Super Hub Round 11: All the teams, times and TV info

There are two Aussie teams in action this weekend as Super Rugby surges past the halfway mark.

The Waratahs take on the Sharks at BankWest Stadium on Saturday night while the Brumbies face the Jaguares on Sunday morning AEST.

SCHEDULE

All times AEST.

Friday April 26

5pm – FOX SPORTS coverage commences with “Kick-Off” on Channel 507, with Lou Ransome, Sean Maloney, Drew Mitchell and Stephen Hoiles 

5:35pm – Crusaders vs Lions, AMI Stadium, Christchurch, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and Kayo Sports

8pm – Sunwolves vs Highlanders, Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and Kayo Sports

Saturday April 27

5pm – FOX SPORTS begins “Super Saturday” coverage, with host Nick McArdle 

5:35pm – Hurricanes vs Chiefs, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and Kayo Sports 

7:45pm – Waratahs vs Sharks, BankWest Stadium, LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO

Sunday April 28

7:40am – Jaguares vs Brumbies, Buenos Aires, LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Kayo and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.

Bye – Reds, Rebels

CRUSADERS vs LIONS

TEAMS

Crusaders to face Lions

Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Michael Alaalatoa, Quinten Strange, Sam Whitelock, Whetu Douglas, Billy Harmon, Kieran Read, Mitch Drummond, Richie Mounga, George Bridge, Ryan Crotty, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, David Havili. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Harry Allan, Oliver Jager, Mitchell Dunshea, Jordan Taufua, Ereatara Enari, Mitch Hunt, Ngane Punivai

Lions to face Crusaders

 Sti Sithole, Robbie Coetzee, Carlu Sadie, Stephan Lewies, Marvin Orie, Marnus Schoeman, Cyle Brink, Kwagga Smith, Nic Groom, Shaun Reynolds, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Elton Jantjies, Lionel Mapoe, Sylvian Mahuza, Ruan Combrinck. Reserves: Jan-Henning Campher, Nathan McBeth, Johannes Jonker, Wilhelm van der Sluys, Harcjivah Dayimani, Ross Cronje, Franco Naude, Tyrone Green

REFEREES

Referee: Paul Williams

Assistant 1:  Mike Fraser

Assistant 2: James Munro

TMO:  Aaron Paterson

ODDS

Supplied by Bet365

Crusaders – $1.06

Lions – $8.50

SUNWOLVES vs HIGHLANDERS

TEAMS

Sunwolves to face Highlanders

Pauliesi Manu, Nathan Vella, Miroshi Yamashita, Mark Abbott, Luke Thompson, Grant Hattingh, Dan Pryor, Hendrik Tui, Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Semisi Masirewa, Rahboni Warren Vosayaco, Josh Timu, Gerhard van den Heever, Ryohei Yamanaka. Reserves: Shota Horie, Alex Woonton, Takuma asahara, Tom Rowe, Ben Gunter, Kaito Shigeno, Yu Tamura, Jason Emery

Highlanders to face Sunwolves

Daniel Lienert-Brown, Liam Coltman, Tyrel Lomax, Jackson Hemopo, Tom Franklin, Luke Whitelock, James Lentjies, Elliot Dixon, Aaron Smith, Josh Ioane, Tevita Li, Tei Walden, Rob Thompson, Sio Tomkinson, Matt Faddes. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Sef Faagase, Siate Tokolahi, Josh Dickson, Shannon Frizell, Kayne Hammington, Bryn Gatland, Dillon Hunt

REFEREES

Referee:  Ben O’Keeffe

Assistant 1: Angus Gardner

Assistant 2: Shuhei Kubo

TMO: Minoru Fuji

ODDS

Supplied by Bet365

Sunwolves – $3.50

Hurricanes – $1.31

HURRICANES VS CHIEFS

TEAMS

Hurricanes to face Chiefs

Fraser Armstrong, Asafo Aumua, Ben May, James Blackwell, Kane Leaupepe, Vaea Fifita, Ardie Savea, Reed Prinsep, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Chase Tiatia, Ngani Laumape, Matt Proctor, Wes Goosen, Jordie Barrett. Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Xavier Numia, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Sam Henwood, Richard Judd, James Marshall, Salesi Rayasi

