Comms @saintsrugby @lightningrugby | Ex Wasps/Tigers ✍️ | @rugbyworld | @manorparkrfc1 player, social media & Life Member #24 | Views my own
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Crushed. That’s how I’m feeling about Jack Willis. He worked so hard to come back from ACL/ankle injury in 2018. He didn’t just return, he roared right to the top and inspired Wasps with performances I’ve been very privileged to witness.
Wonderful rugby player & bloke.
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I’ve become almost disinterested in England as a rugby fan. Nothing is building, we’re drifting. Can’t stomach much more of this. Time for change. A new era, else we will have our pants pulled down in France.
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Alex Dombrandt, 25 tries in 60 @premrugby appearances.
Also 24, and one England cap.
Time to let the guy loose at the top level. No more cr@p. Play him. 🏴 🌹
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Just spotted today’s referee Tom Foley at the back of a long & slow Costa queue I’d just got to the front of. In the spirit of rugby, I went to the back and offered to get him a ☕️ so he doesn’t miss kick off. He declined and waited his turn.
I protested, he sent me back 10m.
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Every ounce of joy gained by England starting van Poortvliet is deleted by Jack Willis’s omission v Japan. What more can we possibly learn from the Curry/Itoje back row combo? I’m bored of myself typing this, I just feel like England are missing out on a one-of-a-kind player.
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Sadly I couldn’t make the Wasps kit reveal today, something came up that required my full attention 😂
Betsy Kathleen Bridge born shortly after 1am on 15.08.19 - 7lbs and healthy. Mum doing amazingly.
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The Elite Performance and Innovation Centre, where Wasps players train, is going to be kept open with insurance paid for players to keep fit and ticking over during this awful time for them #WaspsRugby
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I’ve gone from anger & disappointment to just indifference with watching England now.
There’s a growing disconnect with the fans over selection calls that is just rammed home by us getting drilled by our closest, oldest and fiercest rivals.
Time for change.
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✍️ Signing off! It’s been a blast! Too many people to thank in a tweet so here’s a quick 260-word, on-the-whistle report 😂 #WaspsRugby #LeicesterTigers #rugbyunion
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English rugby is in a very good place if this guy isn’t needed at Test level at this moment in time. It’s a privilege to watch Jack Willis, week in, week out. Consistently good, full of game-changing moments! The flanker also now has 6 in 14 games this season. Class.
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Yesterday marked 17 games without a card for #LeicesterTigers no8 Jasper Wiese, after 3 yellows in 10 games to start 21/22. His disciplinary turnaround has been remarkable. Even off a long run in 77th minute, the South African got his technique spot on. #LEIvNOR
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While I appreciate folk checking in on me, this is my job, the highs&lows, I still get paid at end of the month & I’ll get to do it tomorrow. There’s a group of men&women, teens to 60s, living in the real world financially, who have been hit hard. My thoughts are with them #wasps
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A crazy season filled with awful moments for English rugby ends with a fairytale in France. Congratulations @jackswillis7 - Top 14 Champion with @StadeToulousain - I couldn’t be more pleased for this special rugby player & bloke 🇫🇷🍷👏🏻
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'Too important not to work it out' - campaign growing to allow families in for Twickenham final between @WaspsRugby & @ExeterChiefs. RT if you agree!
coventrytelegraph.net/sport/…
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Paolo Odogwu & Vincent Koch have joined Stade Francais. They follow Biyi Alo (Racing) and Brad Shields (Perpignan) as ex Wasps who have found a new club in the Top 14. #Wasps
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Seldom watch morning TV. Today I did and @piersmorgan is interviewing a 🥦 - and it’s brilliant. Slaughtering the lad!
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Five minutes for Jack Willis. So hard to get your head around that logic #ENGvARG
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For me there's two options. EXE v WAS, or no game.
I appreciate regs put in when rugby restarted but involving Bristol and/or Bath is ludicrous.
If Wasps can't participate (there's no indication that's the case) then Exeter should be crowned champs, they finished top after all
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That last scrum pen needs some explaining, but I couldn’t be prouder of England. #ENG
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The compelling reason why Wasps man has ended his fulltime rugby days
coventrytelegraph.net/sport/…
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A sight for sore eyes, Jack Willis taking part in the Wasps warm up today. He suffered his injury a year ago tomorrow playing for England, against Italy
coventrytelegraph.net/sport/…
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Frustrated for Paolo Odogwu. A kid in the form of his life, plucked into a bubble but left on the fringes. I’m sure he will ‘benefit from the experience’, but he is 23, played 8 games last season - he needs to play. Also feel for Ollie Lawrence too!
