby Championship fixture against Michael Cheika’s Los Pumas in Mendoza on Sunday (AEST).

Argentina’s Australian coach Michael Cheika looks on before the series-deciding international against Scotland at the Madre de Ciudades Stadium in Santiago del Estero. Photo: AFPSource: AFP

Sunday’s Test shapes as a season defining one, especially with the All Blacks fighting fires on a number of fronts.

Not only do the All Blacks have the immense challenge of taking on the Springboks twice in South Africa, they are likely playing for coach Ian Foster’s future.

Foster, unlike two of his assistants, might have been spared the ax following their first series loss on home soil since 1994, but New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson hardly filled him with confidence when he stopped short of saying he would lead the All Blacks through to next year’s World Cup.

“He’s certainly the person to lead the team to South Africa, and we’re making sure they’ve got everything possible in the way of resourcing and support to make sure that’s successful,” Robinson told Newstalk ZB from Birmingham.

Robinson’s comments came after former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said relations between the New Zealand Rugby board and the players were at their lowest ebb.

“The relationship between the board and the [executive] with the players at the moment is probably the worst it’s ever been,” he said on local radio.

“I don’t think they’re doing their job right at the moment.”

While former NZR boss David Moffett called for Robinson to stand down.

The rumblings in the front office, and the lingering feeling the All Blacks have the wrong man coaching with Scott Robertson waiting in the wings, have left the feeling the All Blacks are at their most vulnerable in two decades ahead of the Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup .

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Sports

England beats Germany, wins women’s Euros: Football news, reaction

England won a major women’s football tournament for the first time as Chloe Kelly’s extra-time goal secured a 2-1 victory over Germany at a sold out Wembley on Monday morning (AEST).

In front of a record crowd of 87,192 for any match in the history of the European Championships, Kelly prodded home a loose ball from close range to end English football’s 56-year wait for a World Cup or Euro victory.

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England looked set for victory in the 90 minutes when substitute Ella Toone’s sublime chip over Merle Frohms put the hosts in front.

Germany showed remarkable resilience to bounce back as Lina Magull leveled 11 minutes from time.

But for once, England were not to be denied a major tournament success. Kelly fought back from an anterior cruciate ligament tear to be fit in time for the tournament and made herself a national hero by being in the right place to pounce when Germany failed to clear a corner in the 110th minute.

The Manchester City winger tore her shirt off in celebration in scenes reminiscent of Mia Hamm’s famous reaction to scoring the winning penalty for the USA at the 1999 World Cup.

Fortune did not favor Germany, who lost captain and top goalscorer Alexandra Popp to a muscle injury in the warm-up.

But England will feel their time for some luck was due as 12 months on from the Three Lions’ defeat on penalties to Italy in the Euro 2020 men’s final, the nation’s women went one better.

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