Chiefs to face Hurricanes

Atu Moli, Nathan Harris, Angus Taavao, Michael Allardyce, Mitchell Brown, Luke Jacobson, Lachlan Boshier, Tyer Ardron, Brad Weber, Marty McKenzie, Ataata Moeakiola, Anton Lienert-Brown, Tumua Manu, Sean Wainui, Solomon Alaimalo. Reserves: Liam Polwart, Tevita Mafileo, Sosefo Kautai, Taleni Seu, Jesse Parete, Te Toiroa Taihuriorangi, Stephen Donald, Alex Nankivell

REFEREES

Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge

Assistant 1: Mike Fraser

Assistant 2: Brendon Pickerill

TMO: Shane McDermott

ODDS

Supplied by Bet365 

Hurricanes – $1.25

Chiefs – $4.00

WARATAHS vs SHARKS

TEAMS

Waratahs to face Sharks

Harry Johnson-Holmes, Damien Fitzpatrick, Sekope Kepu, Jed Holloway, Rob Simmons, Jack Dempsey, Michael Hooper, Michael Wells, Jake Gordon, Bernard Foley, Curtis Rona, Karmichael Hunt, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Cam Clark, Kurtley Beale. Reserves: Tolu Latu, Rory O’Connor, Chris Talakai, Tom Staniforth, Lachie Swinton, Nick Phipps, Lalakai Foketi, Alex Newsome

Sharks to face Waratahs

TBC

REFEREES

Referee: Nic Berry

Assistant 1: Damon Murphy

Assistant 2: Amy Perrett

TMO: George Ayoub

ODDS

Supplied by Bet365

Waratahs – $1.43

Sharks  – $2.83

STORMERS vs BULLS

TEAMS

Stormers to face Bulls

Steven Kitshoff, Scarra Ntubeni, Frans Malherbe, Cobus Wiese, JD Shickerling, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph Du Toit, Kobus van Dyk, Herschel Jantjies, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Dillyn Leyds, Damian de Allende, JJ Engelbrecht, Sergeal Petersen, Damian Willemse. Reserves: Bongi Mbonambi, Corne Fourie, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth, Ernst van Rhyn, Justin Phillips, Joshua Stander, Seabelo Senatla

Bulls to face Stormers

Lizo Gqoboka, Jaco Visagie, Trevor Nyakane, Jannes Kirsten, RG Snyman, Marco Van Staden, Hanro Liebenberg, Ivan van Zyl, Handre Pollard, Johnny Kotze, Burger Odendaal, Jade Stighling, Warrick Gelant. Reserves: Johan Grobbelaar, Simphiwe Matanzima, Wiehahn Herbst, Thembelani Bholi, Paul Schoeman, Embrose Papier, Manie LIbbok, Divan Rossouw

REFEREES

Referee: Glen Jackson

Assistant 1: Nick Briant

Assistant 2: Divan Uys

TMO: Marius Jonker

ODDS

Supplied by Bet365

Stormers – $1.65

Bulls – $2.25

JAGUARES vs BRUMBIES

TEAMS

Jaguares to face Brumbies

Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Agustin Creevy, Sanitago Medrano, Guido Petti, Tomas lavanini, Pablo matera, Marcos Kremer, Tomas Lezana, Tomas Cubelli, Domingo Miotti, Santiago Carreras, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Matias Orlando, Sebastian Cancelliere, Emiliano Boffelli. Reserves: Julian Montoya, Mayco Vivas, Enrique Pieretto, Rodrigo Bruni, Javier Ortega Desio, Felipe Ezcurra, Bautista Ezcurra, Juan Cruz Malla

Brumbies to face Jaguares

James Slipper, Folau Faingaa, Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Sam Carter, Jahrome Brown, Tom Cusack, Pete Samu, Joe Powell, Christian Lealiifano, Toni Pulu, Tom Wright, Tevita Kuridrani, Henry Speight, Tom Banks. Reserves: Connal McInerney, Scott Sio, Les Makin, Darcy Swain, Murray Douglas, Joe Powell, Irae Simone, Andy Muirhead

REFEREES

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen

Assistant 1: AJ Jacobs

Assistant 2: Federico Anselmi

TMO: Santiago Borsani

ODDS

Supplied by Bet365

Jaguares – $1.47

Brumbies – $2.70

Mo'unga, Bridge cleared of allegations as NZR investigation concludes

There will be no sanctions for Crusaders duo George Bridge or Richie Mo’unga after New Zealand Rugby deemed allegations against the pair “could not be substantiated.

