News
Francis Returns to Wales Squad After Recall
Tomas Francis has expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the Wales team, following an absence of over two years from the international scene.
Last weekend, Tomas Francis earned his 78th cap for Wales in their Six Nations loss to England, marking a significant milestone in his career.
After a period away from the international scene, prop Tomas Francis has spoken about the challenges of watching Wales struggle, with the team experiencing a decline in recent years.
Francis was part of the Welsh squad that lost to Argentina in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final, and prior to his recent recall, he witnessed the team suffer 21 defeats in 23 Tests, a difficult period for the players and staff.
The tight-head prop expressed his frustration at being unable to contribute to the team's efforts during this time, stating that it was difficult to see his teammates struggling without being able to help.
However, with his return to the team, Francis is now focused on making a positive impact and helping Wales improve their performance.
Following conversations with coach Steve Tandy, Francis had always been open to returning to the team if needed, and he has maintained his fitness levels in order to be ready for a recall.
After the World Cup, Francis joined French Pro D2 side Provence, and it was not until this year's Six Nations that he was called up to the Welsh squad again.
Despite the current turmoil in Welsh rugby, Francis has expressed his enthusiasm for being back involved with the team.
He stated that he has missed being part of the team and is enjoying his return, describing it as "awesome" to be back in the fold.
Francis admitted that it took him a little time to adjust, but he has now found his feet and is feeling more comfortable, with his teammates also helping him to settle in.
He noted that his time away from the team has given him a newfound appreciation for being part of the squad, highlighting the old adage that "distance makes the heart grow fonder."
The recent performance against England was widely criticized, with many considering it to be unacceptable.
There are several areas where Wales need to improve, with the team facing significant challenges in the coming weeks.
At 33, Francis is still confident in his ability to contribute to both club and country, and he will return to the English Premiership next season after signing with Sale.
He emphasized that he would not be involved with the team if he did not believe he could make a positive impact, and he is driven by a desire to succeed.
Francis stated that as long as he still experiences the nerves associated with game day, he knows he has the passion and motivation to continue playing at a high level.
This weekend's match against France will be particularly special for Francis, as his two young daughters will be in attendance, watching him play for the first time.
He expressed his excitement at the opportunity for his daughters to see him play, stating that family is a major motivation for him, and he is looking forward to sharing this experience with them.
Francis is well aware of the challenges that France will pose, and he knows that Wales cannot afford to start slowly if they are to have any chance of success.
He emphasized the importance of attacking the game from the outset, highlighting France's ability to score from anywhere on the pitch.
Francis noted that the French team's ability to score impressive tries, as seen in their match against Ireland, means that Wales must be focused and prepared to respond to any situation that arises.
The upcoming match between Wales and France will take place at the Principality Stadium.
The game is scheduled for Sunday, 15 February, with a kick-off time of 15:10 GMT.
Centre Brau-Boirie is set to make his debut for France in the match against Wales.
Fans can find more information about the upcoming Six Nations match between Wales and France through various guides and previews.
Ticket sales for the match have been slower than expected, reflecting the current challenges faced by Welsh rugby, including the struggle to attract large crowds to regional matches.
In contrast, Francis noted that his former club, Provence, a second-tier French side, has enjoyed significant success in terms of attendance, with sell-out crowds over the past two-and-a-half years.
He attributed this success to the French approach to rugby, which emphasizes entertainment and spectacle, creating a unique and enjoyable experience for fans.
Francis described the French rugby model, which includes amenities such as oysters and champagne, as well as post-match parties, as a more vibrant and engaging experience.
He suggested that this approach could be an example for Welsh rugby to follow, in an effort to improve attendance and create a more enjoyable experience for fans.
However, Francis emphasized that the immediate focus must be on improving Wales' performance on the pitch, starting with a better showing against France.
He acknowledged that the team's display against England was not acceptable, and he expressed his desire to be part of a team that can make the Welsh public proud.
Francis stated that the team's primary goal is to put on a performance that they can be proud of, one that will make their families and the Welsh public proud to support them.
He emphasized that everyone involved with the team is working hard to achieve this goal, from the players to the coaches, and he is hopeful that their efforts will eventually lead to improved results.
News
GB’s Bankes knocked out in snowboard cross quarterfinals
Charlotte Bankes of Great Britain was knocked out in the quarter-final stage of the women’s snowboard cross event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Charlotte Bankes of Great Britain has been knocked out of the women's snowboard cross event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, failing to advance beyond the quarter-final stage.
For more Winter Olympics coverage, videos are available to stream.
Access to Winter Olympics video content is restricted to users in the United Kingdom.
News
Family of Murder Victim Expresses Frustration Over Delayed Trial Scheduling
A 21-year-old woman, Chloe Mitchell, lost her life in June 2023, and a man is set to stand trial, facing a murder charge.
The family of Chloe Mitchell, a 21-year-old woman from Ballymena, is facing further uncertainty as they await the outcome of a trial for her alleged murderer, which may be impacted by an ongoing barristers' strike.

