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A POPULAR bank with millions of customers is a making a big change to accounts today.

Monzo has reduced the interest rates on one of its savings accounts following a recent cut to the Bank of England‘s (BoE) base rate.

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The bank is reducing the the interest rate on its Personal Instant Access Savings Pots[/caption]

Earlier this month, the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) lowered the base rate from 4.75% to 4.5%.

The base rate serves as a benchmark for lenders when setting interest rates for both savings and borrowing.

While a reduction in the base rate often leads to lower mortgage rates – welcome news for homeowners – it can have the opposite effect for savers, as the interest earned on savings accounts may also decline.

In response to the base rate adjustment, Monzo has announced a reduction in the interest rate on its Personal Instant Access Savings Pots.

From today, the rate will decrease from 3.60% AER to 3.35% AER.

The Annual Equivalent Rate (AER) represents the total interest you could earn over a year, assuming you don’t make withdrawals.

A lower AER means savers will earn less interest over time, reducing the potential growth of their savings.

The Personal Instant Access Savings Pots are a type of easy-access account that enables customers to save while providing immediate access to their funds whenever required.

Many customers use these accounts to save for short-term goals, such as building an emergency fund or planning a holiday.

Monzo isn’t the only bank to adjust savings rates in response to the base rate cut, with other financial institutions also making changes in the wake of the MPC’s decision.

Barclays slashed the rates on its Everyday Saver and Rainy Day saver accounts last week.

HSBC is set to reduce the interest rates on its easy-access Premier Savings account twice in the coming months – first in February and then again in April.

Leeds Building Society, Leek Building Society, NatWest and Skipton Building Society are also planning to cut savings rates across more than 100 accounts in March.

Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said: “It’s so disheartening to see savings rates chopped in the last few days, but it just proves why savers are at the mercy of base rate cuts.

“Not even challenger banks have been able to escape making cuts as the market sentiment for lower interest rates has taken charge.”

That’s why ensuring you’re getting the best rate on your savings is crucial, especially when the Bank of England could make further cuts to the base rate later in March.

Rachel added: “Savers need to proactively keep on top of the best rates and review their pots regularly to see if they are getting a raw deal.

“Now is an ideal time for savers to consider grabbing a fixed rate deal so they can get a guaranteed return on their cash.”

Several challenger banks are still outshining well-known high-street brands, offering up to 8% returns.

However, these deals won’t last forever.

What are the top savings rates?

The best fixed rate currently offered is ICICI Bank’s SuperSaver one-year fixed bond, which pays 4.65% and only requires a minimum investment of £1,000.

The best notice accounts offer slightly higher rates than the best fixed-term bonds.

These also come with more flexibility when accessing your cash.

Market Harborough Building Society’s 195 day notice account offers savers 4.85% back with a minimum £10,000 deposit, for example.

However, if you’re looking for a savings account without withdrawal limitations, then you’ll want to opt for an easy-access saver.

These do what they say on the tin and usually allow for unlimited cash withdrawals.

The best easy-access savings account available is from Sidekick Money, which pays 4.75% – and you only need to pay a minimum of £1,000 to set it up.

If you want to build a habit of saving a set amount of money each month, a regular savings account could pay you dividends.

Principality Building Society’s Six Month Regular Saver offers 8% interest on savings.

It allows customers to save between £1 and £200 a month.

Save in the maximum, and you’ll earn 27.53 in interest.

While regular savings accounts look attractive due to the high interest rates on offer, they are not right for all savers. 

You can’t use a regular savings account to earn interest on a lump sum.

The amount you can save into the account each month will be limited, typically to somewhere between £200 and £500.

Therefore, if you have more to save, it would be wise to consider one of the other accounts mentioned above.

What’s next for savings rates?

Financial markets are exercising more caution regarding the pace of future interest rate cuts than previously anticipated.

While economists still predict three further cuts by the end of 2025, reaching a 4% base rate, this projection coincides with a revised inflation forecast.

The Bank of England now expects inflation to peak at 3.7% later this summer, higher than earlier estimates.

This upward revision is partly attributed to the impact of policies introduced in the October 2024 Budget.

Specifically, measures within the budget have contributed to a rise in cost inflation, pushing the overall inflation figure higher.

This presents a complex situation for the Bank of England, as rising inflation typically warrants higher interest rates to curb spending and stabilise prices.

The next interest rate announcement is on March 20.

