JAMISON GIBSON-PARK knows Scotland would love to knock Ireland off their perch to establish their own title credentials.
But the scrum-half insisted having a target on their backs is nothing new.
Ireland have not lost to Scotland since the hosts beat them 27-22 at Murrayfield in 2017, a defeat then-coach Joe Schmidt blamed, in part, on the late arrival of the team bus.
No 2-ranked Ireland have switched coaches since with Andy Farrell replacing Schmidt after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Simon Easterby is now in interim charge while the Englishman focuses on the Lions.
But — having overseen that victory in his first game in charge — Scotland supremo Gregor Townsend has suffered ten straight defeats against Ireland.
And Gibson-Park accepts the Scot and his players will be keen to change the record.
The scrum-half said: “That’s the case for a lot of teams now. We’ve kind of been near enough to the top of the rankings for a while.
“I know myself that if I’m coming up against a quality side you want to put your best performance out there. Next week will be no different.”
Scotland view themselves as potential champions and the Leinster star agreed: “One hundred per cent. They’re a classy side.
“They’re playing good footie and they’re stacked full of really good individuals, so it will be a tough challenge. I know it’s been a long time since they won but there’s no reason they can’t.
“But what a place to go and what an opportunity for us to go there and have a crack at them.”
Gibson-Park made his mark in Ireland’s opener against England with his performance earning him the player-of-the-match award, as he linked up with fellow New Zealand import James Lowe — who had just returned from injury — particularly well.
And the 32-year-old took satisfaction from the way in which Ireland bounced back after a subdued first-half display to collect a bonus-point victory. He said: “Things might not be going our way, but we just have to be process-driven.
“We were reeling a little bit in the first half but to be able to swing it around in the second half and play some good footie, I think, pleasing. Long may it continue.
“Just a few bits of accuracy were costing us as well as good pressure from England. We didn’t have to change a whole lot.
“It was just a few passes stuck a bit better in the second half and we were able to get into some nice shape with some nice tries being scored.
“We were all a bit frustrated after November. We obviously won three out of four games but we didn’t feel as though we got much going.
“The second half was pleasing. There’s still loads to work on. We probably should have scored more points in the first half but plenty to look at next week.
“James hasn’t played a lot of footie so that’s pretty awesome to come out on the big occasion and have a game like that. Fair dues to him.”
Although replacement Jack Crowley probably emerged better from the match than Sam Prendergast, who started, Gibson-Park is a big fan of the 21-year-old.
He said: “You’ve got a serious player on your hands. I thoroughly enjoy playing with him. He’s so calm under pressure. The first half wasn’t really going our way but we were able to swing things around.
“He’s a serious operator. He’s been very lucky to be able to come through the system and he’s trained against some quality teams in Leinster. When he wasn’t playing, he was able to train and we saw his game developing, which is the sign of a quality player.”
Along with Crowley, fellow replacements Dan Sheehan and Jack Conan made a big impact off the bench.
And Gibson-Park said: “It’s awesome, isn’t it? You get a massive lift. Seeing Sheeno and Jack on the bench you know we’re going to be finishing the game well.”
A MUM has been accused of “borderline abuse” due to the unique name she’s chosen for her newborn daughter.
Singer and actress Rydel Funk took to her Instagram page to announce the happy arrival of her gorgeous baby girl, as well as using the post to reveal her name.
The accompanying image showed the baby asleep and laying next to a wooden plaque that read “Sugar”, with Rydel revealing her full name is Sugar Lover Funk.
“Sugar Lover Girl is what my daddy has called me my entire life,” she explained in the caption.
“So basically he named her, haha!
“Passing on my nickname to my baby Sugar!”
Rydel – the sister of Disney star Ross Lynch – also has three older children, who are named Super, Sweetie and Storm.
And in the comments section on the Instagram post, people didn’t hold back as they revealed their true thoughts about Rydel’s name choice for her newborn.
“Do people realise these kids will have to walk into their jobs one day saying ‘hey my name is sugar lover funk’?” one asked.