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In a surprise on par with Mauro Bergamasco/scrum-half selection levels, the little girl we were expecting after 3/4 midwife “she/her” slips, out came a boy!
Introducing Jack Samuel Bridge, named after my dad.
Ps those bags under my eyes are growing by the day 😴
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Jack Willis is recalled by England, three games into his comeback from a year out of action. What a man.
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I was truly blown away by the messages yesterday, even my dad called me in an emotional state having had a look. I read most when I should’ve been sleeping ahead of a 5am start for a few days in Cologne! I’ll get to the messages once home 😂😂😂. Again, sincerely, thank you ❤️
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It’s my understanding that Wasps players and staff were paid in full and on time today. #Waspsrugby
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We've got to do better than this. Two young men have a difficult day at work and get dogs abuse, direct to them. Factor in the treatment Maggie Alphonsi got online recently too, rugby is on a slippery slope.
coventrytelegraph.net/sport/…
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Wayne Barnes will oversee his 10th Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final when he takes charge of Leicester Tigers against Saracens on Saturday. #LeicesterTigers v #Saracens #LEIvSAR #premrugby
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Greg Fisilau, 19, joined Exeter Chiefs after Wasps’ demise earlier this year. Tomorrow he makes his first Premiership start, away against Saracens. Billy Vunipola is his opposite number! Very exciting, dynamic young rugby player with a big future.
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This kind of thing just cannot be accepted and swept under the carpet. Credit to Ellis Genge for highlighting the wider problem
leicestermercury.co.uk/sport…
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Bumped into Dai Young in the services on our way home from Wales from a little family holiday, he was delighted I asked for selfie wearing this shirt 😂 fantastic to see him again 👍🏻
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Come Saturday it’ll be 50 days since Paolo Odogwu’s amazing performance against Bath. Let the lad play.
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Delighted to see bucket loads of @LeicesterTigers coverage in today’s Leicester Mercury. While it’s been great to see tens of 1000s of people view content online at @leicslive/@tigerslive over the weekend, the appeal of print for these big moments is unrivalled #LeicesterTigers
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Two things I haven’t missed about playing rugby for 18 months; the pain/anguish the next day, and the sheer contempt my wife has for my self-inflicted physical state.
Case in point, this morning I’m being lugged around a car boot in a farmer’s field. Don’t get old kids.
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Former Wasps fly-half Charlie Atkinson has signed for Leicester Tigers on a long-term deal.
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Leicester Tigers are 32 points up with 20 minutes to go against Bristol Bears. Freddie Steward drops a ball inside his own half and from a promising counter-attack - a loud bang comes from Steve Borthwick's area and down he goes to pitchside to send a message. Standards.
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Charlie Atkinson has been impressive for #LeicesterTigers today. He might fall off a couple of tackles here and there, that’s because he attempts so many and never switches off. Goalkicking has been class as has most of his efforts from hand. Signing of the season.
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Special moment for Matt Symons, who knows what it’s like to lose to Exeter Chiefs in a final. Spent best part of a year out in his final Wasps season with a foot injury but recovered to become an absolute rock for Quins, in good times and bad 👏🏻
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Jack Willis is BACK!!!!!!!!!!!
PIC: @davidhowlett5
Live updates...
coventrytelegraph.net/sport/…
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Barbeary is flying here for Wasps. A try, interception, kicks, turnovers, carries, flanker, number 8 - it doesn't matter. Class.
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I’ll be writing a story soon re: my rship with Dai. But, in short, he made the biggest step of my career less daunting, giving his time, respect and thoughts - even during darkest of times. I’ll sincerely miss dealing with him on a regular basis. That sums it up, pretty much...
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Watch this to the end, Owen Farrell has been the subject of a few tweets today, but this is the class of the man.
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This flew under the radar at the wknd, Jacob Umaga & his partner Elisha + friends & loved ones of other @WaspsRugby players held a bucket collection for the Tonga Appeal - raising more than £2k.
The fund launched by @MalakaiFekitoa is nearing £60k 👏🏻
gofund.me/8f341fb4
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That’s all for tonight, it’s been a chaotic few hours! But having covered Wasps for nearly four years, I’m kind of conditioned to it - even some of the abuse that comes with it!
