Wood Backs Stuart Lancaster

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Tom Wood says Stuart Lancaster and his coaches should "come out fighting" as the Rugby Football Union begins its review into England's display at the World Cup on Monday.

The hosts failed to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time.

But Wood, 28, backed Lancaster, saying: "I think I can speak for most of the lads - I want Stuart and the coaches to come out fighting.

"They've done themselves proud in terms of their preparation and work-rate."

The performance of Lancaster and lieutenants Andy Farrell, Graham Rowntree and Mike Catt will all be under review as the RFU decides whether they have a future.

RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie has said there would be no "hasty reaction" to England's exit, while Lancaster, who was appointed in 2011, has said he would find it "hard to walk away" from the job.

The 46-year-old former teacher has received the backing of former New Zealand and Wales head coach Graham Henry but there have been calls from former England internationals for Lancaster to leave his role.

Wood added: "The coaches will have learned an awful lot during this campaign and over the past three-and-a-half years.

"At the top, they are going to come under an awful lot of pressure to ring the changes, but I can't speak highly enough of Stuart as a bloke and as a coach. I back him."

The position of captain Chris Robshaw is also under close scrutiny after England seemed to lack leadership in key moments of the pivotal matches against Wales and Australia.

It was Robshaw who opted for an attacking line-out from a late penalty against Wales instead of directing Owen Farrell to go for goal. Had Farrell landed a difficult three points, England would have secured a draw - and would have been more likely to reach the quarter-finals.

Robshaw edged ahead of Wood for the captaincy at the start of Lancaster's reign, but the Northampton flanker said: "He's a strong character is Chris and he's been here before. He knows he's got the backing of the group."

Asked if he would like to be captain England if Robshaw was demoted, Wood replied: "I'd try to do what's right for the team.

"If I was asked to do it for the benefit of the team, then I'd consider it very carefully and probably front up."

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Saracens Crowned Champions

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Saracens finally have their name etched onto the European Rugby Champions Cup after Owen Farrell booted them to a 21-6 triumph over Racing 92 in Lyon.

Mark McCall's men controlled possession and territory to land seven penalties to Racing's three, in the first Champions Cup final without a try for 10 years. Nigel Owens' final whistle was a landmark moment for Saracens, who were beaten in the 2014 final by RC Toulon.

But they finally got their hands on the trophy at a rain sodden Grand Stade de Lyon against a Parisian side, whose hopes faded when Dan Carter limped off injured two minutes into the second-half.

Farrell landed seven penalties from seven attempts to earn a deserved victory that sees Saracens become the first side to win all nine games in a Champions Cup campaign.

Maxime Machinaud missed an early opportunity to put the French side ahead after the first scrum-penalty. But Saracens secured a set-piece chance of their own five minutes later after Owen Farrell's deft chip through had the Racing defence scrambling. And the England outside-half made no mistake from close range to put Sarries 3-0 ahead.

The heavens opened and the rain pelted down moments later, but both sides maintained their attacking intentions. Racing forced their way into Saracens territory to force the English side into submission at a scrum, and Johan Goosen landed a long-range kick to level the scores after 17 minutes.

But McCall's men began to flex their muscles in the second quarter. Farrell missed a drop-goal but atoned for his error with a penalty to retake a slim three-point advantage. His chip through moments later almost setup a Chris Ashton try, but referee Nigel Owens brought it back for an earlier offence, which Farrell punished with another penalty.

Goosen split the uprights with another penalty to keep Racing in-touch, but Farrell matched his effort to give Saracens a 12-6 half-time lead.

Sarries came out of the changing rooms and immediately looked to assert a territorial advantage. They turned Racing over five metres out from their own line, before Dimitri Szarzewsk came in from the side to concede a penalty. And Farrell maintained his 100 percent record off the tee to stretch the advantage to 15-6.

But Racing would not let this final pass them by, and turned up the tempo after 60 minutes. Saracens held-off a bludgeoning assault, but conceded a close range penalty, which Goosen converted to make it a six-point game.

And Farrell made sure it Saracens name would be on the trophy with his sixth successful three-pointer after 75 minutes, before wrapping it up a minute from time.

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James Taylor Forced to Retire from Cricket

Taylor

England and Nottinghamshire batsman James Taylor has been forced to retire because of a serious heart condition.

Scans have shown that Taylor, 26, has a condition similar to the one which affected footballer Fabrice Muamba.

