Logos over Islamic beliefs
ing clothing that markets banks, alcohol and gambling companies is central to my religious beliefs, and it is important to me to have been granted this exemption.”
Williams has told NZR that he has no objection to sporting advertising from insurance companies, but has already been dropped from promotional activities with All Blacks’ sponsor AIG.
Meanwhile, Harlequins forward Jack Clifford will not be in contention for England’s summer tour of Argentina because of injury.
The 24-year-old, who has won 10 caps during Eddie Jones’s England coaching reign, is to undergo shoulder surgery.
Quins said the operation will repair a recurring injury that Clifford sustained earlier this season. He is expected to be sidelined for 12 weeks. The Quins rugby director, John Kingston, said: “While it is hugely disappointing for Jack to miss the conclusion of our season, the issue needed addressing immediately. I have no doubt Jack will do all that he can to get himself back to fitness and return all the better and stronger for it.” he social media campaign encouraging New Zealanders to offer free accommodation to Lions supporters has already proved hugely successful, but the cost of match tickets is soaring even though the first Test in Auckland is more than two months away.
More than 1,000 fans have registered interest in the Facebook campaign to help Lions fans avoid the exorbitant costs of hotels and rented accommodation, but it has intensified the demand for tickets for the two Auckland Tests and the one in Wellington.
One secondary ticketing website is currently offering a single ticket for the first Test in Auckland on June 24 for £880, a figure that is expected to double in the next month as demand increases.
Ticket and accommodation-only packages for that first Test are still available from the Lions official travel partners for £899, based on two people sharing. he Lions raise 70 per cent of their revenue from sponsors, and the commercial team appear to have left no stone unturned in ensuring the board is able to meet its expected total tour cost of more than £15 million by attracting the support of 18 companies. The range of sponsors, aside from the big-ticket items of kit and shirt sponsor, vary from male grooming products to alcoholic drinks and recruitment consultancy services.