If interest rates continue to fall, it spells bad news for savers, whose rates typically fall when the Bank’s rate is cut.

However, in the meantime, opting for a fixed bond can be a useful bet to help ride out future cuts to the base rate.

MATT SHERRATT replaced veteran coach Warren Gatland as Wales head coach on an interim basis, with the Dragons winless in their last 14 games.

Wales‘ wretched form has seen them drop from the world No 1 side in 2019 to world No 12 at the halfway point in the Six Nations.

Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Image

Adrian Dennis / AFP

The Welsh side have lost their opening two Six Nations 2025 games, unable to even score a point on the opening night in Paris against France.

The Dragons were winners of the iconic tournament as recently as 2021, but now they look like the only thing they will win is the Wooden Spoon.

SunSport has everything you need to know about the new Wales interim coach, Matt Sherratt.

Who is Matt Sherratt?

Matt Sherratt is a Gloucester-born English rugby union coach.

The current interim Wales head coach has joined the Dragons on an interim basis from Cardiff, only taking the job until the end of the Six Nations.

Sherratt said the Wales job “is not something I’ll be putting my name forward for.”

The current Cardiff coach has also spent time at Worcester Warriors, Bristol Bears and Ospreys.

Cardiff Rugby play their games in the United Rugby Championship, and at the time of writing are 5th in the table, but some way off leaders Leinster, who have won 10 out of 10 games this season.

Which Wales games will Matt Sherratt be in charge for?

Matt Sherratt will only take charge of Wales on an interim basis until the end of the Six Nations, returning to Cardiff Rugby at the end of the tournament.

Sherratt recently signed a contract extension with Cardiff.

He will take charge of the final three fixtures Wales have this tournament:

• Wales vs Ireland – Sat, Feb 22 – 2:15pm GMT
• Scotland vs Wales – Sat, Mar 8 – 4:45pm GMT
• Wales vs England – Sat, Mar 15 – 4:45pm GMT

How to watch the Six Nations

The Six Nations is free to watch in the UK.

Fans can enjoy the action live on BBC One or ITV1, depending on the fixture, and can also stream action on BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

WHETHER lathered in ketchup in baps, served battered with chips, or as part of a traditional fry up, sausages have long been a staple of the English diet.

But there is a growing body of research suggesting that eating them could increase your risk of dementia.

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Eating sausages has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease[/caption]

Last month, Harvard University scientists discovered that even a single sausage could raise your risk by 13 per cent.

It adds to findings from previous studies, which have shown links to all sorts of health nasties, including cancer and diabetes.

Last year, French researchers found that people who ate the most nitrites – preservatives often found in sausages, bacon, ham and salami – were 27 per cent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Experts at the University of Oxford revealed that eating just one sausage a day could increase your risk of coronary heart disease by 18 per cent.

And a study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found eating just 25g of processed meat daily – about one rasher of bacon or two thirds of a sausage – was enough to raise your risk of bowel cancer by a fifth.

But does all this mean we have to give them up? Or is it safe to eat a couple of bangers every now and then?

Dietician Emma Shafqat, from Dietitian With a Difference, says not all sausages are created equal.

And despite all the health warnings, she says it is fine to enjoy them once a week.

“Sausages can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet,” she tells Sun Health.

“They are often popular with children and can be a source of protein and iron.

“However, they are high in calories, fat and salt.

“If I was choosing sausages, I would aim for a higher percentage of meat, around 90 per cent pork, as they are typically less processed and contain fewer fillers. 

“I’d also recommend consuming them only occasionally, such as once per week. 

“Regular consumption, especially of highly processed varieties, may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease due to high levels of saturated fat and salt.

“And when you are cooking them, try grilling or air frying, as these methods reduce added fat while allowing excess fat from the sausage to drip away.”

Here Emma shares her verdict on a range of the healthiest and most unhealthy bangers on British supermarket shelves…

Jolly Hog Proper Porkers

• £4 for 6, tesco.com
• Nutrition per 2 sausages: 312 calories, 23.6g fat, 0.4g sugar, 20.2g protein, 1.4g salt
• Pork: 84 per cent

Emma says: “These sausages are a higher quality option with a good meat content and fewer fillers. 

“The use of natural pork casings is a positive, as they are less processed than alternatives like collagen or alginate casings. 

“However, they are high in fat, contributing to over 70 per cent of their calories, so moderation is key. 

“The salt content is moderate compared to other brands.”

