England’s Joe woe
JOE COKANASIGA could miss England’s opening Six Nations showdown in Ireland after tearing a medial knee ligament.
Scans revealed the giant winger, who scored tries on his first two international starts, suffered a grade two partial tear during Bath’s loss to Leinster and will be out for up to six weeks.
With Eddie Jones naming his Six Nations squad in mid-January, the England boss faces the prospect of having to make a blind call on the 21-year-old (above).
Jones is sweating on star forward Maro Itoje, who chipped a kneecap in England’s win over Australia, and is sidelined for four to eight weeks. And centre Jonathan Joseph, who has not played all season due to a foot injury, is not ready to return. SOLHEIM CUP star Mel Reid has come out as gay. “I’ve just reached a point in my life where I feel like my true, authentic self,” she said. “If my story helps one person, then I feel like it’s a good cause.”
Reid (left), a winner of six events on the Ladies European Tour, added: “I protected my sexuality for a long time because I thought I had to in order to help my career and to get more sponsors. “But then I started to wonder why these companies would want to sponsor me and have me represent them if I can’t be my authentic self.
“There is only one of you in the world and you have one life – so be the best version of yourself and be proud of who you are.
“I’m now at a point where I want brands to represent me for me. Ultimately, I feel like I’m on a platform where I can have some sort of an influence. “It’s just important to say to people that this is who I am. Hopefully, it will help a couple of young girls or guys.” Reid, 31, from Derby, made the announcement in an interview with Athlete Ally and has now joined the website as a “pro ambassador fighting for equality and inclusion in sport”.
The world No.249 explained: “Looking back on it, I knew from quite a young age, but then never thought about it during my teenage years.
“It then crept up on me again when I started playing on tour, meeting new people and traveling the world.
“I fell in love with a girl and I was excited, so I told my sister, who was completely cool about it, and then my brother.
“My parents are older than most, but they couldn’t have been better about everything.
“They just assured me that as long as I love a good person, it doesn’t matter what race, gender or background they come from. I was very lucky – my entire family is very liberal and embraced it totally.”
Reid’s stance was backed by gay tennis legend Billie Jean King, who tweeted: “Cheers to @melreidgolf, an incredible athlete and now a courageous champion for living an authentic life, and encouraging others to do the same.”