WALES icon Dan Biggar has made a big prediction about what the future holds for Sam Prendergast.
The Ireland out-half has started all three of Ireland’s Six Nations games to date during the 2025 campaign, including yesterday’s underwhelming 28-17 win over lowly Wales.
And the former Wales out-half Biggar has been impressed with the the young Leinster star.
22-year-old Prendergast has earned widespread praise for his performances for club and country since Johnny Sexton’s retirement.
And Toulon ace Biggar reckons the player will start for Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions in the tests first match of their Summer Tour of Australia.
Speaking on the Rugby Pod, Biggar said: “This is a big statement, but I think Sam Prendergast will start that first Test for the Lions against the Wallabies.
“I’m saying that based on the belief that Ireland will win the championship and potentially the Grand Slam, and that Leinster will be right in the mix for the big URC matches and in Europe.
“I’ve been really impressed with how Sam has adapted to international rugby. He looks assured and positive.
“For me, in a Lions year, it’s not just about who has the best reputation or skill set—it’s about who is playing the best rugby, performing consistently, and playing with confidence.
“I believe Sam will be involved in big games and will only continue to improve.”
Meanwhile, The Lions face former Ireland boss Joe Schmidt and Australia in July and August during a three-test series.
Schmidt is set to leave his position after facing Andy Farrell’s British & Irish Lions side.
He will leave his role with Rugby Australia (RA) after the confirmed they will begin their search for a new head coach immediately.
The former Leinster boss agreed to stay on longer than his original contract to host the Lions in the three-game test series.
But he will officially then quit the Wallaby role to care for his son Luke, who battles severe Epilepsy.
It means a new head coach will take charge for the end-of-year tour and lead the team into the World Cup on home soil.
Speaking to Stan Sport, Schmidt admitted that while he would have loved to stay longer, stepping away was the right call.
He said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to work with this squad. It’s been a whirlwind but also a lot of fun.”
“It’s disappointing for me, but I know it’s the right decision. If I stayed on after the Lions series.
“I’d have to fly to Johannesburg for the Rugby Championship straight after. That’s not the best way to transition.”
EASYJET passengers heading to Europe next week have been warned of upcoming walkouts which is set to spark flight chaos.
Brits heading to Italy on Monday, 24 February can expect serious disruptions, as pilots launch a strike between 12pm and 4pm.
Strikes could affect flights, trains and buses.
EasyJet said it plans on continuing operations as usual but told customers to check the status of their flights before arriving at the airport.
The airline said: “We plan to operate our full flying programme but we advise customers travelling on 24 February to check the status of their flights on our Flight Tracker page,
“Or manage their bookings using our disruption portal on our mobile app or website.”
The workers are demanding a hike in pay, following growing frustration over contract renewals that they say haven’t been properly addressed.
Anton Radchenko, an expert in aviation, said the protests could lead to widespread travel chaos across Europe.
If a flight departs later than planned, this will have a “domino effect” causing other flight to take off late too.
He told the Express: “If a flight departs later than planned, this can have a domino effect as far as other flights’ departure slots are concerned – causing them to take off late too.
“Strikes like these can have an impact on flights across the world.”
He added that as the summer months creep in, striking will become more prevalent as it’s a period when industrial action can have a greater impact on operations.
If your flight is cancelled or delayed due to industrial action you may be entitled to compensation.
This comes as Brits flying from Turkey learnt they will finally be able to get hundreds of pounds back in compensation if their flight is delayed.
The new rules apply to Turkish-based airlines like Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines and Sun Express.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of the “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Airlines operating in Turkey must now provide financial compensation when flights are disrupted because of technical or operational reasons.
Passengers on domestic routes that are delayed by more than three hours will be able to claim compensation worth €100 (£82).
Compensation for passengers flying internationally is a little higher.
Depending on the flight distance, holidaymakers will be able to claim either €250 (£207), €400 (£331) or €600 (£497).
Hyderabad, Feb 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) More than 36 hours after a portion of an under-construction tunnel in Telangana's Nagarkurnool district collapsed, trapping eight workers, rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army and other...
