News
Ireland Seeks Redemption in Match Without Spectators
Ireland’s Captain Caelan Doris has emphasized that the team must have all players contributing in order to move past their loss to France and secure a win against Italy.
Ireland captain Caelan Doris is urging his team to deliver a strong performance against Italy, following their disappointing loss to France last week.
Historically, Ireland have dominated Italy in their home Six Nations matches, winning their last five encounters by at least 30 points, including a 2024 match where they held Italy scoreless, but a similar outcome is not expected this time around.
Italy's confidence is high after their 18-15 victory over Scotland in Rome, where they excelled in the set-piece and defended well in the closing stages.
Gonzalo Quesada's team put in an impressive display despite the challenging weather conditions, and their win has given them momentum ahead of their trip to Dublin.
In contrast, Ireland's camp has been introspective after their 16-year-low Six Nations loss to France, with head coach Andy Farrell expressing his disappointment and the need for improvement.
Farrell was critical of his team's performance, particularly in the first half, and has made several changes to the lineup for the Italy match, including the exclusion of Josh van der Flier, Jacob Stockdale, Tommy O'Brien, and Cian Prendergast.
The Irish coach has also spoken about the need for his team to "simplify things" and understand their identity, following a clear-the-air meeting with the squad.
Farrell has emphasized the importance of players not overthinking their roles and instead focusing on their strengths, as they prepare to face Italy.
The Irish coach's message to his players is to trust their instincts and not overcomplicate their game plan against Italy.
Ireland's review of their loss to France was a candid and honest assessment, with players and coaches alike acknowledging the need for improvement.
Ireland has made six changes to their team for the Italy match, with newcomers Cormac Izuchukwu and Rob Baloucoune, as well as uncapped lock Edwin Edogbo, set to feature.
Captain Caelan Doris believes that the new players must take ownership of their roles and contribute to the team's overall performance.
Doris expressed his enthusiasm for the team's lineup, despite the changes, and emphasized the importance of cohesion and trust among the players.
The Irish captain's message to the new players is to have faith in their abilities and enjoy the experience, while also focusing on the team's core strengths.
Doris stressed that every player must be fully committed and take responsibility for their actions on the field, in order to achieve a positive outcome.
He added that creating a sense of unity and purpose through their actions can have a profound impact on the team's performance.
Doris reiterated that every player must be fully invested and take ownership of their role, in order to achieve success against Italy.
Edwin Edogbo, the towering Munster lock, is set to make his Test debut for Ireland on Saturday.
Ireland's loss to France was marked by a lack of intent, and head coach Andy Farrell has responded by making changes to the team, including the inclusion of wingers James Lowe and Rob Baloucoune.
The hope is that these changes will help Ireland to rediscover their sense of purpose and direction against Italy.
Lowe, a experienced player, was dropped for the France match, but returns to the lineup, while Baloucoune makes his first appearance for Ireland since November 2022.
The inclusion of Cormac Izuchukwu in the back row is expected to add dynamism and ball-carrying ability to Ireland's attack.
There is also excitement about the potential of Edwin Edogbo, who has impressed for Munster despite struggling with injuries earlier in his career.
Caelan Doris will switch back to open-side flanker, a position he has played before against Italy, and where he has scored tries in the past.
Regardless of his position, Doris is focused on helping Ireland to move past their loss to France and deliver a strong performance against Italy.
The Irish captain reflected on the team's discussions throughout the week, which have centered on accountability, simplicity, and a renewed focus on their core values.
Doris emphasized the importance of the team holding each other accountable and taking ownership of their actions, in order to drive improvement.
The Irish captain acknowledged that the loss to France has served as a reference point, but expressed confidence that the team can learn from the experience and move forward.
Doris believes that Ireland has the potential to improve, but must focus on executing their game plan effectively and trusting their strengths.
The match between Ireland and Italy is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 14 February, at 14:10 GMT.
The Aviva Stadium in Dublin will host the encounter.
Fans can listen to live commentary of the match on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Radio Ulster, and the BBC Sport website and app, as well as follow live text commentary.
Italy has a chance to cause a major upset in the Six Nations, and will be looking to build on their win over Scotland last week.
