Chris Robshaw Tests The New BMW Designed Mouthguard

Rugby players will be chomping at the bit to get their mouth around the latest innovation in protection from BMW who have developed the ultimate rugby mouth guard which will be rolled out in the lead up to the biggest event in rugby.

 

Chris Robshaw has been key in trialing the brand new RU Series which brings BMW’s car safety technology to the rugby field - essential for someone who has made on average 18 tackles per game during the RBS Six Nations. Watch the video above to see Chris talk about the benefits of the revolutionary new design.

 

These specially modified mouth guards are made entirely from ethylene-propylen-dien rubber, the standard protection in the door seals of all BMW models. This development uses tyre tread technology for extra grip as well as BMW’s signature “kidney grille” between the front incisors acting as an elegant respiration vent.

 

Dr Uwe Gotobekidin, Head of Product Fabrication, said: “We wanted to develop something that could genuinely improve performance and help the face of rugby and we’ve loved getting our teeth into this unique opportunity to collaborate with the sport.  

 

“We understand the importance of marginal gains in improving performance on the pitch and we have employed all our automotive design and engineering skills in delivering this project. We have every confidence it will get the rugby world’s tongues wagging.”

 

Chris Robshaw, Rugby player and chief product tester, said “When BMW asked if it could help improve my performance by developing a new mouth guard, I bit their hand off at the opportunity.

 

“It’s been great to be part of the process to develop something that will contribute to the success of players across the country. Not only will it give me added protection during a match, it will also help protect my smile for the post-match press conference photos.”

No concerns for Henderson as new Liverpool deal nears

Jordan Henderson admits he has no concerns about signing a new Liverpool contract.

The 24-year-old, who was named the Reds' vice-captain last month and is viewed as the long-term successor to Steven Gerrard, has less than two years to run on his current deal.

Striker Daniel Sturridge signed a new long-term extension last week and Henderson is expected to follow suit as low-key talks have been on-going for some time.

"I am just concentrating on playing football. I am not worried about that," said the England midfielder, who scored Liverpool's winner against West Brom on Saturday.

"I am enjoying my football, I love this club and I want to be here for many years so that shouldn't be an issue.

"I'll let my agent sort that out, it's nothing to do with me."

Raheem Sterling, who has reportedly attracted the attention of this month's Champions League opponents Real Madrid, and Philippe Coutinho are next in line for new contract offers to reflect their growing importance to the team.

Valencia keen to keep starlet wanted by Arsenal and Chelsea

Valencia are frantically working on a new contract for Spanish wonderkid Paco Alcacer with Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly stepping up their interest in the 21-year-old.

Alcacer has shot to fame this season, making his debut for Spain last week and then scoring his first goal in their 5-1 victory over Macedonia on Monday.

As a result, according to reports in Spain, Valencia are now putting together an improved contract offer for the striker in an attempt to ward off interest from several Premier League clubs.

Arsenal and Chelsea have been touted as possible destinations, while Barcelona also enquired after Alcacer back in 2011 - after he was top-scorer at the under-17 European Championships.

Valencia are said to be determined to hold onto Alcacer, who netted seven goals in 11 games during the La Liga side's run to the Europa League semi-final last season.

The Spaniard's new deal is expected to reward him with a pay-rise, while it is also thought to contain a buy-out clause of around £25m.

Fabregas: Arsenal will always be close to my heart, but I’m committed to Chelsea now

Cesc Fabregas insists he is fully committed to Chelsea following his summer switch to Stamford Bridge, but maintains he will always hold Arsenal close to his heart.

The former Gunners captain says he feels comfortable working under Blues boss Jose Mourinho, after Arsenal decided against taking up an option to bring the playmaker back from Barcelona to the Emirates Stadium.

Fabregas, 27, joined the Gunners from his boy-hood club as a raw teenager and developed into one of the most dynamic midfielders in the game, before returning to the Nou Camp in August 2011.

He won the La Liga title, a Copa del Ray and the FIFA Club World Cup during his three-year spell back in Spain, before returning to the Premier League early in the transfer window in a £28million deal.

And in an interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais, Fabregas explained that he will always cherish his rise to fame at Arsenal and that whatever he may achieve at Chelsea will not diminish his feelings for his former club.

The Spain international said: "Don't think I didn't think about it [playing for Arsenal's rivals when he decided to join Chelsea]. I will keep the Gunner feeling forever and I know that I will return to the Amirates and it will be a special moment, but I am a committed guy.

"I remind you that I played the Champions League final against Barcelona [with Arsenal] and I swear I would have done anything to win that game - and I have been a Barcelona fan since I was a kid.

