Rugby in a fix over Rainbow Cup visas
EDINBURGH and Glasgow Warriors face further disruption with the Rainbow Cup in danger of cancellation due to travel restrictions between the UK and South Africa.
The one-off Rainbow Cup is supposed to be the first step towards South Africa’s four top franchises – the Bulls, Sharks, Lions and Stormers – joining the Pro14 next season.
South African teams were to be based in Bristol and travelling to play Scottish, Irish, Welsh and Italian opposition between April 24 and June 19.
But the franchises have been told they won’t be given a visa. Sharks chief Eduard Coetzee said: “We have little information but it seems the Rainbow Cup will be cancelled.” TAEKWONDO: Rebecca McGowan became the first Scot to win European gold when she triumphed in the under-73kg division in Bulgaria yesterday. Glasgow fighter McGowan said: “It just feels unreal. I’m ecstatic how today went.” ROWING: Polly Swann boosted her case for Tokyo after helping Helen Glover to the perfect comeback as they picked up European women’s pair gold in Varese, Italy. Swann’s fellow Scots Rowan McKellar and Karen Bennett won bronze in the women’s four. ATHLETICS: Chris Bennett is eyeing a second Olympic bid after shattering a 45-year Scottish hammer best. The Tokyo hopeful hit a record 75.69 metres at the Scottish Throws Invitational in Linwood.
It’s still shy of the UK qualifying mark of 77.50m but within reach of the B standard 76.29m he’ll aim for in Loughborough next weekend and Bennett said: “I’m in shape to go big.” BASKETBALL: Glasgow Rocks player-boss Gareth Murray hit a game-high 23 points last night before Cheshire Phoenix poached an 84-77 win at the Emirates. Murray said: “When you put that much effort in, it’s difficult when you lose.”