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Francis Returns to Wales Squad After Recall

Tomas Francis has expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the Wales team, following an absence of over two years from the international scene.

Last weekend, Tomas Francis earned his 78th cap for Wales in their Six Nations loss to England, marking a significant milestone in his career.

After a period away from the international scene, prop Tomas Francis has spoken about the challenges of watching Wales struggle, with the team experiencing a decline in recent years.

Francis was part of the Welsh squad that lost to Argentina in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final, and prior to his recent recall, he witnessed the team suffer 21 defeats in 23 Tests, a difficult period for the players and staff.

The tight-head prop expressed his frustration at being unable to contribute to the team's efforts during this time, stating that it was difficult to see his teammates struggling without being able to help.

However, with his return to the team, Francis is now focused on making a positive impact and helping Wales improve their performance.

Following conversations with coach Steve Tandy, Francis had always been open to returning to the team if needed, and he has maintained his fitness levels in order to be ready for a recall.

After the World Cup, Francis joined French Pro D2 side Provence, and it was not until this year's Six Nations that he was called up to the Welsh squad again.

Despite the current turmoil in Welsh rugby, Francis has expressed his enthusiasm for being back involved with the team.

He stated that he has missed being part of the team and is enjoying his return, describing it as "awesome" to be back in the fold.

Francis admitted that it took him a little time to adjust, but he has now found his feet and is feeling more comfortable, with his teammates also helping him to settle in.

He noted that his time away from the team has given him a newfound appreciation for being part of the squad, highlighting the old adage that "distance makes the heart grow fonder."

The recent performance against England was widely criticized, with many considering it to be unacceptable.

There are several areas where Wales need to improve, with the team facing significant challenges in the coming weeks.

At 33, Francis is still confident in his ability to contribute to both club and country, and he will return to the English Premiership next season after signing with Sale.

He emphasized that he would not be involved with the team if he did not believe he could make a positive impact, and he is driven by a desire to succeed.

Francis stated that as long as he still experiences the nerves associated with game day, he knows he has the passion and motivation to continue playing at a high level.

This weekend's match against France will be particularly special for Francis, as his two young daughters will be in attendance, watching him play for the first time.

He expressed his excitement at the opportunity for his daughters to see him play, stating that family is a major motivation for him, and he is looking forward to sharing this experience with them.

Francis is well aware of the challenges that France will pose, and he knows that Wales cannot afford to start slowly if they are to have any chance of success.

He emphasized the importance of attacking the game from the outset, highlighting France's ability to score from anywhere on the pitch.

Francis noted that the French team's ability to score impressive tries, as seen in their match against Ireland, means that Wales must be focused and prepared to respond to any situation that arises.

The upcoming match between Wales and France will take place at the Principality Stadium.

The game is scheduled for Sunday, 15 February, with a kick-off time of 15:10 GMT.

Centre Brau-Boirie is set to make his debut for France in the match against Wales.

Fans can find more information about the upcoming Six Nations match between Wales and France through various guides and previews.

Ticket sales for the match have been slower than expected, reflecting the current challenges faced by Welsh rugby, including the struggle to attract large crowds to regional matches.

In contrast, Francis noted that his former club, Provence, a second-tier French side, has enjoyed significant success in terms of attendance, with sell-out crowds over the past two-and-a-half years.

He attributed this success to the French approach to rugby, which emphasizes entertainment and spectacle, creating a unique and enjoyable experience for fans.

Francis described the French rugby model, which includes amenities such as oysters and champagne, as well as post-match parties, as a more vibrant and engaging experience.

He suggested that this approach could be an example for Welsh rugby to follow, in an effort to improve attendance and create a more enjoyable experience for fans.

However, Francis emphasized that the immediate focus must be on improving Wales' performance on the pitch, starting with a better showing against France.

He acknowledged that the team's display against England was not acceptable, and he expressed his desire to be part of a team that can make the Welsh public proud.

Francis stated that the team's primary goal is to put on a performance that they can be proud of, one that will make their families and the Welsh public proud to support them.

He emphasized that everyone involved with the team is working hard to achieve this goal, from the players to the coaches, and he is hopeful that their efforts will eventually lead to improved results.

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Tottenham set to appoint temporary boss ahead of permanent summer hire

Tottenham expect to appoint an interim manager to oversee the team for the rest of the season by this weekend, with plans to make a permanent appointment in the summer.

The task of finding a successor to Thomas Frank has fallen to Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, who are overseeing the selection process.

Tottenham Hotspur intends to appoint an interim manager to see out the current season, with a view to making a more permanent appointment during the summer months.

The dismissal of Thomas Frank occurred earlier this week, at a time when the team was five points clear of the relegation zone.

According to sources close to BBC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur is expected to finalize an agreement with an interim manager before the team resumes training on Monday.

Following their early exit from the FA Cup in the third round, Tottenham has a nine-day break before facing Arsenal in the north London derby on February 22.

With no match scheduled for this weekend, the first-team squad has been given a brief break and is set to return to training on Monday.

The club is aware that the mid-season transfer window presents limited options, and it may be more feasible to secure a long-term manager at the end of the campaign.

An in-depth examination of Thomas Frank's tenure reveals the challenges he faced in winning over players and fans.

A closer look at Frank's time at Tottenham highlights the risks involved in his appointment and the ultimate failure of his tenure.

Although the search for an interim manager is still ongoing, the successful candidate will be considered for the permanent position if they perform well in the role.

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is a potential candidate to take the reins on a permanent basis, particularly since his contract with the US men's national team is set to expire after the World Cup this summer.

Another candidate being considered is Roberto De Zerbi, who recently parted ways with French club Marseille by mutual consent.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Tottenham, please refer to our dedicated section.

If you have any questions about Tottenham, feel free to ask and we will do our best to provide you with the information you are looking for.

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Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role

Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.

Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.

Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.

Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.

As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.

Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.

Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.

According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.

Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.

Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.

Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.

Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.

The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.

Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.

Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.

Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.

Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.

If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.

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Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years

Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

Peter Murrell looking off to his right while sitting in a room. He is wearing a black suit, white shirt and dark coloured tie.
Peter Murrell is due to appear in court next Friday for a preliminary hearing

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.

It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.

The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.

During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.

Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

A police van and a police officer outside Murrell's home in April 2023.
Murrell was arrested in 2023 as part of a probe into the SNP's finances

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.

BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.

It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.

The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.

Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.

Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.

The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.

A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.

The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.

It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.

The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.

Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.

Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.

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