Cancelled my day off tomorrow, I’ll bring updates when I can.
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Rugby TV coverage would benefit from every penalty offence going up on screen. Ie “collapsing the maul”. I’ve played/watched the sport for 30 years and some awards puzzle me. Imagine being a newcomer.
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I understand Wasps are holding meetings to try & establish something to go again next season. V.little detail at this stage. On a personal level, I'm on annual leave for a week now, so updates will be less frequent (he says). It's been a fortnight that'll be hard to forget.
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Incredibly proud to be named Sports Journalist of the Year at the Midlands Media Awards at Villa Park last night! Well done to all awards winners and those who were shortlisted/commended. Big thx to @live_coventry team & to @kearnanmyall @AlexRieder1 for sharing your stories.
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Frightening thing here is, I don’t even thing this is Immanuel Feyi-Waboso at full pace. You can almost see the moment he presses the Nitrous Oxide button 🚀
Full highlights of Wasps v Newcastle Falcons here 👇🏻
premiershiprugby.com/video/h…
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Okay, what subscription do I need for the Top 14? Jack and Tom Willis (Bordeaux) are going to light up French rugby. Two very special rugby players and men, who would add tremendous value to any rugby club.
𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀 est désormais Stadiste 💪🏴
En sa qualité de joueur additionnel, l’international anglais rejoint le 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗻 jusqu’à la fin de cette saison 2022-2023 🤝
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I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling pretty gutted about @SuperRugbyNZ / @SuperRugby not currently lined up to be shown on our screens in the UK. Last year, the return to action down under brought so much joy as rugby lagged behind other sports in the Northern Hemisphere.
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Fifth try in 39 Wasps appearances for Biyi Alo, whose scrummaging power forced Edinburgh to sub off their loosehead before half-time.
This is his 14th straight start, too.
England tour this summer? He's got to be knocking on the door.
PIC: @davidhowlett5
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I've had many conversations with @d_jrobson through the years, ranging from elation of England call-ups and #Wasps wins to serious injuries & conditions. This was by far the most harrowing of them all. Thank you for sharing your time and your story, Dan
coventrytelegraph.net/sport/…
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If anyone spots the 10kg of Kieran Brookes that’s gone missing, let me know! The former Saints, Tigers, Wasps, Newcastle & England prop looks like he’s in the shape of his life down in Toulon.
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If I could ban one thing from rugby, it’d be going Rick Flair after winning a scrum penalty #Saracens
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This is the last pic I took on my phone after the last #Wasps match against Northampton Saints. It’s hard to comprehend what has happened since that day. But it’s good to see so many are gaining employment elsewhere. 🤞🏻 the rest get tied up soon.
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Nizaam Carr re-joins the Bulls in South Africa, after his third spell at #Wasps ended with their financial collapse and him being made redundant. A special bloke and player, who was looking back to his best in recent games. Good luck Nemo.
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Plenty more to come from that win in the morning content wise, but final word from me tonight. Whatever your view on #Wasps, you can have nothing but admiration and awe for the display put in after the last 48 hours endured. That win lifted so many people. That took some balls.
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Desperately sad news to share this afternoon. Rest in peace Tiffany.
leicestermercury.co.uk/sport…
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I should be reflecting on a great rugby weekend with Tigers, Wasps, England and @ManorParkRFC1 all winning - but I can’t take my mind off this. My heart goes out to both @EveshamRFC & @berksandbalsrfc - just can’t get my head around it. Truly awful.
coventrytelegraph.net/news/c…
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Jacob Umaga & Dan Robson are set to appear for the Barbarians against Harlequins on November 17 #Wasps
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While there is understandable excitement regarding Charlie Atkinson, Leicester Tigers landing coach Matt Everard is a huge coup. He is a brilliant operator, key to the transition of multiple #Wasps players from academy to senior pros. Adaptable, dedicated & a truly great bloke.
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This guy has had a colossal 6 days. Brad Shields has hit incredible levels of consistency + durability and is a leader of a squad that’s been through so much. English rugby is in a strong place if this guy isn’t in 🌹 contention.
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A great way to start your Monday if you are a @WaspsRugby fan - @NizaamCarr8 is heading back for a third spell at the club
coventrytelegraph.net/sport/…
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He's the only @WaspsRugby player to feature in all 15 of their @premrugby games this season and only Josh Bassett (1,315) has played more all-competition minutes than him (1,206) - what a signing Elliott Stooke has been for #Wasps
coventrytelegraph.net/sport/…
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Leicester Tigers are champions.