"So I know that when I play against Arsenal I will know who is my team, who are my colleagues and who I defend. And I know that the Arsenal fans will understand me, I have no doubt."

Fabregas also admitted he needed little convincing to join his former club’s London rivals.

He added: "If you'd told me five years ago that I would play for Chelsea and Mourinho I would not have believed you, but life changes.

"I started to think about leaving Barcelona after the Copa del Rey final. It was when I started to think that it had finished, that there was a change or that I didn't want to continue.

"I spoke with my agent and asked him to find me a new team, and an offer from Chelsea arrived. For me it was coming back to London, where I grew up. There was no better way out.

"I spoke with Mourinho and he told me the things I needed to hear. I felt valued. I felt I was going to be important in an important project."

Man City striker completes Celtic loan switch

Manchester City striker John Guidetti has completed a late seasong-long loan switch to Celtic after being given special dispensation by FIFA.

The Scottish champions tried to sign the 22-year-old Swede just before the 11pm transfer deadline on Monday night but part of the paperwork arrived just after midnight.

However, the Bhoys have been permission from football's governing body to complete the deal after the Scottish football authorities succeeded in an appeal.

A FIFA spokesperson said: "After checking the documentation received and the information contained in the international transfer matching system managed by FIFA TMS, the Scottish Football Association was informed today that the envisaged loan deal may proceed."

Guidetti, who is on Sweden Under-21s duty, welcomed the news.

He wrote on his Twitter account: "Delighted to have finally joined @celticfc on loan ... Can't wait to get started and play in front those fans #TheBhoys"

Burnley 1-3 Chelsea: Debut goal for Costa as Blues secure comfortable comeback

Premier League title favourites Chelsea got their campaign off to a flyer against top flight newcomers Burnley, coming back from a goal down and coasting to a 3-1 win at Turf Moor.

The hosts took a surprise lead when Scott Arfield rifled home a volley early on, but the Blues were soon in front following two quickfire goals from debutant Diego Costa and World Cup winner Andre Schurrle.

Chelsea then took control, with Branislav Ivanovic netting a third from a corner to seal all three points before half time.

Many have installed the Blues as frontrunners for the crown this term, and while they may not have faced their toughest test in Sean Dyche’s men – who made their first Premier League appearance in five years – the comfortable nature of the victory is a clear indication of their class.

Jose Mourinho named an impressively strong line-up against the promoted side, handing league debuts to new signings Costa and Cesc Fabregas.

The London side suffered from their lack of firepower up front last season – with Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba managing only 19 goals between them – but Mourinho’s summer buys have already allayed fears of a repeat this time around.

Costa’s brutish presence in around the box proved the cornerstone for their attacking moves, while Belgium star Eden Hazard was back to his best drifting in from wide and stunning defenders with quick feet and dazzling runs.

But it was the playmaking genius of Cesc Fabregas that caught the eye most, with his gorgeous assist for Schurrle's goal sure to make all Arsenal fans wonder why Arsene Wenger turned down the opportunity to re-sign the former Gunners hero.

One of the early talking points was also a first appearance for Thibaut Courtois who started in goal, perhaps hinting that Petr Cech’s ten-year reign as number one at Chelsea could be at an end.

But the attention soon returned to the pitch, however, as, after a scrappy start from both sides, the hosts silenced the visiting support with the opening goal after 13 minutes.

Chelsea lacked cutting edge from the start and their failure to clear from a corner saw former West Ham man Matthew Taylor rush in behind the back-four.

His chipped cross found the lurking Arfield – playing in his first ever Premier League match – who hit a swerving volley past an unsighted Courtois from the edge of the box to secure a dream start for the Clarets.

But unfortunately for Dyche’s side, going behind only seemed to spark Chelsea into life. Their passing became slicker, their positioning more organised and it took little time for the title hopefuls to equalise.

Ivanovic’s driven pass from the right wing was deflected across the face of Burnley’s goal, with the goalkeeper and a handful of defenders caught in two minds when the ball clattered the far post and fell nicely for £32million striker Costa, who made no mistake as he smashed in from close-range in the 17th minute.

And moments later the hosts looked completely stunned as Schurrle reeled away in celebration of Chelsea’s second with 21 on the clock, the German forward finishing off an exquisite move that indicates the team’s attacking problems are now firmly behind them.

After a scampering run from Hazard, Fabregas eventually found the ball on the edge of the area and the Spaniard didn't even look up as he provided a perfect first-time through-ball to Schurrle, who lost his man to poke in from close-range.

There was then a moment of controversy when Chelsea were denied what appeared to be a stonewall penalty.