The post Fate of 8 trapped workers in Telangana tunnel not known, rescue operation on (3rd Ld) appeared first on Social News XYZ.
Dubai, Feb 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Virat Kohli brought back his vintage best to hit his 51st ODI century off 111 balls and help India inch closer to a semi-finals spot with a comprehensive six-wicket win over...
The post Champions Trophy: Kohli’s vintage century helps India cruise to six-wicket win over Pakistan (Ld) appeared first on Social News XYZ.
A BODY has been found in the search for a missing woman whose car had been found abandoned near a remote running trail.
Jenny Hall, 23, had last been seen leaving her home in Tow Law, County Durham, just after 3pm on Tuesday, February 18.
An extensive police search was carried out for the keen long-distance runner after her car was found abandoned on the B6278 between Eggleston and Stanhope one day after she was last seen.
But today, police confirmed a body has been found.
Durham police said: “We’re sorry to report that officers searching for missing woman Jenny Hall, have sadly found a body.
“Officers carried out an extensive search alongside specialist partners and have been working around-the-clock to locate Jenny after she went missing on February 18.
“The body was found in a very remote area in Teesdale just after 9.30am today (February 23).
“Formal identification has yet to take place.
“Jenny’s family have been notified and are currently being supported by specialist officers and our thoughts remain with them.
“It is not believed there are any suspicious circumstances.
“We would particularly like to thank the public for all their help in sharing our appeal and the expert mountain rescue teams and other organisations who have been working intensively alongside officers on the ground.”
Specially-trained police, mountain rescue teams, and the coastguard had all been involved to try and find Jenny.
Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team (TWSMRT) said it had scoured an area of moorland between Eggleston and Stanhope on Wednesday.
Cops were also scouring running trails in between Eggleston and Hamsterley, Durham, which Jenny frequently used.
Officers had already covered more than 100 miles of track by Friday in the Teesdale area to try and find Jenny.
They had even deployed sniffer dogs near where she parked her car.
Mountain rescue teams and police had been working with air support in challenging weather conditions in a bid to find the young woman.
Durham Constabulary had previously revealed that Jenny, who is 6ft tall with long dark hair, was a keen long-distance runner.
She had last been seen wearing a blue hoodie with a John Deere logo and dark jogging bottoms.
Her family previously confirmed she may have also been carrying a green jacket and had her hair up in a ponytail.
Police had believed Jenny may have been heading to the Barnard Castle area when she left home in her red Ford Focus.
A spokesperson for the force had confirmed digital intelligence officers were conducting enquiries into Jenny’s digital devices.
Their searches into her mobile phone, smart watch, and running apps failed to provide any results.
Chief Inspector Dean Haythornthwaite, of Durham Constabulary, said previously: “We have become increasingly concerned for Jenny since she was reported missing on Tuesday and have been exploring all lines of enquiry, including dozens from members of the public.
“We are focussing our search on areas we know Jenny likes to run through and we are determined to do everything we can to find her.
“I would like to thank everyone who is working around-the-clock in our search and efforts to reunite Jenny with her family.”
A spokesperson for Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team added: “Many thanks to the local farmers and gamekeepers who have provided invaluable assistance over the last two days and also to Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team,
“Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team, Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team, North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team and Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team.”
EX-PREMIER LEAGUE star Moise Kean was rushed to hospital after collapsing on the pitch in distressing scenes.
The incident occurred during Fiorentina’s Serie A clash with Verona today.
Midway through the second half Kean fell to the ground moments after he was involved in a three-way collision with Verona duo Pawel Dawidowicz and Diego Coppola.
Kean had been grappling to take possession of the ball in front of Coppola before being pushed towards the ground.
Dawidowicz was running back to try and win the ball himself and was unable to wrestle his momentum from seeing his knee clash into the head of Kean.
The 24-year-old was left with a big gash above his left eye.
Play was stopped as he received treatment from Fiorentina medical staff, who were apparently able to patch him up with a black bandage wrapped around his head as he returned to the pitch.
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.