Richmond Thick Pork Sausages

• £1.60 for 6, groceries.asda.com
• Nutrition per 2 sausages: 274 calories, 20g fat, 1.2g sugar, 10g protein, 2g salt
• Pork: 42 per cent

PR HANDOUT/RICHMOND

Richmond Thick Pork Sausages are highly processed[/caption]

Emma says: “Highly processed with one of the lowest meat contents on the list, these sausages rely heavily on fillers such as wheat rusk and soya protein to bulk them out.

“They are higher in salt, at 2g per two sausages, which is not good if you are monitoring your salt consumption.

“The recommended daily intake is 6g for adults and kids aged 11 and over, 5g for children aged seven to 10, 3g for ages four to six, and no more than 2g for those aged one to three.  

“Despite being lower in calories, the protein content is half that of higher quality sausages making them less nutritious overall.”

Morrisons The Best Pork Sausages

• £3.25 for 6, morrisons.com
• Nutrition per 2 sausages: 358 calories, 28g fat, 22g protein, 1.7g salt
• Pork: 90 per cent

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While gluten free and less processed, these are calorie dense[/caption]

Emma says: “With 90 per cent pork, these sausages are high in protein with minimal fillers, making them a better option for those seeking less processed meat. 

“However, they are calorie dense and high in saturated fat, so should be reserved for an occasional treat.

“The calcium alginate casing is a vegetable based alternative, which is suitable for gluten-free diets. 

“Calcium alginate is also used in gluten-free baking as a binder and for texture.”

Sainsbury’s Butcher’s Choice British Pork Sausages

• £2.25 for 8, sainsburys.co.uk
• Nutrition per 2 sausages: 244 calories, 15.3g fat, 2.8g sugar, 14.3G protein, 1.48g salt
• Pork: 72 per cent

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These from Sainsbury’s are a better, healthier option[/caption]

Emma says: “These Sainsbury’s sausages have a reasonable meat content and are lower in calories and fat compared to other brands, making them a better, healthier option. 

“However, the inclusion of collagen casings and stabilisers makes them slightly more processed.”

Waitrose Essential British Pork Sausages

• £1.95 for 8, waitrose.co.uk
• Nutrition per 2 sausages: 302 calories, 22.8g fat, 1.3G sugar, 13.9g protein, 1.27g salt
• Pork: 65 per cent

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Emma says: “These have one of the lowest meat contents, making them more reliant on fillers. 

“Despite this, they are relatively low in salt, which is a positive. 

“They are not the most nutritious choice due to their high fat content and lower protein levels.”

Heck 97 per cent Pork Sausages

• £3.25 for 6, tesco.com
• Nutrition per 2 sausages: 343 calories, 28g fat, 0.1g sugar, 2g salt, 23g protein
• Pork: 97 per cent

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Because of the high meat content, these are one of the most protein-rich types[/caption]

Emma says: “These sausages have the highest meat content, making them one of the least processed and most protein-rich options. 

“Despite being high in fat, they provide better nutritional value due to their minimal fillers and high-quality ingredients. 

“The salt content is on the higher side – the same as the Richmond sausages – so they should be enjoyed occasionally.”

Tesco Pork Sausages

• £1.79 for 8, tesco.com
• Nutrition per 2 sausages: 293 calories, 22.8g fat, 2g sugar, 13.9 protein, 1.28g salt
• Pork: 72 per cent

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Tesco Pork Sausages are lower in salt than some varieties[/caption]

Emma says: “These sausages from Tesco have a moderate meat content and rely on fillers like pea flour and potato starch, which makes them more processed. 

“They have a lower salt content compared to other brands which is a positive. 

“They also contain added preservatives.”

Aldi Specially Selected Pork Sausages

• £2.49 for 6, aldi.co.uk
• Nutrition per 2 sausages: 336 calories, 28g fat, 1.4g sugar, 12g protein, 1.42g salt
• Pork: 90 per cent

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Aldi’s Pork Sausages are a good choice[/caption]

Emma says: “With a high meat content and minimal fillers, these sausages are 90 per cent pork so they are a good choice. 

“However, they are calorie-dense, the second highest in this list, and they have one of the highest fat contents, so portion control is essential.”

