Shorts: ICC, Irish FA, Hull KR
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy has returned after an eight-year absence, with Pakistan hosting the majority of the tournament.
However, India’s group-stage matches, one semi-final, and potentially the final will take place in Dubai.
The tournament features eight teams split into two groups. Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, and England. The competition began on 19th February.
The tournament will continue through to the final, scheduled for the 9th March in Lahore, unless India qualifies, in which case the final will be played in Dubai.
The Irish Football Association is expected to confirm later this week that its new National Training Centre will be located next to Galgorm Resort, just outside Ballymena.
The facility is set to include elite pitches and training amenities for Northern Ireland’s senior and youth teams, with some government funding contributing to the project.
Senior Irish FA officials are due to inform members of the IFA Council of the decision before proceeding with planning permission.
The update follows a period of speculation regarding potential locations for the centre, with Antrim previously considered as an option. However, the Irish FA stated in September 2023 that no formal arrangements had been agreed for a proposed site in the Birch Hill area.
The National Training Centre has been planned as a dedicated facility to support the development of football in Northern Ireland, complementing the National Stadium at Windsor Park, which continues to serve as the primary match venue.
Hull Kingston Rovers have unveiled a new sponsorship agreement with Specsavers, which sees the opticians brand their stadium towers.
The Super League club have partnered with Specsavers in a two-year deal that marks the first time in their history that the towers at Sewell Group Craven Park have been branded.
The branding, which was unveiled for Hull KR’s first home game of the season, features the Specsavers logo and the phrases ‘Left a bit’ and ‘Right a bit’ in a tongue-in-cheek reference to sight testing. The launch was accompanied by a pyro display from the towers.
Paul Lakin, Hull KR Chief Executive, said, ‘This is a very exciting moment for the club as it’s the first time we have ever branded our towers – but it’s also a moment to add some playful humour to matchdays, and what better way to do that than with Specsavers.
“We hope everyone visiting the stadium will appreciate the wit on match day, as we continue to raise awareness of the importance of eye and hearing health across our community but in a fun and playful way.’
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