“These are real humans, not pets or dolls!”
“It’s cute but likeeee she’s not a puppy,” another raged.
“This is borderline abuse,” a third insisted.
“Imagine seeing Sugar Lover Funk on an application. They’re never gonna be taken seriously!” someone else warned.
“These names are child abuse,” another argued.
“You know you’re naming future adults right?” someone else questioned.
Her name sounds like a stripper’s!
Instagram commenter
“You just wait until your baby girl comes home from school everyday crying because kids and teachers are making fun of her name,” another sighed.
“It’s a cruel world and even more so now.”
“Some people just shouldn’t be allowed to name babies,” someone else insisted.
YOU may think having a unique name helps you to stand out, but is it all it's cracked up to be?
Fabulous’ Deputy Editor Josie Griffiths reveals the turmoil she faced with her own name while growing up.
When I was a child, all I wanted was one of those personalised keyrings with my name on it.
But no joy, the closest I could find was Rosie, Joseph (not great for a little girl) and Joanne.
Josie is short for Josephine, which is a French name, and I managed to reach my 20s without ever meeting anyone who shared it.
When I try to introduce myself to people, I get all sorts of random things – like Tracey and Stacey – which can be pretty annoying.
Although I have come into contact with a couple of Josies over the last year – there seems to be a few of us around my age – it’s still a much rarer name than most of my friends have.
On the whole I don’t mind it, at least it’s not rude or crazily spelt.
And it means I can get away with ‘doing a Cheryl’ and just referring to myself as Josie.
I’m getting married this year and some friends are shocked that I’m changing my surname, as it’s not seen as very cool or feminist to do so these days, but I explain to them that I’m not that attached to Griffiths as I’d always just say ‘hi it’s Josie’ when ringing a mate up.
I think it’s nice to be unique and I’ll definitely try and replicate this when naming my own kids.
It’s the rude names you’ve got to watch out for, so after nine years as a lifestyle journalist I’ll definitely be avoiding those.
“Because wtf is sugar lover?”
“I must say I find all of the names tragic but Sugar and then her middle name Sugar Lover?” another slammed.
“She’s gonna grow up and the first thing she’s going to do is change her name sounds like a stripper…”
Not everyone had the same thoughts about the name though, with others insisting the moniker is “beautiful”.
“Aww she is so cute and I like the name,” one wrote.
“Oh I adore her name!! Congratulations!!!” another added.
“Why are y’all commenting about the names she chooses for HER children????” a third questioned.
“I understand the opinions and such when they are older, but again, they are HER kids, not yours!”
“Wow, the negativity on this post. Not your family so why does everyone care what they name their babies?” someone else said.
“Don’t have anything nice to say keep scrolling. Easy as that!”
SNOOKER legend Ray Reardon, who died last year, has left nearly half a million pounds to his wife.
Reardon, a former Welsh miner, won the World Snooker title a total of six times during the 1970s when he dominated the sport.
He was one of the game’s most popular and charismatic players, known as ‘Dracula’ due to his distinctive hairstyle.
It has been revealed that the 91-year-old left £401,000 in his will to partner, Carol.
Fellow snooker great Ronnie O’Sullivan credited Reardon for transforming his game after the veteran took The Rocket under his wing and offered to mentor him.
Ronnie said: “I knew I needed something you know and I kind of felt my game was good but I was always thirsty to see if somebody could make me in to a better player.
“Ray Reardon was that guy and my dad made that phone call and within 24 hours of making a phone call, Ray was up in Sheffield, we met and from then on we had this unbelievable relationship.”
Following his death last year legendary player Jimmy White, said: “Gutted to hear my very good friend Ray Reardon has passed away. A total class act and very kind to me when I was making my way in the game. A giant of the game. Rest in Peace mate.”
The six-time world snooker champion died after a battle with cancer.
Tributes poured in for the Welshman who became the first player to be ranked world number one when rankings were introduced in 1976.