M&S Butchers Sausages 75 per cent Pork

• £2.60 for 8, ocado.com
• Nutrition per 2 sausages: 277 calories, 21.3g fat, 0.8g sugar, 1.53g salt
• Pork: 75 per cent

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Want a lower calorie option? Try these from M&S[/caption]

Emma says: “At 75 per cent pork, these are a balanced option with a good meat content and fewer additives.

“Their moderate fat and salt content make them a fair choice. 

“They are also the third lowest in terms of calories.”

Asda Flavourful Pork Sausages

• £2.25 for 8, groceries.asda.com
• Nutrition per 2 sausages: 246 calories, 19g fat, 0.9g sugar, 12g protein, 1.2g salt
• Pork: 72 per cent

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These ones from Asda are relatively low calorie[/caption]

Emma says: “Filled with calcium alginate casings and containing spices like sage and nutmeg, these sausages have a lower fat and salt content then most others, making them a lower calorie option.

“But they only contain 72 per cent pork.”

THEY were the super-cool teens that lived in a warehouse – but what are the cast of Heartbreak High up to now?

The Australian teen soap first aired 31 years ago on February 27, 1994 and ran until 1999.

It followed the antics of a bunch of edgy kids from Sydney school Hartley High getting up to all sorts in and out of the classroom, from rollerblading showdowns to hanging out at the Shark Pool.

The show was praised for its hard hitting and realistic storylines, which included cults, experimenting with drugs, homelessness, teen pregnancy and racism.

Not only did it inspire a generation of young Brits to want to abandon their comfortable family homes to go and live in a dingy squat, it also got them dreaming of toughening up their looks with dreadlocks and nose rings.

And it can’t be forgotten that the show firmly cemented the now iconic phrase “rack off!” in to the vocab of secondary school students across the country.

But while the the characters in the show faced a variety of futures – including death, R.I.P Alex – the cast have been up to all sorts since it was cancelled in 1999.

Salvatore Coco

ABC

Costa ‘Con’ Bordino was one of the show’s most iconic characters, and cousin to Nick, who would suffer a shock death.

Now 49, Salvatore is still acting as well as being a trained chef.

In 2022, he reprised the role of Dimitri in Home and Away as the father of Theo.

Callan Mulvey

With his pierced eyebrow, Drazic was the bad boy pin-up girls dreamed of one day running in to.

A few years after Heartbreak High was axed, Callan was involved in a horror smash that resulted in his losing one of his eyes and having to have seventeen metal plates inserted into his face.

Speaking of the 2003 crash, he said: “I thought it was curtains for me at the time.

“A whole midsection of my face collapsed, I got cut ear to ear over the top of my head, my scalp got pulled down, and they rebuilt my face.”

Now aged 49, the New Zealand-born actor has more recently appeared in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Zero Dark Thirty, and Avengers: End Game.

Rel Hunt

Ryan Scheppers – brother of Anita – was shipped off to Hartley to retake his HSC, but all he wanted to do was keep up his juvenile delinquent antics.

In real life, Rel Hunt, 50, continues to act in both TV and film.

Ada Nicodemou

Katerina Ioannou’s love affair with socially awkward Charlie was a #relationshipgoal for viewers across the world.

Actress Ada, 47, swapped one soap for another, jumping from Heartbreak High to Summer Bay.

She’s been playing Leah Patterson-Baker in Home and Away since 2000, making her one of the soap’s longest serving cast members ever.

Ada was previously married to Chrys Xipolitas but they divorced in 2015. Last year, she confirmed she was in a relationship with her Home and Away co-star James Stewart.

Alex Dimitriades

Nick Poulos was only on the show for a year, he died tragically during an after school boxing match.

But actor Alex, 51, is still alive and kicking, and went on to star in Neighbours as well as Hollywood movies including Ghost Ship (2002) and Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo (2005).

He was most recently seen in BBC drama The Tourist alongside Jamie Dornan, where he played gangster Kosta.

Lara Cox

Drazic’s on-off girlfriend Anita Scheppers was the envy of hormonal teenage girls everywhere.

Lara went on to work on Home and Away – appearing as three different characters.

She also starred in films Diagnosis Narcolepsy and Kangaroo Jack, a film about a kangaroo who steals money from the Mafia.

She reprised her role of Anita in the reboot of Heartbreak High in 2022.

Abi Tucker

Jodie Cooper was determined to make it as a famous singer – something that actress Abi, 52, has actually achieved.

She is one half of duo The Falling Seeds, and has also released music with her grunge band, Bully.

Abi has also presented children’s show Play School since 2010.