Costa, taking advantage of a poor backpass, went clear though on goal but was tripped by oncoming Clarets stopper Tom Heaton, though referee Michael Oliver had a different view as he booked the striker for diving.

The Blues were rightfully incensed and Costa astounded, but their annoyance was soon forgotten when they notched a third shortly after.

Again it was Fabregas with the assist, the former Barcelona midfielder’s corner finding Ivanovic in the box, with the Serb taking full advantage of some hesitant defending to wrap up the win with a neat volley.

Having netted three in a rampant 17 minute spell, the second half was played out in stark contrast to the first.

The hosts began well, showcasing a spirit that is sure to stand them in good stead this season, as striker Danny Ings fired narrowly wide from the off.

Arfield was next to go close, with only a firm left hand from Courtois denying the midfielder his second from a fierce drive, but the game’s pace soon resembled a training fixture as Chelsea again began to dictate play.

All that was left was a brief moment of joy for Blues fans when club hero Didier Drogba came off the bench with five minutes remaining.

And the Ivorian almost made it four when his audacious long-range effort zipped just past the post in the closing stages.

Drogba's memorable Côte d'Ivoire moments

After 12 years and over a century of caps for his country, Côte d'Ivoire captain and talisman Didier Drogba has retired from international football as arguably the most influential player to pull on the orange of Les Elephants.

The 36-year-old striker, who recently returned to English Premier League side Chelsea on a one-year deal, believed he should step aside to allow the next generation of Ivorians to take over and fill his sizeable shoes. "It's a good time. A good time to stop, to give way to young players and begin to build a new team for the next few years,” he said.

“It's a difficult decision because I know what I'm still able to do, but at the moment when you feel they don't trust you like before, I think it's a wise decision. I'm there, available for the country, but not for playing any more. If Hervé Renard calls me, I'll explain to him, and I'm quite sure he will understand. But at some point, you have to say stop".

His final appearance for the West African nation was a heart-breaking one, as a last-gasp penalty saw Greece in Fortaleza deny the Africans their first ever spot in the Round of 16. However, Drogba enjoyed some historic and truly memorable moments while representing his country, and FIFA.com looks back at five of them.

8 October 2005 – History made and a war ended
This October Saturday in Omdurman, Sudan brought a pair of hugely significant moments for the country of Côte d'Ivoire. Not only did the 3-1 victory over the hosts seal passage to their first ever FIFA World Cup™, but it also saw Drogba make huge strides towards ending a civil war back home. After Pierre Webo's hat-trick during the 3-2 defeat to Cameroon in Abidjan had left qualification out of Côte d'Ivoire's hands, a late Egyptian equaliser left the Indomitable Lions just two points ahead before kick-off. A second-half brace from Aruna Dindane sealed victory and a trip to Germany 2006 for Drogba and Co., and amid the joy of the dressing room the Chelsea man dropped to his knees, TV microphone in hand, and pleaded for peace in Côte d'Ivoire. "It was just something I did instinctively," he explained two years later. "All the players hated what was happening to our country and reaching the World Cup was the perfect emotional wave on which to ride."

7 February 2006 - Almost making it in Egypt
Having only made the CAF Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals once since Les Elephants lifted the continental title 14 years earlier, and having been totally absent from the competition in 2004, the men in Orange had failed to dethrone the likes of neighbours Cameroon and Nigeria at the top of the West African hierarchy. So, led by Drogba, 2006 proved almost the perfect tournament for those loyal to Côte d'Ivoire. Almost. An epic penalty shoot-out with Cameroon in the quarter-final, where their powerful striker scored their first and last penalties in a 12-11 win – which long-time rival Samuel Eto'o could not replicate, booked a final-four match with Nigeria. Drogba was again the hero, scoring just after half-time to eliminate the Super Eagles and put the soon-to-be-called 'Golden Generation' within touching distance of greatness. However, that is where the happy memories end, with another shoot-out seeing hosts Egypt win the first of their three successive titles.

10 June 2006 - Côte d'Ivoire take their bow
After making it to their first World Cup finals, Henri Michel's side were handed a tough draw, grouped with heavyweights Argentina and the Netherlands, as well as Serbia and Montenegro. It was in front of almost 50,000 fans in Hamburg that the African nation got their first taste of action, but against the South Americans – who went out to hosts Germany in the quarter-finals on penalties – it was always set to be a tough debut. Two goals down at half-time, it was not the opening they had maybe dreamed of, but with eight minutes to go Drogba made his mark at least. Firing in after a cut-back from Bakari Kone to make it 2-1 with the first of his two goals at the World Cup, scoring the second four years later against Brazil.