He held the top spot for five years before gaining it back after just a year in 1982.
Aged 45, he also held the record for the oldest winner of the championships after winning in 1978.
STRUGGLING to keep up with her two young children and dreading her own reflection in the mirror, Emma Lasenby knew something had to change.
The 36-year-old mum-of-two from Kent found herself making excuses to avoid leaving the house or meeting friends, her confidence crushed by her weight.
But it wasn’t until she saw a photo of herself at her brother’s wedding that the turning point came.
Determined to take action, Emma decided to try weight loss jabs – a choice that has sparked both praise and criticism.
In less than a year, she shed over four stones and transformed her life.
Yet her journey hasn’t been without its challenges.
With 1 in 10 women in the UK now using weight loss medications, Emma is part of the 38% who feel they face judgement for opting for a medical solution rather than a more “natural” approach.
“I’ve been called lazy,” Emma admits. “But people don’t see the struggles behind the scenes.”
For Emma, the decision to use weight loss jabs wasn’t about taking an easy way out – it was about reclaiming her life and her confidence.
“There is so much judgement about people’s weight and size, and then again about people doing something about it,” the NHS infant feeding worker told What’s The Jam.
“I had been quite selective with who I told about using this medication, but I had already heard so many people talking about those who use it, such as myself, as lazy.
“Or that the weight loss doesn’t count, as it wasn’t done through exercise.
“Using weight loss medication is another tool to aid the process – it’s not a magic wand – but it does give people time and space to reset habits and replace those unhealthy relationships we have with food.
“I felt so confident and comfortable in what I had worn for my brother’s wedding, but when I saw the photo, I was shocked.
“In reality, I looked entirely different. We were due to go on holiday later that year and I was a bridesmaid.
“I refused to look or feel the same as I did that day.
“I’d tried so many diets and exercise programs that only kept the weight off in the short-term, I needed a sustainable way to lose weight.”
Emma had been trying to lose weight since she was a young adult, but this went to the back of her mind after giving birth to her second child.
I’ve never felt that ‘buzz’ after a workout, so this time, I’m building exercise into my routine and everyday tasks
Emma Lasenby, 36
At her heaviest, she weighed over 14st and her self-esteem took a huge toll.
She said: “I didn’t feel confident or accepted at my size.
“I learned to dress a certain way, to hide my body, and lost my sense of style and the way I liked to dress, as I worried about how it would make me feel – and how others would see me.
“Compliments always seemed to have a caveat.
“And didn’t have the energy to keep up with my children; I would be tired, have aches and a lack of energy.”
She had tried various diets before, such as Slimming World, restricting her food intake and doing “gruelling” exercise routines, all which only worked in the short-term.
A lover of food, it was always on her mind and she’d often grab whatever, whenever, without a thought about how nutritional it was.
Emma, who was “fed up” with nothing working, did her research and came across Mounjaro.
The self-injectable medication is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, but more recently, for weight loss purposes.
Getting out with the kids, multiple trips up and down the stairs or anything else where I can get moving
Emma Lasenby, 36
Emma accessed the medication through Juniper after checking her eligibility and discussing a plan with a prescriber.
A starting dose can begin at £180 and then go up depending on increases in dosage.
She said: “Before, when I had lost weight, it quickly crept back on faster than it came off whenever I stopped with the diet or exercising.
Now I’m more confident, wear what I like and feel like I’ve got my new, own style.
“I’m more energised and willing to do more things.”
Currently, she weighs 10st and has gone from a UK dress size 18 to 12.
She said: “I know how to balance my nutrition throughout the day and the importance of eating, as well as fuelling my body regularly.
“I make use of protein shakes, and lunch is something simple – balanced, with a focus on protein – and not eating loads of food for the sake of it.
“For dinner, we have a subscription service, which has been great for finding new recipes.
“I’ve never felt that ‘buzz’ after a workout, so this time, I’m building exercise into my routine and everyday tasks.