Luke Jacobz

Zac Croft only appeared in the final series of Heartbreak High, but it proved the perfect springboard for actor Luke Jacobz a job further down the line on Home and Away as Angelo Rosetta.

He later won the Aussie version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars, in 2008.

More recently, the 44-year-old has presented the Australian version of X Factor and appeared on the Aussie version of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

Scott Major

 

Scott Major starred as Rivers on the show between 1994 and 1995, and is still working in soapland.

As well as starring in Neighbours from 2008 and 2013 as Lucas Fitzgerald, he has also directed some of the episodes.

Scott reprised his role of Rivers in the Netflix reboot of the show in 2022.

Of the changes to his character, he said: “Rivers was a horrible, racist, sexist human being. But by the time he left, he was no longer that person and in this new series, he’s on a whole new journey.”

 

BRITS don’t need to fly to far-flung destinations like Dubai to visit huge waterparks with Europe home to three of the world’s largest.

From huge indoor complexes in Poland to record-breaking slides in Germany, here are three of the biggest.

Park of Poland Suntago

Suntago Waterpark in Poland is the largest waterpark of its kind in the country[/caption]

Suntago Water Park

The Polish waterpark opened back in 2020[/caption]

Suntago Water World, Poland

When Suntago Water World opened back in 2020, it became the largest waterpark of its kind in Europe.

The huge Polish waterpark has three themed zones, including Jamango, Relax Suntago and Saunaria.

Collectively, these three zones are home to 35 water slides and 18 swimming pools.

Because it is indoors, temperatures inside Suntago Water World sit at around 32C throughout the year.

Suntago Water World also has five restaurants – serving American, Asian and of course Polish cuisine.

There are also four on-site bars, which are located right by the pools, as well as juice and snack bars.

Meanwhile, Suntago Village boasts 92 fully-equipped bungalows where guests can stay overnight.

Even though it’s already the largest waterpark of its kind in Europe, Suntago Water World expanded its offering earlier this year when Crocodile Island opened in January.

Crocodile Island features four family-friendly zones: the Boat, the Beach, the Rainforest and the Ruins.

Entry tickets for adults start from PLN 155 (£30.76), while tickets for children up to 120cm start from PLN 95 (£18.65).

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Germany’s Tropical Islands is located inside a former airship hangar, with its attractions spread across four sections[/caption]

Tropical Islands

The main indoor area is Water Worlds, which is home to a 200m-long sandy beach, palm trees and lots of sunloungers[/caption]

Tropical Islands, Germany

Until Suntago opened in 2020, Germany‘s Tropical Islands was the largest waterpark in Europe.

The German waterpark is located inside a former airship hangar, with its attractions spread across four sections – Tropical Village, Water Worlds, Tropical Rainforest and Amazonia.

The main indoor area is Water Worlds, which is home to a 200m-long sandy beach, palm trees and lots of sunloungers.

Water Worlds also has the Südsee ‘sea’ – an area that’s three times the size of an Olympic swimming pool.

There’s also a lagoon with two underground slides, watch towers and huts that wouldn’t look out of place in Bali.

Four water slides are also housed in this section of the waterpark, including the record-breaking 200-metre Double Racer – the longest of its kind in the world.

The Tropical Village has houses from around the world including Bali, Malaysia and Thailand, each with restaurants and cafes inside.

Frozen yoghurt stalls, cocktail bars and gift shops are also nearby – and even a tattoo parlour.

And Tropical Rainforest is the animal attraction, with a huge rainforest home to 50,000 plants and 600 different plant species.

Temperatures at the resort remain between 26C and 32C depending on the area, so it’s balmy all year round.

And new accommodation opened in Tropical Islands in 2024.

Tripadvisor

Spain’s Siam Park is often regarded as the best water attraction on the planet[/caption]

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The Mai Thai River is the longest lazy river in the world, with journeys lasting a whopping 40 minutes[/caption]

Siam Park, Spain

Spain‘s Siam Park is often regarded as the best water attraction on the planet, with the waterpark routinely topping TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards.

It’s considered a must for anyone visiting Tenerife thanks to its unique rides like the Mai Thai River, the longest lazy river in the world, that lasts 40 minutes.

Siam Park is home to over 30 rides and slides too, including Kinnaree, which is regarded as the “second-best waterslide in Europe”.

Meanwhile, the Tower of Power is a near-vertical ride that can reach speeds of up to 50mph, making it a must for thrill-seekers.

