THE CHINESE SUPER League (CSL) has recently caught the attention of football fans on this side of the world after a number of eye-watering transfers over the past year.
Relatively big names in the game such as Jackson Martinez (€38 million), Gervinho (€18m), Ramires (€29m), Graziano Pelle (€15m) and Hulk (€58m) have opted to make the move to Asia from Europe and collect astronomical sums of money each week.
It has been reported that Italian international Pelle has become the sixth-highest paid player in the world after joining Shandong Luneng from Southampton as gets €350,000 per-week.
And in the last January transfer window, China topped the Premier League (€151m) by splashing €247m on new acquisitions.
In light of those developments, Sky Sports has decided to jump on the bandwagon and agree a three-year deal for the rights to show live coverage of the CLS from this weekend.
The first game will be broadcast on Saturday, when Obafemi Martins’ Shanghai Greenland face Jiangsu Suning, who have Brazilian pair Ramires and Alex Teixeira on their books.
Then on Sunday, Shanghai SIPG, who are managed by Sven-Goran Eriksson, meet Guangzhou R&F.
“This is more great news for football fans as we get set for our biggest ever season on Sky Sports,” said Sky Sports head of football Gary Hughes.
“The Ping An Chinese Super League is attracting players from Europe and is creating a really exciting competition that will only add to an incredible line-up of live football on Sky Sports.”
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Please all read your season ticket holder email. Leinster rugby are urging any and all fans to bring a pair of boots and gum shield to the RDS on Sunday.
Crap. Speedy Recovery, Marty.
Bent has pretty much gone down the road of being a lose head. He is no longer considered a TH.
Lose head? That’s a bit harsh
I really wonder if Leinster’s front-row players were adequately prepared during pre-season training, at the province, for the season ahead.
The Ireland set-up may have to take more direct control of Irish players’ pre-season preparations next year, as Leinster’s pre-season preparation has clearly been a disaster which is unravelling all too soon.
Its hardly time for conspiracy theories John. We’ve just go unlucky with a few injuries, really can’t blame Matt O’Connor for that.
Interesting article by Neil Francis in Sunday Indo yesterday. Rugby players popping hamstrings and shoulders like popcorn in last few months – down to the weights program -too much muscle bulk and strain and something has to give … Cian Healy’s hamstring apparently is a catastrophic rupture which is highly irregular and very like the injury Straus suffered. He may also be blowing crap …
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/leinster-rugby/neil-francis-dealing-with-weighty-issue-of-exactly-how-much-is-enough-30656812.html
Something must be wrong. If agree with Francis, there’s no need for Healy to be packing on the beef to the extent he’s done
Neil Francis is not a doctor, physio or authority on anything to do with anatomy, strength or conditioning. There are highly qualified s&c coaches, physios and doctors managing the players. They know far better than Franno what players should and shouldn’t be doing with their weight, gym, exertion etc.
Yes rugby is becoming more physical but we’re going through an incredibly unlucky period. That will change.
I doubt that John. Munster are having a similar issue at hooker…
Francis is anti rugby and loves to slate the sport. He has no backround in any of the stuff he harps on about and anyone who believes a word out of his mouth more than likely believes Santa is real.
Ah Fer FFss
Luke Fitzgerald,Cian Healy,Sean o’brien,Marty Moore,it’s just one significant injury after another for Leinster. Very very frustrating.
All Provinces pick up injuries. Ulster without Touhy,Pienaar,Henderson,Jackson,Marshall. Every club gets its turn.
I know… I follow Leinster…
No province can compete against the top French teams without all their top players.
Andrew Warwick is a player to keep an eye on. Never disappoints and can hold up both ends of the scrum and even shift a bit in the loose.
Fitzpatrick has started one game for Ulster all season which was a defeat against Zebre. Archer was very impressive in the wins against Scarlets and also against Leinster. It’ll be an easy choice for Archer who would be a much better investment as he is about years younger than Fitzpatrick who is also very injury prone and constantly battles with his fitness. Very good scrummager though.
White for Ireland!!!!!!!!!!!
Sh|te :(
Who will come in on the bench lads? It’s probably between Fitzpatrick and Archer, with White an outside bet. Would any Ulster and Munster fans be willing to fill me in on their player form wise?
Will be much clearer for Deccie Fitzpatrick after the Leicester game. Looking forward to him putting in a big shift.
Surely he wont be playing though? Herbst has started all but one game this season. Why would Doak suddenly bring him in to play Tigers.
Off the bench….
“he’s damaged his *laburnum* now”
Interesting to hear that Moore has damaged a small tree!
no