Freddie Burns achieves sporting immortality. Special. #LEIvSAR
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All over at The Stoop. Late tries from Sam Spink and Jeff Toomaga-Allen earn a losing bonus point for Wasps. But this was a step backwards after a strong run of form as Quins took their chances.
But, park that, Jack Willis returned to rugby, this remains a good day.
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So pleased for Will Porter, bouncing back at such a great club like Bristol Bears. The scrum-half has had a wonderful year for Wasps & has come on no end. Bristol have got a good one. Good luck Will.
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You don't need numbers to gauge depth of feeling and support for Jack Willis, but I wanted to share this... across our stories published since his injury, readers have spent a collective 5️⃣7️⃣ days online reading them - and rising.
I will have a further update this afternoon.
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Strong move from @WaspsRugby to have @Waspsladies Director of Rugby Giselle Mather and player Kate Alder on the weekly media call today with Lee Blackett. I've already learned a fair bit about the women's game already.
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Leicester Tigers have reportedly taken Mike Brown on trial. So potentially they could field Brown, Chris Ashton & Anthony Watson as a back 3 during the 6N! Some experience there. Tigers do feel light at 15 with Freddie Steward away & Freddie Burns off soon too. I hope it happens!
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BREAKING: #Wasps will enter into administration in the coming days.
Match v Exeter is OFF
Full statement at the top of this
coventrytelegraph.net/sport/…
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It doesn’t require me to tell you #Harlequins have picked up a belter in Josh Bassett. When he’s not scoring, he’s contributing & is an ultimate team man. Marcus Smith crossfield kicks - he will lap them up.
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'I got there in full Wasps kit. I didn't have time to go home and get changed'
@WaspsRugby winger @_JoshBassett's weekend was capped off in style when he arrived back in the UK...
coventrytelegraph.net/sport/…
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Doing a deep dive into Wasps’ matching winning try v Exeter that I wish I hadn’t started 😂
Some incredible things in it.
Here’s one; between Barbeary receiving kick-off [78:38] & Odogwu scoring [84:32] scrum-half Porter made 3️⃣6️⃣ passes 😮
Story to drop tomorrow morning.
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Wow. Josh Bassett is a Tiger! Tremendous signing for Leicester. One of the very best wingers in English rugby, a top professional. Shame this came 20 mins after a dedicated weekly radio show to the club went off the air, I could talk about this bloke for the whole hour!
✍️
𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑: Josh Bassett
We are excited to confirm @_JoshBassett will be a member of the #TigersFamily 🐯 from next season!
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Happy 40th to @jimmygopps today. He’s started a new chapter in Provence 🇫🇷 but leaves England as a @premrugby legend for #NewcastleFalcons #Wasps & #LeicesterTigers - and the competition’s 4th highest all-time point scorer. One of the best, on & off the pitch 🏉
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Dan was the last player I interviewed in my old job, his world had collapsed not long before and it showed. It’s so pleasing (but unsurprising given his abundant talent) to see him embrace the challenge and rip it up in Pau to earn a long-term deal. Well done Dan 👏🏻
✍️ 𝑫𝒂𝒏 𝑹𝒐𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒏 🤝 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
🏉 Membre du collectif palois depuis la mi-novembre, date de son arrivée des Wasps, Dan Robson a rapidement convaincu, il prolonge jusqu'en 2025 👉 bit.ly/3WPjR5h
#HonhaSection
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There's many more questions that need to be answered on this, I'll be pushing for those upon my return to work tomorrow #WaspsRugby
coventrytelegraph.net/sport/…
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Delighted for Joe Launchbury, who is set to earn his first cap since December 2020. Frustrating for Alfie Barbeary to miss out but Alex Dombrandt has earned the right to slot back in after his recent performances.
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Thousands of fans can enter a stadium. People can drink and have fun in a corporate box, club media can video interviews players/managers, TV & most radio too, but written press relegated to zoom/teams.
Re-open media rooms @premrugby - @WaspsRugby have one the size of a cinema.
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So ends a great first week at @adventpr - I’ve been made to feel very welcome and I’m looking forward to what the future holds with such a talented team!
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Glad to hear that Matteo Minozzi has signed a deal with Benetton until the end of the season. He had a really bright start in pre-season for #Wasps before getting injured early on into the R1 clash with Gloucester. Bouna fortuna, Matteo 🇮🇹
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