The Italians pushed Ireland close last year, losing 22-17, and will be hoping to go one better this time around.
Despite the absence of Juan Ignacio Brex, Italy has a number of threats, including Tommaso Menoncello, one of the most exciting young talents in European rugby.
The Italian forwards have shown their ability to compete with top teams, having dominated Scotland and caused problems for South Africa's pack in November.
Caelan Doris acknowledged that Italy is no longer just a passionate team, but a side with a well-rounded attack and strong defense.
The Irish captain noted that Italy's attack is now a significant threat, and that their ability to play with width and depth makes them a challenging opponent.
Doris also highlighted the improvement in Italy's scrum, as well as the quality of their back three and the physicality of their forwards.
The Ireland team to face Italy is: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; S Prendergast, Casey; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson, McCarthy, Ryan, Izuchukwu, Doris (capt), Conan.
Ireland's substitutes for the match include Kelleher, O'Toole, Furlong, Edogbo, Beirne, Timoney, Gibson-Park, and Crowley.
The Italian team features Pani, Lynagh, Marin, Menoncello, and Ioane in the backline, with P Garbisi and Fusco in the half-back positions, and a forward pack consisting of Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, N Cannone, Zambonin, Lamaro as captain, Zuliani, and L Cannone.
Italy's replacement players are Di Bartolomeo, Spagnolo, Hasa, Ruzza, Favretto, Odiase, A Garbisi, and Odogwu.
On Saturday, Hollie Davidson of Scotland will make history by becoming the first female referee to officiate a men's Six Nations match, with the fixture being Ireland's home game against Italy.
News
Vonn to Undergo Additional Surgery, Reports Improvement in Condition
Lindsey Vonn has reported a sense of gradual recovery, stating she is beginning to feel more like her usual self, although she still faces at least two additional surgeries to address the leg injury she suffered during a crash at the Winter Olympics on Sunday.
Following her crash on Sunday, Lindsey Vonn has undergone three surgical procedures to address her injuries.
In a recent update, Lindsey Vonn stated that she is gradually regaining her strength, but expects to undergo at least two additional operations to treat the leg fracture she sustained during the Winter Olympics.
The American skiing legend had returned to competition just nine days after suffering a left knee ligament rupture, only to crash into a gate 13 seconds into her downhill run in Cortina.
Vonn was airlifted to a hospital in Treviso, where medical staff diagnosed her with a complex fracture of the tibia in her left leg.
On Instagram, the 41-year-old athlete revealed that she is scheduled for a fourth surgery on Saturday, with another procedure to follow upon her return to the United States.
Vonn described her experience in the hospital as challenging, stating that it has been a difficult few days.
Although she is starting to feel more like herself, Vonn acknowledged that she still has a long recovery ahead, with another surgery scheduled for the following day, which could potentially allow her to leave the hospital and return home, where she will require further surgical intervention.
At present, Vonn remains hospitalized and largely immobile, awaiting further imaging to determine the extent of her injuries.
As the 2010 Olympic downhill champion, Vonn had been seeking a triumphant conclusion to her illustrious career.
Having retired in 2019 as the most decorated female skier at the time, with a history of severe leg injuries, Vonn's decision to return to the sport in 2024 was a surprise to many.
After undergoing a partial replacement of her right knee, Vonn announced her comeback to skiing in 2024.
Since her return, she has achieved eight World Cup podium finishes, including two gold medals, and was considered a strong contender for a medal at her fifth and final Olympics.
Despite suffering an ACL injury in the final World Cup race before the Olympics, Vonn was determined to compete in Cortina, a course where she had previously enjoyed significant success.
In addition to sharing her recovery progress, Vonn expressed gratitude to those who have sent her well-wishes and support since her injury.
She stated, "I am deeply thankful to everyone who has sent me flowers, letters, and gifts, which has been incredibly uplifting and helpful during this time."
Vonn feels fortunate to have a strong support network, which she believes will aid her in overcoming this challenging period.
She conveyed her appreciation, saying, "I want to extend my thanks and express my pride in Team USA, whose performances have been a great source of inspiration and motivation for me."
This video is currently unavailable for playback.
Lindsey Vonn's Winter Olympics downhill run ended in a crash.
A day-by-day guide to the Winter Olympics is available, featuring key events and schedules.