Bridge was accused of being involved in some homophobic behaviour in Cape Town but the investigation found these allegations could not be upheld.

“NZR’s investigation has found that the allegations against George Bridge were not upheld,” NZR head of rugby Nigel Cass said in a statement.

Mo’unga allegedly spat beer in the direction of a group of women in a bar on a night out and while those accusations were unable to be substantiated, the superstar 10 apologised for drinking and making some “poor” decisions.

“With regard to Richie Mo’unga, the NZR investigation found that the allegations also could not be substantiated. Given the seriousness of these allegations, and the potential consequences, we needed to be confident that what was alleged, actually took place, and we weren’t,” Cass said.

Cass said the Crusaders playmaker admitted his behaviour was inappropriate and was reminded of NZR’s “expectations”.

“The way he responded to the complainant was inconsistent with NZR values and expectations, and he has acknowledged this and subsequently apologised,” he  said.

“We feel that he has learned some valuable lessons and we are satisfied that he will not put himself in the same position again in future. We have made our expectations around behaviour clear to him. He has been reminded of his obligation to be a role model for the sport at all times, especially when approached by members of the public – even in a social setting,” Cass said.

NZR has also asked the Crusaders to review their policies around post-match outings, something CEO Colin Mainsbridge admitted they needed to do.

“We will learn from this experience and use it as an opportunity for improvement,” he said in a statement.

“For us, this is not just about two members of our team; we all need to take some responsibility for this and learn from it.

“That is why we are reviewing our policies around alcohol and social media use to ascertain if our existing policies are robust enough and make changes if needed.

“If we apply the same growth mindset off the field as we do on the field, we’ll all be better people as a result.”

In Monday’s statement, NZR and the Crusaders said they considered the matters closed.

The Crusaders will host the Jaguares in the Super Rugby final on Saturday July 6, kikcing off at 5:35pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via Kayo Sports.

 

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TEAM NEWS: Beale to fullback, Holloway returns for Waratahs

Kurtley Beale will replace Israel Folau at fullback for the Waratahs against the Rebels.

Beale missed training on Monday and Tuesday with illness but was named at 15 regardless and is set to train with the team on Thursday.

Karmichael Hunt and Adam Ashley-Cooper will team up in the centres for NSW with Cam Clark and Alex Newsome on the wings.

“Three to four days off with tonsillitis and general illness,” he said.

“It’ll be good to welcome him back.

“With Israel stood down, he’ll move into a familiar position at fullback and it’s a real opportunity for him to step up in a position that we know he can and really try and own that position for the next nine games.”

Gibson said the players were keen to get back on the park after a dramatic week surrounding controversial fullback Israel Folau.

“The off-field events that have swirled around the team, it has been a distraction, but the team on the field are really focused on delivering a performance that we can be proud of and really shows the spirit of this team,” he said.

“On-field is a real sanctuary for the players and what I’ve seen on Monday and Tuesday, is just the release of a lot of energy that’s built up and some really good quality stuff.”

The Waratahs have a chance to narrow the Rebels’ lead at the top of the Australian conference with a win at the SCG.

The Waratahs take on the Rebels on Saturday April 20 at the SCG, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Kayo and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.