1 March 2007 – Crowned as Africa's No1
While on the field, Drogba's career with his country was often defined by nearly moments – with two AFCON runners-up medals and that late heartbreak in Brazil against Greece – but his contribution to the team was well recognised. Having come so close three years running beforehand, finishing behind Eto'o on each occasion, Drogba finally stood top of the continental tree for individual talent as he was named the CAF Afrcian Footballer of the Year in 2006. It was one of two titles he would claim, with the next in 2009, and only he and his Cameroonian rival have appeared in the top three eight times.

14 June 2014 – One last World Cup triumph
There had been doubts over whether Drogba would receive a swansong in Brazil 2014, and though he made the cut for Sabri Lamouchi's squad after continuing to impress with Galatasaray, the captain began the first game on the bench – much to his frustration. However, while trailing 1-0 to Japan, and arriving with half an hour to go, his mere presence was what turned the game as midnight neared in Recife. Within minutes of his arrival, with a stretched Blue Samurai backline trying to cope with the imposing frontman, Wilfried Bony and Gervinho executed a quick-fire turnaround to earn themselves a 2-1 win, with Drogba key to the victory.


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Del Piero wants to play on

Former Italy and Juventus great Alessandro Del Piero on Monday said he wants to play on, despite being 39 and without a club.

The 2006 FIFA World Cup™ winner failed to agree a new contract with Sydney FC at the end of last season but is back in Australia to captain an All Stars side against his old club Juventus on Saturday.

Del Piero said he had been staying fit and wants to keep playing football for at least another year, but is yet to decide where or in what capacity.

Asked by reporters in Sydney whether it could be the last game of his career, Del Piero said: "No, I don't think so.

"It could be my last game in Australia, but I'm still in touch with the (Australian) federation and Sydney FC as well. I'm happy to be here and hope to stay in touch in the future."

Juventus' all-time leading goalscorer said there were currently two "big" but not definite options available to him.

"Now I have to choose exactly what is the best for me with the opportunities, but I want to play on," he added.

"It's my passion. I understand I can follow my passion until I'm 90 years old, but I think I'm in good shape to play for one more year and this is my idea."

The Italian great, who spent 19 years at Juventus, scoring 208 goals in 513 appearances before joining the A-League, said it would be emotional for him on Saturday.

"This is a special game, not only for me but for the Australian federation, all the players," he said.

"It will be, for sure, exciting to come face-to-face with my former team. I don't know what can happen, because it's a very unique situation."

Juventus have brought a full-strength team to Sydney for the match, including new recruit Patrice Evra, Andrea Pirlo, Gianluigi Buffon, Carlos Tevez and Paul Pogba.

Exclusive – Former Chelsea ace: Lampard MUST be respected for Man City move

Former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho has suggested that Blues fans should respect club legend Frank Lampard’s decision to join Manchester City.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini revealed the England midfielder has agreed to join the Premier League champions until January, as he prepares for his permanent move to newly-formed MLS side New York City.

Lampard’s shock switch was met with mixed reaction from the Chelsea fanbase, with some supporters questioning his legendary status at the club having transferred to a top flight rival.

But former team-mate Carvalho, who won three Premier League titles and three FA Cups during a six-season stay at Stamford Bridge, accepts the decision was made for purely football reasons.

“Obviously I would prefer to see Frank in a Chelsea shirt, but you have to respect his decision to move to City," the former Portugal international told talkSPORT.

“It’s a professional decision he has made for the football, so you must respect that from a player like Lampard.”

Chelsea fans turn their back on Manchester City-bound legend

Frank Lampard's prospective move to Manchester City on a short-term loan has generated shockwaves in football, not least among some very unhappy Chelsea supporters.

The legendary Blues midfielder left Stamford Bridge at the end of the season after 13 trophy laden years and then agreed a move to New York City FC, who are part owned by the Premier League champions.

No problems there as Lampard left with the well wishes of Chelsea supporters but with the MLS side not in action until March, it has now emerged he is set to join City on a six month loan.

And that creates a big problem for some Blues fans. While some have understood the 36-year-old's decision, others have gone apoplectic at the midfielder's decision to join their Premier League title rivals.

Liverpool injury blow! Lallana to miss start of season with knee problem

Liverpool have confirmed summer signing Adam Lallana is set to miss the start of the new Premier League season after limping out of training on Friday.

The 26-year-old, who secured a £26million to Anfield earlier this month, suffered knee ligament damage during a session at the club’s training base in Boston, as the Reds continue their pre-season tour of the United States.

The Merseyside outfit have offered no timeframe on the midfielder’s likely return to fitness, though such injuries can result in a spell of anywhere up to six weeks on the sidelines.