Taylor, who has played seven Tests and 27 one-day internationals for his country, posted on social media: "Safe to say this has been the toughest week of my life!

"My world is upside down. But I'm here to stay and I'm battling on!"

Taylor felt ill during the first day of his county's pre-season fixture against Cambridge MCCU last week and was taken to hospital.

It was initially thought he had a viral condition, but he has since been diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and needs an operation.

Taylor later posted on Facebook: "Absolutely overwhelmed with all the support I've received. You don't understand how much it means to me and how much it helps! Thank you!"

England team director Andrew Strauss spoke about his "shock" and "sadness" at the news.

"Throughout his career, he has constantly impressed with his determination to make the absolute most of his ability," said Strauss.

"It is immensely cruel that such a hard-working player will be unable to fulfil his great potential in the international arena."

Footballer Muamba collapsed when his heart stopped for 78 minutes while playing for Bolton Wanderers against Tottenham Hotspur in 2012.

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O'Neill Sees Forest in Leicester

Martin O'Neill says he can see shades of the Nottingham Forest side that became English and European champions in the 1970s in the current Foxes team.

Leicester, bottom of the Premier League a year ago, are five points clear at the top with seven games to go.

O'Neill played for Brian Clough's Forest when they won the top-flight title in 1978, a year after promotion.

"I see a lot of similarities," he said in a BBC Radio 5 live special.

"There are players I can identify with who are similar in roles they are playing for each side - Riyad Mahrez is a very creative player a bit like John Robertson, your outfield genius, Jamie Vardy looks like Tony Woodcock.

"They are similar with the two players at the back, with Larry Lloyd and Kenny Burns, you could go right through the side and see similarities.

"It is remarkable in this day and age - when big clubs with a lot of money to spend are ruling the roost - for Leicester to come and win this championship would be an almighty achievement."

Republic of Ireland boss O'Neill, who managed Leicester for five years from 1995, was speaking on 'Leicester: The Impossible Team', a 5 live Sport Special to be broadcast on Wednesday.

The 64-year-old was an integral part of the Forest squad that followed up their league title win with back-to-back European Cup victories.

Forest's achievements during that period are largely considered one of football's greatest success stories, and O'Neill believes Leicester City winning the title would be comparable.

"Without question there is romance about the story - people are talking about it all over Europe," he added. "I was in France recently for a Uefa meeting and it was the talk of the evening, people are really taking note.

"It is a great story and if they do it, it would be the story of the century."

'Foxes title would outshine Forest's achievements'

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Adams Undergoes Minor Surgery

Tony Adams revealed he has undergone minor heart surgery in Azerbaijan, an operation the former Arsenal defender said had saved his life.

Adams, who is director of football at Gabala in Azerbaijan, went under the knife after becoming unwell.

“After feeling some acute chest pain while exercising in Azerbaijan, and liaising with Gabala club doctors, I went to the Medical Plaza hospital in Baku where I was admitted for an angiogram, and then following diagnosis of a severely blocked vein, an immediate angioplasty,” Adams said.

“The brilliant surgeons at the Medical Plaza did a fantastic job – as has been reiterated to me by my cardiologist in the UK.

“I know full well that without the brilliance of Dr Uzeyir Rahimov and his team I would not be alive now: a minor heart operation saved my life.

“I would just like to say that if you, like me, have a history of heart disease in your family and you feel chest pains, get yourself to the doctor’s now.”

After making 669 appearances and winning 10 major trophies with the Gunners, the former England and Arsenal captain moved into management with Wycombe, Portsmouth and then Gabala.

Adams, 49, is said to be recuperating with his family in the UK, while Gabala travel to Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League on Thursday.

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Villain Grealish Chooses England

Jack Grealish has opted to play for England rather than the Republic of Ireland.

The 20-year-old played for the Republic at Under-21s level but turned down a call-up to the senior squad for a friendly against England in June.

Birmingham-born Grealish qualifies for the Republic through his grandparents.

"It was not an easy decision as Ireland has a special place with me through my family," he said. "But I have decided to represent the country of my birth."

Grealish made his professional debut while on loan at Notts County against MK Dons in September 2013.

His first Villa appearance was in May 2014 as a substitute in a defeat by Manchester City.

England manager Roy Hodgson had made it clear to Grealish that he wanted him to represent his side.

However, Hodgson did not pick him to play against the Republic in June, with the England boss saying "it would have been inflammatory at the last minute if he chose us and played".

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Irish Football in Premier Trap

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