There’s also Singha, which claims to be among the fastest waterslides in the world.

Families seeking less adventurous experiences should visit “The Lost City,” which has 15 water slides, kid-friendly towers, waterfalls, and the Canary Islands’ first pool designed for infants.

If you don’t want to go too far, Therme is opening a huge new water complex in Manchester.

The £250million indoor water resort will have 25 swimming pools as well as an indoor beach.

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Siam Park is also home to an artificial beach and one of the world’s fastest waterslides[/caption]

JOHN TERRY’S wife Toni posted a heartfelt message after her horse Fritz died aged 26.

The equestrian enthusiast was devastated at the passing of her beloved horse.

Instagram @toniterry26

Toni Terry is mourning the death of her horse Fritz[/caption]

Instagram @toniterry26

John Terry and wife Toni have been married since 2007[/caption]

Following Fritz’s death, Toni posted several pictures of herself with her “friend and confidante” to Instagram.

She captioned them: “RIP my beautiful friend.

“Thank you for all you taught me, for all the times you listened to me chatting away and just nuzzled my shoulder, you weren’t just a horse, you were my confidante and my friend.

“I will love you always my beautiful Fritz 26-years-old what a star.”

Toni, 48, first became a professional dressage rider since 2010.

After a hiatus she returned to the sport in 2021.

That year she created a new Instagram account solely dedicated to her dressage.

She has since posted dozens of photos of herself with her beloved horses.

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Instagram @toniterry26

Toni posted further images of herself with her beloved Fritz[/caption]

In addition to dressage, Toni is something of a fitness fanatic.

On her main Instagram account, she has posted pictures and videos of herself in the gym working out.

Toni began dating John, one year older, at just 16.

Together they have 18-year-old twins, a boy named Georgie and a girl called Summer Rose.

Reuters

Toni and John have been married since 2007[/caption]

GAVIN HENSON was once the David Beckham of rugby union and dated a global pop star – now he’s pulling pints in his local.

The former professional rugby union player swapped the sporting spotlight for running a community pub in Wales.

Getty - Contributor

Gavin Henson was married to singer Charlotte Church[/caption]

Getty - Contributor

It saw him dubbed the David Beckham of rugby[/caption]

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Henson’s performance against England in 2005, epitomised by his famous tackle on Matthew Tait, helped establish him as one of the game’s biggest talents[/caption]

Times Newspapers Ltd

Gavin Henson celebrates his winning kick against England on the way to the Grand Slam in 2005[/caption]

Henson, who was in a relationship with singing sensation Charlotte Church and had two children with the star, is now in charge of The Fox in the Vale of Glamorgan alongside his wife Katie.

The former fly-half, fullback and inside centre played for the likes of Llanelli, Swansea RFC, the Ospreys, Saracens, Toulon, Cardiff Blues, London Welsh, Bath, Bristol and the Dragons before his retirement in 2019.

Most notably he won 33 caps for Wales, helping them to Grand Slams in the 2005 and 2008 Six Nations.

He also joined the 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand.

Henson recently revealed he had been diagnosed with autism – as he explained why he doesn’t keep in touch with his former teammates.

He told the The Big Jim Show podcast. “I suppose, with some of the ex-rugby boys, I’m a poor friend.

“I am on the autism spectrum, so that’s my excuse. It’s just the way I am; it’s nothing personal. I can be a little bit odd.

“It’s not like I’ve gone out and made a new friend. I struggle with socialising that way unless I’ve had a drink.”

Henson regularly found himself in the headlines as arguably rugby’s highest-profile player, but now his closest similarity to Beckham is playing for his pub’s Sunday League team – although he still shaves his legs before games.

Speaking to The Times, he said: “I play defensive midfield. I’m the only one with the discipline; everyone else wants to go up and score. And I take the free kicks.”

Henson’s off-field antics often attracted the spotlight as much as his feats did on it, but he is adamant that he was “good for the game”.

He says: “I could have been better for the game. Did it rub people up the wrong way? Maybe. The attention, or the way I was? I don’t know. Are we crying out for a personality to be in the game right now? Probably, yes.

“I like watching football, see. I always watched Man United. Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs, the flamboyant footballers, white boots.

“I loved the entertainers. I was driven by playing for the coach but also for the fans — I just wanted to entertain. I don’t know why but that’s the way I was.

