Marcus Rashford’s new celebration is gradually taking over the world of sport as more and more athletes are pulling out his new trademark gesture.
The Manchester United man is absolutely on fire at the moment, enjoying the best run of form we’ve seen in his career thus far and, more importantly, looking happier and more confident than ever.
To go along with that, the 25-year-old recently pulled out a new celebration earlier this year, where he simply stops and points to his temple after scoring, which he has done 18 times already this season.
However, the celebration hasn’t stopped with Rashford: the likes of Tammy Abraham, Joshua Kimmich and more have pulled out ‘The Point’.
It might not be the most original celebration we’ve ever seen — plenty of people have pointed to their heads after scoring a goal etc. — but Man United’s number 10 has clearly given a whole new lease of life to it, and perhaps an added layer of meaning.
Fellow England star Bukayo Saka even pulled out Rashford’s celebration with his equaliser when his international teammate opened the scoring against Arsenal.
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Either the biggest mark of respect or absolutely cold as ice.
Bukayo Saka scores against Man United and does Marcus Rashford’s celebration 🫡 pic.twitter.com/37XPMRz5rM
As if that wasn’t cool enough — your fellow footballing colleagues helping your signature move go even more viral — the simple but effective statement point to the temple has transcended football and is now being whipped by sportsmen and women across various disciplines.
Starting with the likes of England and Sussex cricketer, Jofra Archer (a big United fan), the point is now being copied by some seriously notable athletes across the world.
And so does Novak Djokovic, it turns out, as the Serbian tennis star and record-equalling Grand Slam winner also pulled out the point over the weekend.
Winning a seriously impressive 10th Australian Open title, his 22nd major trophy, arguably the greatest ever to hold a racket chose recreated Rashford’s celebration to make the occasion.
As many have noted, if we start to see the likes of NBA and NFL players dedicating their celebrations to the Wythenshawe lad then he really has gone full superstar.
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That being said, many are still curious at what exactly the celebration means and, as far as we can tell, it’s simply about focus.
Man United’s no. 10 regularly suffered with the noise and pressure of leading the line for his boyhood club in the past couple of seasons, but it now looks like he’s managed to put that behind him and get back in the zone, for lack of a better phrase.
Often closing his eyes while raising his finger to his temple, the celebration is clearly about shutting out all that excess noise and external distractions; staying locked in and allowing himself to get back to what he does best: being really good at football.
Featured Image — The Cricketer/Marcus Rashford/Eurosport (via Twitter)
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Sale Sharks sign Joe Marchant in positive boost for England rugby
Danny Jones
An impending rugby union returnee is simultaneously set to bring a positive boost to Steve Borthwick, too, as Joe Marchant has officially signed for Sale Sharks.
Not only will be a welcome restoration to the Gallagher Premiership but England as well, with Marchant’s domestic comeback once again making him available for international fixtures.
The former Harlequins centre has been playing in the French top 14 since after the 2023 Rugby World Cup (RWC), making over a half century of appearances for third-placed Stade Francais, but now he’s on his way back across the Channel on a deal until 2029.
Set to officially move to Greater Manchester and join Sale Sharks for the start of next season, Marchant – who made over 150 appearances for the Quins and shone as one of the stars in their 2021 Prem final win over Exeter – Marchant clearly wanted to put himself in contention for the 2027 RWC.
Nevertheless, there were numerous sides who emerged as suitors in the pursuit of the 29-year-old, but it was the Sharks who have ultimately won the race for his signature.
Addressing the supporters in an official club statement, Joe said: “When I spoke to [head coach] Alex Sanderson he explained the direction he wants to take the club and the ambition he has. It’s a club that wants to win trophies and I’d love to be a part of that.
“Sale have always been a tough team to play against, so I’m really looking forward being a part of that next season. There are a lot of lads at the club who I’ve played and trained with for England and it’ll be great to play with them again.
“They have some of the best players in the country and I can’t wait to play with them. I’d love to get back in the mix for England but I know that first I have to get back into the flow of the Prem and put in some good performances for Sale.”
The Winchester-born outside-centric midfielder, who is often deployed as a winger, represented his country at the last tournament and has 26 caps to his name, but his move to Europe meant that he was ineligible for selection until now.
Now clearly aiming to increase that tally as he approaches the end of his so-called ‘prime years’, he’ll prove to be a great bit of added strength in depth as Borthwick continues to oversee a great era for talent in the national pool. England fans can hopefully look forward to more impressive drives like this:
Sanderson went on to add: “Joe is a world class player. He’s got aspirations to play in the next World Cup and to do that he needs to play for a team that’s competing for the Prem. He believes that’s us.
“He’s got X-Factor on both sides of the ball and in the air. He’s got real gas and if we find him in that outside channels he’ll make something happen. But his ability to read the game defensively is just as impressive.
“He’s excited about playing outside George Ford. He’s some player and we can’t wait to get him here.”
Meanwhile, over in rugby league, the full list of fixtures and dates for the highly anticipated 2026 ‘Rivals Round’ have now been revealed.
Featured Images — Allianz UK (screenshot via YouTube)
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Super League ‘Rivals Round’ fixtures confirmed, with two big North West clashes
Danny Jones
The Betfred Super League (BSL) ‘Rivals Round’ games for 2026 have been confirmed, with two big regional clashes coming in time for the spring.
Returning for 2026, the annual meeting of multiple teams coming up against their fiercest and most historic rivals will land on round seven of the calendar over the traditional Easter weekend.
Despite the competition having sadly lost Salford Red Devils following their forced relegation, local rugby fans will still be glad to see the borough of Wigan, as well as neighbouring Cheshire and nearby Merseyside clubs, coming up against each other in what is a highly anticipated fixture on the calendar.
Announcing the now fully confirmed matches this week, the total of seven matches are set to be played between Friday, 3 April and the following Sunday, 5 April.
In the Super League’s own words, there are few gameweeks more box office than the Rivals Round – “where the games mean more, hit harder and have the ability to divide towns and families.”
After the inaugural edition of the modern round in 2021, this year saw the division record a best-ever attendance of 86,080 across a six-match period, and with an extra game being played next season, we’re expecting more ground to be broken.
“The most intense and historic rivalries will go head-to-head with huge crowds anticipated, emotions running high and everyone expected to bring their A game”, say the BSL.
Huddersfield Giants v York Knights – Saturday, 4 April
Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity – Sunday, 5 April
One of the most notable exclusions among the slate, of course, is that of Salford Red Devils, as various players and staff members continue to leave the club during this increasingly concerning and deep period of uncertainty.
Salford supporters have given a clear response following the decisive drop in IMG gradings:
Although they are now longer in rugby league’s premier domestic tier, Salford are still expected to take part in the Challenge Cup tournament, which begins in January.
Betfred and the RFL revealed the most recent ties on Monday, 24 November, with the Devils due to face either Royal Navy Rugby or Hammersmith Hills Hoists in the second round.
Meanwhile, with the new campaign kicking off in February, rugby fans will only have to wait a couple of months to witness the upcoming instalments in the various rivalries.
Safe to say it’s going to be a spicy Easter break.
Danny Jones -
31st January 2023 
