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Jenkins Supports Lake to Remain as Captain

Dafydd Jenkins has come out in support of Wales captain Dewi Lake, stating that he intends to offer his assistance to Lake in any way possible.

Gloucester has secured the services of Dewi Lake, who will join Dafydd Jenkins in the English Premiership for the upcoming season.

Following Wales' recent defeat, Dafydd Jenkins has expressed his support for captain Dewi Lake, stating that he will provide assistance in any way possible.

In the aftermath of Wales' loss to England, Dewi Lake acknowledged that the team had failed to meet expectations, admitting that they had let themselves and their fans down.

Having previously led Wales during their 2024 Six Nations campaign, Dafydd Jenkins is familiar with the challenges that come with captaincy.

According to Jenkins, the emotional aftermath of a disappointing game can be overwhelming, especially when the team fails to deliver on its promises.

Jenkins noted that the frustration of trying to find solutions to problems is compounded by the need to speak to the media immediately after the game.

Despite the challenges, Jenkins praised Dewi Lake's ability to handle the situation, describing him as a role model.

Dewi Lake reflected on the team's performance, acknowledging that they had fallen short of expectations and let their fans down.

The recent defeat marked a familiar pattern for Wales in the Six Nations.

Jonathan 'Jiffy' Davies, a Wales rugby legend, suggested that Dewi Lake appeared to be shouldering the burden of responsibility alone and questioned whether the captaincy should be transferred to Dafydd Jenkins or Adam Beard.

Dafydd Jenkins defended Dewi Lake's captaincy, describing him as an exceptional leader who enjoys the support of the team.

Jenkins stated that he aims to support Lake through his actions rather than just words.

Jenkins emphasized the importance of a collaborative leadership approach, noting that the team's success relies on the collective input of all players.

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Wales head coach Steve Tandy has urged fans to show their support for the team in their upcoming match against France.

Wales' recent loss to England was marked by poor discipline and a struggling set piece, issues that the team must address before facing France.

Dafydd Jenkins acknowledged that the players are more frustrated than anyone by the team's performance.

Jenkins emphasized that the players are deeply disappointed by their failure to meet their own expectations.

Jenkins noted that teams like England and France are of the highest caliber, and that Wales cannot afford to give them any unnecessary advantages.

Jenkins admitted that the team has been honest about their shortcomings, including the unnecessary penalties they have conceded.

He emphasized that a functioning set piece is crucial for success at the national level and that the team must improve in this area.

Jenkins is aware that France's powerful pack will target the gain line, which could create opportunities for their talented backline.

The upcoming match between Wales and France will take place at the Principality Stadium.

The game is scheduled for Sunday, 15 February, with a kickoff time of 15:10 GMT.

Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza are teammates for both club and country.

At just 23 years old, Jenkins has already captained Exeter Chiefs, a team that is pushing for a playoff spot this season.

Jenkins described his experience with Exeter as "class," citing the quality of the players and the team's positive atmosphere.

One of Jenkins' close friends is Wales forward Christ Tshiunza, who has been linked with a potential move to Cardiff next season.

Jenkins expressed his hope that Tshiunza will remain with Exeter, citing their long-standing friendship and shared experiences in the Wales age-grade teams.

Jenkins drew parallels between Exeter's situation a couple of seasons ago and Wales' current position, suggesting that small changes can have a significant impact.

Jenkins noted that Exeter's turnaround was facilitated by minor adjustments to their daily training and preparation.

He emphasized that building momentum through a strong preseason and initial games can make a significant difference in a team's overall performance.

Jenkins believes that Wales can follow a similar path, with the team's young players driving improvement and pushing for success.

Jenkins is confident that by the time the World Cup arrives, Wales will be a formidable team, capable of posing a significant challenge to their opponents.

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Newcastle defeats Villa in disputed cup match fueled by Tonali’s performance

Newcastle United prevailed over Aston Villa in the FA Cup, with Sandro Tonali netting two goals, despite several disputed referee calls, and the opposing team being reduced to 10 men.

Newcastle United emerged victorious over Aston Villa in the FA Cup, with Sandro Tonali netting two goals, despite the match being marred by several disputed refereeing calls that led to Aston Villa being reduced to 10 men.

A recap of the game can be found in the MATCH REPORT: Aston Villa 1-3 Newcastle United.