Chloe Mitchell's life was cut short in June 2023, when she was killed in an incident that has left her family and community in shock.
Brandon John Rainey, the man accused of her murder, is scheduled to stand trial on February 23, but the proceedings may be delayed due to the industrial action by defence barristers.
Following a recent court hearing to review trial arrangements, Nadine Mitchell, Chloe's sister, expressed her family's distress and frustration, telling BBC News NI that they are struggling to cope with the uncertainty.
Nadine Mitchell stated that her family has been left with no choice but to wait once again for a resolution, having already endured a prolonged period of anxiety and uncertainty.
The family's emotional turmoil is evident, with Nadine describing the experience as a prolonged period of distress, marked by sleepless nights and unbearable tension.
The Mitchell family is struggling to come to terms with their situation, which has left them feeling overwhelmed and distraught.
The current strike by defence barristers in Northern Ireland, which began last month, is a result of a long-standing dispute over legal aid fees, with barristers arguing that their fees have not kept pace with inflation.
The strike has brought almost all criminal trials in Northern Ireland to a standstill, with the exception of cases where the defendant does not require legal aid.
The Mitchell family has appealed for their case to be treated as an exception, allowing the trial to proceed as scheduled.
Chloe Mitchell, who was 21 at the time of her disappearance, was reported missing in early June 2023, prompting an extensive search operation.
Her remains were discovered about a week later, following a series of searches in the Ballymena area.
Brandon John Rainey was subsequently arrested and charged with Chloe's murder, which is alleged to have taken place between June 2 and June 5, 2023.
Rainey also faces a charge of attempting to prevent the lawful burial of a deceased body.
The dispute between barristers and the Department of Justice centres on the level of legal aid fees, which barristers claim have not increased since 2005.

Barristers argue that the fees have not kept pace with inflation, resulting in a significant decrease in their real-terms value over the past 20 years.
The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) has warned that the low fees have created a crisis in the justice system, with many younger barristers refusing to take on legal aid cases due to the low rates of pay.
The CBA has described the strike as a "last resort" in their dispute with the Department of Justice, which has been ongoing for some time.
Despite an announced 16% increase in fees, which is set to take effect in mid-January, the strike has continued, with barristers arguing that the increase does not go far enough to address their concerns.
Chloe's father, George Mitchell, has previously appealed for an exception to be made in their case, allowing the trial to proceed despite the strike.
George Mitchell has argued that any delay to the trial would cause further trauma and distress for the families of victims.
He had invited Justice Minister Naomi Long to meet with him and his wife, Georgina, to discuss the matter further.
However, Minister Long has stated that it is not feasible to allow individual cases to proceed while the dispute over legal aid fees remains unresolved, citing ethical and practical concerns.
The minister has reiterated that the decision to grant exceptions lies with the CBA, which must weigh the competing demands of their members and the needs of the justice system.
News
Keanu Reeves’ John Wick Video Game Revealed at PlayStation Event
The iconic hitman has made previous appearances in games, however, the version developed by Saber will mark the first instance where the character is voiced by Reeves.
A video game adaptation of the John Wick franchise, which has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, is in development, with Keanu Reeves set to lend his likeness and voice to the project.

The game, currently titled "Untitled John Wick Game", is being developed by Saber Interactive, the studio behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, in collaboration with Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick film series.
A trailer for the game, expected to serve as a prequel to the film series, was unveiled during PlayStation's "State of Play" event on Thursday.
The event also featured announcements for remakes of several major game franchises, including the God of War trilogy, as well as a special 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman.
The John Wick film series, which has earned over $1 billion globally, follows the story of a retired assassin, played by Keanu Reeves, as he seeks vengeance in a world of high-stakes action.
Although the character of John Wick has appeared in games before, this will be the first time Keanu Reeves has provided his voice for the role.
Reeves has previous experience in the gaming industry, having played a key role in the hit game Cyberpunk 2077 as the character Johnny Silverhand.
According to Matthew Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive, the development team is "honored" to be working with Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves to bring the John Wick universe to life in a AAA game.
The game's story will be an original narrative designed for mature audiences, featuring a mix of familiar characters from the film series and new ones.
Jenefer Brown, president of global products at Lionsgate, the producer of the John Wick films, expressed the company's goal of capturing the "intense action" and "distinctive fight choreography" that define the franchise.
The reaction to the game's announcement has been largely positive among fans on social media.
However, some fans have expressed concerns about the potential impact on Saber Interactive's other projects, including the long-awaited remake of the classic Star Wars game Knights of the Old Republic.
Christopher Dring, editor-in-chief of The Game Business, believes that the John Wick game is a strong fit for Saber Interactive, given the studio's experience with action-oriented IPs and its ability to release multiple games across various genres.
Dring notes that Saber Interactive operates as a collective of studios working on multiple IPs, allowing it to release a diverse range of games annually.
During the same event, Sony announced that Santa Monica Studios is working on remakes of the first three God of War games, building on one of the platform's most successful franchises.

Although a release date for the God of War remakes was not provided, Sony did announce a surprise side-scrolling prequel game, Sons of Sparta, which is available now.
The event also offered a first look at Townfall, the latest installment in the Silent Hill series, set on the fictional island of St. Amelia, which draws inspiration from Scotland.
A 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman was also announced, featuring five versions of the 1995 game, along with a near-immediate release.
Loic Gounon, brand producer for the Rayman games, discussed the anniversary edition with the BBC, highlighting the inclusion of a new documentary that explores the making of the original game, as well as accessibility features designed to enhance the experience for modern players.
To stay up-to-date on the latest tech news and trends, sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter; international readers can subscribe via an alternative link.

-
News11 hours agoAustralian Politics Faces Questions Over Gender Equality Amid Sussan Ley’s Appointment
-
News8 hours agoFarage Says Reform to Replace Traditional Tory Party
-
News8 hours agoWrexham Pair Seek Win Against Former Team Ipswich
-
News13 hours agoLiberal Party Removes Australia’s First Female Leader
-
News11 hours agoUK Braces for Cold Snap with Snow and Ice Alerts Expected
-
News8 hours agoHusband’s alleged £600k theft for sex and antiques blamed on drug side effects
-
News2 days agoSunbed ads spreading harmful misinformation to young people
-
Business13 hours agoBBC Reporter Exposed to Cyber Attack Due to Vulnerabilities in AI Coding Tool