I had no contradictions, beside being mindful of the side effects, but I thought it was at least worth a go
Emma Lasenby, 36
“Getting out with the kids, multiple trips up and down the stairs or anything else where I can get moving.”
Emma is now on a maintenance dose of Mounjaro as she’s closer to her target weight goal.
For her, though, it’s not about getting to the smallest she can, but more about finding the point in which she feels happy to stop – and when her weight and size doesn’t impact her daily life.
She hopes sharing her story will encourage people to use weight loss medication if they feel it is right for them; but says it’s important to do your research first.
Emma added: “Decide what you want. No weight loss will stick if you aren’t willing to change your habits.
“I knew nothing about weight loss medication, but had seen an advert and thought it was worth looking into.
“I had no contradictions, beside being mindful of the side effects, but I thought it was at least worth a go.
“Now, I no longer worry about what people think about my looks – as they’ll always judge regardless – but what’s more important is my acceptance of how I look and feel.
“And that’s been a massive shift.”
Dr Mitra Dutt, a GP from Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, says: “Mounjaro works by activating two hormonal receptors (GIP and GLP-1), which enhance insulin production, improve insulin sensitivity and work to decrease food intake.”
Saxenda, which contains the active ingredient liraglutide, is another weight loss jab that’s been available on the NHS since 2020.
While Mounjaro is hailed as the “King Kong” fat jabs, a new weight loss drug dubbed “Godzilla” looks set to displace it.
Containing the active ingredient retatrutide, slimmers trying the drug lost up to 29 per cent of their weight in less than a year.
By comparison, trial results showed semaglutide, known as Ozempic, could lead to 15 per cent weight loss and tirzepatide, aka Mounjaro, to 23 per cent.
Retatrutide acts on three different receptors in the brain, “turbocharging” calorie burning while dulling hunger pangs.
Existing weight-loss jabs only suppress appetite, whereas the new treatment also speeds up metabolism.
The new drug is still undergoing clinical trials so it’s not yet known if it will be made available on the NHS.
DUNNES Stores shoppers have been racing to the tills to pick up a range of gorgeous fleeces that have gone viral.
Shoppers are in a frenzy over the comfortable and cosy range that is perfect for layering.
One new piece has hit the shelves, available in three colours – cream, charcoal and blue.
The Alpine Fleece is a bargain, costing just €20.
Available in sizes XS to XXL, it is perfect for layering up in the Irish weather.
In the official item description on the Dunnes Stores website, chiefs wrote: “Made from an ultra-soft fabric, this fleece is designed to provide exceptional insulation while remaining lightweight and breathable.
“Featuring a zip through design, roomy side pockets, and an elasticated hemline, it is perfect for layering on colder days or wearing on its own.”
One fashion fan has shared a look at the bits she picked up.
She shared a video to social media showing off the gorgeous pieces to her followers.
Instagram user Erin Walls shared a short video to the platform, showing how she styled the pieces.
At the beginning of the video, she can be seen holding up a large Dunnes Stores shopping bag.
Erin said: “Dunnes have lured me in with the fleeces again. I saw this one and I had to get it.
She explained that she previously picked up the green fleece with the white piping, and sees a lot of people wearing either the same one of a similar variation of it.
Erin then added: “This one may be the same.
“There’s a selection of fleeces in there at the minute – I could have gone home with three or four.”
She holds up a cream coloured fleece with dark green detailing along the centre and collar, saying: “I liked the look of this one, it has buttons the whole way up, with the green-coral sort of colour”.
She notes that she picked up a size small in the fleece as it appears to be oversized.
Trying it on, she said: “The reason why I liked this button up – I wouldn’t normally go for a full zip jacket or anything like that, but when I’m going to pilates and I have a fleece on, it’s just the nuisance of having my hair pulled up and taking my fleece off and on before and after the class, so I thought this would be so handy”.
She buttons up the fleece, saying: “It’s so soft, the material of their fleeces is so good.”
The fleece is available online and in stores now, but it is set to fly off the shelves quickly.
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