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Hodgkinson Eyes World Record After Setting New Benchmark

At the UK Athletics Indoor Championships in Birmingham, Keely Hodgkinson expressed her intention to pursue a world record, having recently shattered the British 800m record.

In a dominant display, Keely Hodgkinson finished nine seconds clear of the field in the 800m event at the UK Athletics Indoor Championships in Birmingham.

Following her record-breaking performance at the UK Athletics Indoor Championships, Keely Hodgkinson has set her sights on achieving a new world record in the 800m event.

The 23-year-old Olympic gold medalist from 2024 delivered an impressive time of 1:56.33 in the heats, surpassing her own British record by nearly one second.

This achievement marked the fastest women's 800m time in 24 years and the third-fastest in history.

Although she had announced prior to the event that she would not participate in the final due to her upcoming appearance at the Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais Trophee in France, Hodgkinson viewed the run as an opportunity for personal growth.

She explained that her primary goal was to qualify for the upcoming world championships in Poland, which is why she only participated in one round.

Hodgkinson considered the experience a valuable test, given that it had been three years since she last competed indoors, and she recognized the need to maintain her focus.

While not initially intending to set a world-leading time, Hodgkinson started strongly and managed to sustain her pace, resulting in a pleasant surprise and a strong overall performance.

When questioned about her ambition to break Jolanda Ceplak's indoor world record of 1:55.82, set in 2002, Hodgkinson expressed her determination, stating that she has long been vocal about her desire to claim the record.

Hodgkinson emphasized that she believes the record is within her reach and intends to make a serious attempt to break it.

On the first day of the championships, Dina Asher-Smith delivered a remarkable performance, winning the women's 60m title with a time of 7.05 seconds, narrowly edging out Amy Hunt by a tenth of a second and establishing a new championship record.

In a post-event interview, the 27-year-old Asher-Smith mentioned that she had been feeling strong throughout the indoor season, noting that sometimes patience and race sharpness are essential for achieving fast times.

Asher-Smith's winning margin over Amy Hunt was a mere tenth of a second.

Jeremiah Azu, the 24-year-old world and European indoor champion, successfully defended his UK title in the men's 60m, achieving a season's best time of 6.56 seconds.

Molly Caudery regained the women's pole vault title by clearing a height of 4.65m, while Owen Heard secured the men's title with a jump of 5.55m.

Lucy Hadaway emerged victorious in the women's long jump with a leap of 6.45m, and Tito Odunaike took the men's triple jump title with a distance of 15.45m.

Abigail Pawlett won the women's 60m hurdles with a personal best time of 8.05 seconds, and Daniel Goriola claimed the men's title with a season's best of 7.78 seconds.

Madeline Down finished first in the women's para 60m final with a time of 8.24 seconds, and Kevin Santos won the men's title with a time of 6.93 seconds.

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Hull edge out Bradford in Super League comeback match

Hull FC narrowly defeated Bradford Bulls 27-20 at the MKM Stadium, thwarting the latter’s bid for a comeback win in their Super League return.

A try from Harvey Barron contributed to Hull FC's win over the Bradford Bulls.

The scoring breakdown for Hull FC included tries from Batchelor, Barron, Litten, and Cust, with Pryce making five goals and adding a drop goal.

Bradford's scoring consisted of tries by Blake and two from Wynne, with Milnes converting four goals.

Bradford Bulls' return to Super League after an 11-year absence ended in a narrow 27-20 defeat to Hull FC, who secured the win in the final minutes of the match at the MKM Stadium.

Following York Knights' one-point upset over reigning champions Hull KR just 48 hours prior, Bradford Bulls found themselves on the losing end of another thrilling season-opening match.

The Bulls put up a strong fight, with the score tied and only three minutes remaining in regular time, making it a closely contested match until the end.

A drop goal by Hull FC's Will Pryce gave his team the lead, and Cade Cust sealed the victory with a try in the 79th minute.

The Hull FC lineup consisted of Pryce, Barron, Hardaker, Litten, Martin, Kemp, Sezer, Knight, Bourouh, Hill, Batchelor, Romano, and Aydin.

Hull FC's interchange players were Cust, Fash, Lisone, and Sao.

The Bradford team included Aekins, Okunbor, Marsters, Blake, Wynne, Keyes, Milnes, Sutton, Ackers, Lewis, Russell, Fulton, and Mellor.

Bradford's interchange players were Souter, Scurr, Doro, and Chamberlain.

The match was refereed by Marcus Griffiths.