TEAM

Waratahs to face Rebels

1. Harry Johnson-Holmes

2. Damien Fitzpatrick

3. Sekope Kepu

4. Jed Holloway

5. Rob Simmons

6. Jack Dempsey

7. Michael Hooper

8. Michael Wells

9. Jake Gordon

10. Bernard Foley

11. Cam Clark

12. Karmichael Hunt

13. Adam Ashley-Cooper

14. Alex Newsome

15. Kurtley Beale

Reserves

16. Andrew Tuala

17. Rory O’Connor

18. Chris Talakai

19. Tom Staniforth

20. Will Miller

21. Nick Phipps

22. Lalakai Foketi

23. Curtis Rona

'I was fortunate' – Messi plays down stunning free-kick in Liverpool win

The Argentine notched up 600 career goals as his late double helped the Blaugrana run out comfortable winners against the Reds at Camp Nou

Lionel Messi has played down his superb free-kick in Barcelona’s win over Liverpool on Wednesday, claiming he was ‘”fortunate” to find the top corner from 30 yards.

The Argentina international netted a late double to build upon Luis Suarez’s first-half effort and hand the Blaugrana a 3-0 victory at Camp Nou ahead of the reverse fixture at Anfield on Tuesday.

The second of thos goals came from a dead ball situation as he beat Alisson from 30 yards – a strike which also saw him bring up his 600th goal for the Spanish champions.

Ernesto Valverde’s side were far from their best at points and spent much of the second half as the lesser of the two sides, with Jurgen Klopp’s Reds pushing for a then-equaliser.

But two characteristic contributions from Messi ensured that the hosts head to Merseyside the firm favourites to reach the final in Madrid in early June.

Speaking at full-time on the pitch to Italian television, the 31-year-old expressed happiness at how his side had performed in what he described as an “intense” encounter, though he cautioned that despite their significant advantage, they must operate at the same level in six days’ time.

“We had chances to score more but we must be happy with tonight,” Messi stated. “We are aware that it’s not over as we still have to go to their ground. But we’re happy with tonight.

“It was a very, very intense game. They’re used to playing at that rhythm, with a very physical game, with a lot of counter-attacks.

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“We’re very tired now but we have to continue like this, also in the second leg. In the first half, we played well.

“In the second half, they were very good. They had some great chances. We did well to resist. I was very fortunate to find the corner with that goal. It was a beautiful moment. We have to be united.”

'We hope to see him very soon' – Azpilicueta sends positive wishes to Spain team-mate Casillas

The defender was shocked by news of the goalkeeper’s heart attack and wished his fellow Spaniard a speedy recovery

Spain and Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta hopes to see Iker Casillas back on the pitch soon after the goalkeeping great suffered a heart attack during training with Porto on Wednesday. 

Porto confirmed Casillas, 37, was taken to hospital but is now in a stable condition, his “heart problem resolved”. 

Azpilicueta represented his country alongside Casillas, who is Spain’s record appearance maker with 167 caps, and offered well-wishes at a pre-match news conference ahead of Chelsea’s Europa League semi-final encounter at Eintracht Frankfurt. 

“It was the first thing I wanted to say before any question and, obviously, I want to wish him a good recovery,” he said. 

“The news has shocked us, it is quite tough. But we have been told that he is doing well, he is improving. 

“He has been my team-mate in the national team for quite a few years. 

“From everyone in Chelsea we want to wish him a good recovery and we hope to see him very soon on the pitch.” 

Casillas won five La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues during 16 decorated seasons with Real Madrid, while he was Spain’s last line of defence during their golden period – winning Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 either side of the 2010 World Cup. 

The goalkeeper also offered an update on the situation from his hospital room, saying all was well. 

“Everything under control here, a big scare but my forces are intact. Thank you very much for the messages and affection,” Casillas said via social media. 

Casillas has been ruled out for the rest of the season, with Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa​ having also made it clear that the issue would require rest and recovery before he would be able to return to the pitch. 

Porto have just four matches left in the season, with three league clashes and a Portuguese Cup final against Sporting still to come.  

The club sit just two points back of league leaders Benfica as they head into the closing run.  

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Solskjaer admits Manchester United 'haven't been good enough' to challenge for Champions League place

The Norwegian says that the Old Trafford outfit’s performances throughout the season didn’t warrant a place in the top four

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hit out at his Manchester United players, saying that they “haven’t been good enough to challenge for the Champions League”.

A 1-1 draw away at already-relegated Huddersfield Town means that United’s slim chances of finishing in the top four are now over, consigning them to either a fifth or sixth-placed finish with one game remaining. 