Liverpool did at least confirm Lallana’s injury does not require surgery, following an assessment carried out by club medical staff.

However, the news is clearly a setback for the England international, who will undergo further assessment in America and on his return to Liverpool.

The injury means the former Southampton captain will almost certainly miss Liverpool’s opening game of the campaign against his old club at Anfield.

Transfer update: Borini to Sunderland talks ‘still ongoing’ amid Liverpool stay rumours

We brought you news on Saturday morning that the Black Cats had agreed a £14million deal for the 23-year-old forward, following his brilliant loan stint at the Stadium of Light last season.

Borini became a firm fan favourite in a red and white shirt last term and made a great impact during his stay, netting a series of crucial Premier League strikes to lift Gus Poyet’s side miraculously clear of relegation.

However, rumours emerged on Saturday afternoon that, while and arrangement between the clubs had been struck, the striker had rejected the move in favour of staying at Anfield.

Borini started and played more than 60 minutes in the Reds’ 2-1 victory over Preston in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, and it was suggested he is keen on staying in Merseyside to break through into Brendan Rodgers’ first team.

But, talkSPORT’s transfer guru Warren Haughton told the Transfer Tavern that, as far as Sunderland are concerned, the £14million fee has been set and talks are still ongoing with the Italian and his representatives.

Transfer rumours and paper review - Sunday, July 20

Here's the top transfer-related stories in Sunday's newspapers...

Jose Mourinho wants to keep 21-year-old Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku at Chelsea this season. (The Sun)

Arsenal are preparing for life without Thomas Vermaelen as Manchester United line up a £10m move for the 28-year-old Belgium defender. (Daily Star Sunday)

AC Milan are interested in signing Nani from Manchester United, but are not impressed by the £11m asking price for the 27-year-old Portugal winger. (Sunday Express)

Fabio Borini's proposed £14m transfer from Liverpool to Sunderland remains in the balance, with the 23-year-old Italian forward not keen on a permanent move to the side he played for on loan last season. (Guardian)

Swansea full-back Ben Davies, 21, is set to have a medical with Spurs ahead of a transfer that will see Gylfi Sigurdsson, 24, rejoin the Welsh club. (Guardian)

Newcastle want to bring former striker Andy Carroll back to the club from West Ham, three-and-a-half years after the 25-year-old left for Liverpool. (Sunday People)

Southampton have targeted Serbia international Dusko Tosic, 29, to fill the left-back spot created by Luke Shaw's departure for Manchester United. (Mail on Sunday)

Arsenal are close to completing a £15.8m deal to sign Italy and ex-Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli, 23, from AC Milan. (Caught Offside)

Netherlands defender Stefan de Vrij, 22, is set to become Louis van Gaal's first signing since he took charge of Manchester United in a £10m deal with Feyenoord. (Sunday Mirror)

Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, 23, has agreed a move to Newcastle in principle, but the French club are demanding 20m Euros (£15.8m) for the international forward. (Newcastle Chronicle)

Mexico's World Cup winger Javier Aquino, currently with Villareal, is on the verge of a loan move to Scottish champions Celtic. (Sunday Express)

Alexis Will Excite And Frustrate Arsenal Supporters In Equal Measures

Arsenal fans may look at Alexis’ figures from last season – 21 goals and 17 assists in all competitions, by far the best of his professional career – and wonder why Barcelona were so ready to sell this summer. The answer isn’t a simple one, involving looking beyond numbers and more at the bigger picture, and shows a rare piece of foresight from the La Liga side, who haven’t exactly excelled in that capacity in recent years.

One of the most common reactions to the deal back in Barcelona has been that of amazement at the fact that the Blaugrana have managed to ‘sell well’, that’s to say, actually managed to bring in the real value of a player rather than under-selling. There is the odd dissident voice questioning the decision, but rightly or wrongly, you won’t find many Catalans crying about the loss of the man who wore the club’s number nine for the last three seasons.

The reasoning for that boils down to a great contradiction: for all that Alexis has been capable of producing moments of genuine magic in a Barcelona shirt, he was equally capable of doing the unthinkable when it mattered most. That’s illustrated well by two different showings at two difficult away grounds in his first season at the club. On December 10, 2011, the Chilean produced an astoundingly brilliant performance leading the line at the Santiago Bernabeu, working tirelessly in front of Lionel Messi, scoring Barcelona’s first goal and proving decisive in a 3-1 away win. Barca supporters felt they may have something special on their hands with el Niño Maravilla.

'Van Gaal Will Turn Cleverley Into Pirlo' - Netherlands 2-0 Chile Reactions

The Netherlands ensured they topped Group B with maximum points following a regimented 2-0 victory over Chile in Sao Paulo,