The full Winter Olympics schedule, including medal event timings, can be accessed.
The current Winter Olympics 2026 medal table is available for viewing.
News
Lord Mandelson requested to assist US Congress investigation into Epstein case
Lord Mandelson has publicly voiced regret over his ongoing ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
A US Congressional inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein's activities has led to a request for Peter Mandelson to provide information, citing his connections to the convicted financier.

In correspondence with Lord Mandelson, two members of the House Oversight Committee, both Democrats, pointed out that his extensive social and professional links to Epstein make his input relevant to their investigation.
The committee members emphasized that Lord Mandelson's knowledge is crucial to understanding Epstein's operations and have asked him to participate in a recorded interview to share his insights.
Lord Mandelson has previously expressed remorse for maintaining a relationship with Epstein and offered apologies to the victims of Epstein's actions; his response to the current request is awaited.
As the committee lacks the authority to compel Lord Mandelson's testimony, the request is based on a voluntary basis, issued by Representatives Robert Garcia and Suhas Subramanyam.
The Democratic representatives are seeking Lord Mandelson's cooperation in their probe into Epstein's alleged sex trafficking, aiming to gather information about his involvement and that of others.
Their goal is to identify individuals who may have enabled or conspired with Epstein, as well as to comprehend the scope of his criminal activities.
The letter to Lord Mandelson notes that despite no longer holding his former positions, his historical ties to Epstein and the knowledge he possesses make his contribution to the inquiry significant.
In light of the serious allegations surrounding Epstein, the committee has asked Lord Mandelson to make himself available for a formal, transcribed interview to discuss Epstein's crimes and those of his potential accomplices.
Lord Mandelson has been given a deadline of 27 February to respond to the request.
This development follows a similar request made to Andrew Mountbatten Windsor in November, in which 16 Democratic members of the oversight committee asked him to answer questions related to the Epstein investigation.
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor had his titles revoked, including his prince designation, in October, amid ongoing scrutiny of his association with Epstein.
He has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein's activities.
Entertainment And Arts
Catherine Zeta-Jones Explores Art Collecting Before New Project
The actress states that her social circle is more heavily comprised of individuals from New York’s art scene than those associated with the Los Angeles film industry.
In a recent revelation, Catherine Zeta-Jones has embarked on a new hobby – art collecting – which interestingly parallels her latest role in a film.

Zeta-Jones plays the part of an art consultant in The Gallerist, a movie that made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival just last month.
According to her, this hobby reflects a personal interest that has been growing over time, and her collection now includes works by renowned sculptor Henry Moore and contemporary artist Marc Quinn.
Born in Swansea, Zeta-Jones resides in New York with her husband, actor Michael Douglas, and notes that her social circle there comprises more individuals from the art world compared to her network in Los Angeles.
In an interview with People magazine, Zeta-Jones mentioned that she has spent more time on the East Coast with her husband and has not been actively involved in the Los Angeles social scene.
She stated that her social interactions are more frequent with business professionals, individuals from Wall Street, and those involved in the art world in New York.
Zeta-Jones has developed a strong affinity for the New York art scene, describing her collecting style as eclectic.
She has been gradually exploring the world of art, taking a cautious approach to this new interest.
On the occasion of their shared birthday, Michael Douglas gifted her a piece by Marc Quinn, known for his expensive artwork, including the sculpture Myth Venus, which sold for $1,325,000 at Christie's New York in 2014.
Quinn also created the notable installation Alison Lapper Pregnant, displayed on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square in 2004.
Zeta-Jones expressed her fondness for sculpture, mentioning that she owns a Henry Moore piece, a gift from her father-in-law, Kirk, which she and her husband cherish.

The actress also enjoys visiting flea markets and purchasing artwork during her travels to different locations.
She shared that she likes to acquire a small memento from each place she visits as a reminder of her experiences.
This newfound interest in art presents a contrast to the darker tone of her film, The Gallerist, where she portrays an art consultant entangled in a plot to sell a deceased body as a work of art.
The comedy-thriller features a star-studded cast, including Natalie Portman, Jenna Ortega, Charli xcx, and Zach Galifianakis, alongside Zeta-Jones.
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