Solskjaer enjoyed a remarkable start in the Old Trafford dugout after replacing Jose Mourinho on an initial interim basis, but the shock draw in West Yorkshire continues their recent hapless run of just two wins in 10 games.

The Norwegian didn’t hold back in his assessment of his side following the game at The John Smith’s Stadium.

“We are where we are for a reason. Over a long season we haven’t been good enough to challenge for the Champions League places,” he told Sky Sports .

“We haven’t taken enough points, won enough games, scored enough goals – it’s always difficult when you lose your manager halfway through the season. It’s caught up with us a little bit.”

Solskjaer admitted that the Red Devils are a long way behind the title-chasing duo of Liverpool and Manchester City, but qualifying for the Champions League should be a minimum requirement of the club.

The rebuilding job is something he is relishing, though. He added: “It shows us where we are. we’re not living in fantasy land thinking we can catch the top two, we’re far away but we shouldn’t be speaking about being far off the top four at Manchester United.

“We’re many levels [behind] at the moment, that’s the size of the challenge, it’s a great challenge for us but I’m sure we’ll make it.”

United’s draw against the Terriers means that they are the only team to visit The John Smith’s Stadium more than once in the Premier League and not win, having a suffered a 2-1 reverse last season.

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“Over 90 minutes we weren’t good enough, we missed chances to put the game away, created many chances and didn’t let them in our half really,” Solskjaer said.

“When you go to these places, stadiums full of energy, we knew if we gave them hope they’d be up for it and unfortunately we did so.

“Sometimes it happens, concentration, application, confidence drops, it was just strange how we changed our approach to the game instead of playing simple. We chose difficult options.

“It’s not come as a surprise but we hoped to show a better performance today.”

United end their season next Sunday at home to Cardiff City, whose relegation to the Championship was confirmed this weekend.

'Stay strong Iker!' – Football world rallies around Casillas after legendary goalkeeper's heart attack

Porto have said the 37-year-old former Spain international is “doing well” following emergency surgery on Wednesday morning

The football world has rallied around legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who suffered a heart attack on Wednesday morning.

Porto confirmed that the 37-year-old had been hospitalised following emergency surgery after suffering the heart attack during Wednesday’s training session. 

The Portuguese club later released a statement saying Casillas “is doing well, he’s stable and his heart problem has been resolved.”

Casillas is one of the most decorated players of his generation, having won Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 with Spain, as well as the 2010 World Cup. 

At club level, Casillas won five La Liga titles with Real Madrid in addition to three Champions League crowns. 

After a 16-year association with Madrid, Casillas left to join Porto in 2015, where he has now spent four seasons. 

News of Casillas’ heart attack quickly spread, with many of the Spaniard’s former team-mates and opponents expressing their well wishes. 

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'Carragher has two left feet & only played because he's a Scouser' – Diouf's astonishing rant about former Liverpool team-mate

The ex-Senegal star returned with another verbal attack on the Anfield hero, criticising him for not testing himself at another club

Former Liverpool striker El Hadji Diouf has slammed former team-mate Jamie Carragher, saying he only got to play for the club because he was from the area.

Carragher spent his entire career with the Reds and made over 730 appearances in his 17 years in the senior side, winning the Champions League, UEFA Cup and two FA Cups among other competitions. The former centre-back also made 38 appearances for England.

Diouf joined Liverpool from French side Lens in 2002 in a £10 million move before his impressive World Cup campaign that summer. The forward played 80 games in his three years as a controversial figure at Anfield and scored six goals.

The former Senegal star has repeatedly criticised club legends like Carragher, who he described as a “s*it” and a “f*cking loser” in 2016, and Steven Gerrard since his departure and has said it was a “mistake” to join the club .

And the 38-year-old has returned with another jibe at the Merseyside hero, suggesting he was favoured by Liverpool because he was born there.

“Jamie Carragher, he has two left feet. He’s a right-footed player who has two left feet and he played because he was a Scouser,” he told  BeIn Sports .

“If he was not a Liverpool kid, he was never going to make the career he did. But I had the [balls] to go out of my house and cash in on my talent here in Europe.

“Was it necessary for him to go to Inter, to Real Madrid? Has he had any offers in his life?”