“I didn’t want to score tries, I didn’t want the limelight like that. I preferred putting people in. I’d like to think I wasn’t selfish at all.

“But they were quite an effective 33 caps, no? I did leave a stamp on the game. Some people get 50-60 games and you can’t really recall their moments.

“I just struggled with my body. If I knew how to manage it a bit earlier, I’d have been a lot better for it. I am at peace with what I achieved.”

Henson continued: “Where my weakness was — and I probably needed help on this — you look at [Cristiano] Ronaldo or [Lionel] Messi, [think] ‘How do they keep on doing it?’ I think they just set new goals.

“My goal was always: play for Wales, play for British Lions. When I achieved that, I didn’t set a new goal. I felt I’d achieved what I wanted. I got to the top of the mountain and there wasn’t much up there. I then flew down it.”

After his injury problems eventually proved to be too much for him mentally, he opted to step away from the game he grew up loving.

After working as a labourer for a while, the man who famously used to admire himself in the mirror before matches now says he has “lost all my muscle” after shedding over two stone.

But now he is back working “full-on” running The Fox with his wife, whom he has one son with, and he appears to be loving life again.

Henson said: “My friend was putting pressure on me to buy it. I was coming to the end of my career and it had been sat here for 18 months, two years.

“It was not nice for the village and I needed something to do after rugby and to be busy, not to mourn rugby and get depressed, as they say everyone does. But be careful what you wish for, because this is so full-on.

“I’m just Daddy now, without the risk of getting injured.”

PA:Press Association

He was in a relationship with singing sensation Church[/caption]

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The former Wales international is now pulling pints in his local[/caption]

Instagram/Mouldykt

A MAN sought help after he was allegedly assaulted.

Detectives have launched an urgent enquiry after reports of a man being injured on William Street, Johnstone.

Police are urging anyone with information to get in touch and they continue door-to-door enquiries.

Detective Inspector Gordon Smith said: “We have established the injured man sought help from the occupants of a flat on William Street after he was allegedly attacked.

“At this stage the location of the alleged attack is unknown.

“I am therefore appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time to contact us with any information.

“Did you see or hear any disturbance? If you have any information, no matter how insignificant it might seem, please do get in touch with us.”

“Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101.

“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and give your information anonymously.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: Detectives are appealing for information after a man was allegedly seriously assaulted in Johnstone on Friday, 21 February 2025.

“Around 6.45pm, police received a report a man had been injured in William Street.

“Emergency services attended and the 42-year-old man was taken to hospital where he remains.

“A 45-year-old man has been arrested and enquiries are ongoing.

“Officers are carrying out door-to-door enquiries and checking for any relevant CCTV footage.”

Elsewhere cops have locked down a road after a horror crash between an ambulance and a pedestrian.

The alarm was raised in the early hours of this morning as officers raced to the A96 in Elgin.

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A man sought help after he was allegedly attacked in Johnstone[/caption]

IT’S back to domestic duty for Celtic this lunchtime after their European heartache in midweek with an intriguing clash against Hibs at Easter Road.

The Hoops came so close to a remarkable knockout stage win over European big hitters Bayern Munich this week but only ended up with tears for souvenirs after Alphonso Davies‘ late strike.

And Brendan Rodgers freshens up his line-up for the challenge of taking on an in-form Hibs side at Easter Road.

In come the likes of Luke McCowan, Greg Taylor and Adam Idah from the start.

• Hibs are taking on Celtic at Easter Road TODAY, Saturday February 22
• The match kicks off at 12.30pm
• Hibs vs Celtic has been selected for live TV coverage by Premier Sports
• The game will be shown live on Premier Sports 2 with coverage beginning at 12 noon
• Hibs XI: Smith, Miller, O’Hora, Rocky, Iredale, N. Cadden, Moriah-Welsh, Triantis, Campbell, Bowie, Boyle. Subs: Bursik, Ekpiteta, Newell, C. Cadden, Obita, Hoilett, Gayle, Molotnikov, Kuharevich.
• Celtic XI: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor, McGregor, McCowan, Engels, Kühn, Idah, Maeda. Subs: Sinisalo, Scales, Jota, Yang, Schlupp, Kenny, Hatate, Ralston, Bonnar.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

ACTRESS Lynne Marie Stewart, famous for her role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has died aged 78.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed by her fellow Hollywood friend Cassandra Peterson.

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Lynne Marie Stewart has died aged 78[/caption]

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