Diouf left Liverpool for Bolton in 2005 and spent another three years there before going on to represent Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, Rangers, Doncaster and Leeds before ending his career in the Malaysian league with Sabah.

He scored 16 goals in 43 appearances for Senegal’s national team, reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2002.

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Neymar's season over as PSG star hit with three-match ban for punching Rennes fan

The world’s most expensive player will not play again for the French champions this term and will now turn his attention to the Copa America in Brazil

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar has been handed a three-match suspension after punching a Rennes supporter in the aftermath of his side’s Coupe de France final defeat.

The Ligue 1 champions – who had Kylian Mbappe sent off late in the game – were beaten 9-8 on penalties following a 2-2 draw at Stade de France as their hopes of a domestic double were dashed.

Neymar was then videoed attacking a fan on his way to collect his runners-up medal as the PSG team were ridiculed by the jubilant Rennes support.

The French Football Federation have now announced that the world’s most expensive player will be forced to miss three domestic matches, with a further two matches suspended.

That means he will sit out Saturday’s Ligue 1 clash with Angers as well as Thomas Tuchel’s side’s final two games of the season against Dijon and Reims.

While having to plan without Neymar at present, PSG have stated their intention to appeal the sanctions handed out to the South American.

A statement released by the club on their official website read: “Paris Saint-Germain takes note of the decision of the Disciplinary Committee of the French Football Federation (FFF) to sanction Neymar Jr with a suspension of 5 matches, of which three are set.

“Given the insults suffered by several players of the Club including Neymar at the end of the Coupe de France Final, and the various elements transmitted by Paris Saint-Germain to the Commission, Paris Saint-Germain considers this sanction hard.

“Paris Saint-Germain and Neymar Jr have decided to appeal this decision to the Higher Appeal Commission of the FFF.”

If the suspension is upheld, then it will bring to an end a disappointing campaign for the Brazil international, who had hoped to kick-on after injury saw him miss the second half of his first season in the French capital.

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But despite an encouraging first few months under Tuchel’s stewardship, a foot injury picked up against Strasbourg in January saw his season grind to a halt at a far from ideal time.

For the second successive season he could only watch on as his team-mates crashed out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage, this time beaten by Manchester United.

Despite holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg at Old Trafford, the Parc des Princes outfit were beaten 3-1 in the return fixture after a controversial penalty – awarded for handball by Presnel Kimpembe – was converted by Marcus Rashford in injury-time.

An angry Neymar posted an expletive-laden message on Instagram in protest at the performance of the officials; an action that recently saw him pick up a separate three-match European suspension that will see him miss PSG’s opening group games in next season’s Champions League.

In their star turn’s absence, PSG did go on to seal the Ligue 1 title, though they stumbled over the line somewhat with Tuchel’s side currently on a run of one win in seven matches across all competitions.

That sequence included a 5-1 humbling at second-placed Lille as well as the cup final defeat to Rennes which meant they failed to win either of the domestic cup competitions in France for the first time since the 2012-13 season.

Neymar will now turn his attention towards the summer and winning the Copa America on home soil with Brazil, with the Selecao getting their tournament under way against Bolivia on June 14.

Brighton captain Bruno calls time on career

Following a seven-year spell in English football with the Seagulls, the veteran right-back has announced his retirement

Brighton and Hove Albion captain Bruno will retire from playing after this weekend’s Premier League match against Manchester City.

The 38-year-old has made 234 appearances for Brighton since joining from Valencia in 2012, including 13 starts in the Premier League this season.

Bruno, a member of the Brighton squad promoted from the Championship in 2017, has been offered the chance to remain at the Amex Stadium in a non-playing capacity.

Sunday’s meeting with title-chasing City will be Bruno’s final game, and Pep Guardiola revealed he was keen to bring the former Espanyol defender to Barcelona when he switched from Almeria to Valencia in 2009.

“Bruno played in Almeria when I was at Barcelona. We wanted him to come,” City boss Guardiola told a pre-match news conference. “He’s had an incredible career in England. 

“He’s 38 but so fit, so professional and feels this is the moment. Hopefully we have a good game and I will congratulate him for his incredible career.”

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