A bankruptcy petition against rugby pundit Ugo Monye has been officially withdrawn after HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) failed to locate the former England and British & Irish Lions star to serve the necessary papers.
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The Financial Trouble Revealed
At the start of 2025, it was reported that Monye, who now works as a pundit for BBC and TNT Sports, was facing significant financial struggles. In December, HMRC served a petition to seize his assets to cover unpaid debts. The petition stemmed from Monye’s physical wellbeing company, Show Me The Monye Ltd, which he founded in 2012.
By the end of 2023, the company had been handed a winding-up order, due to an unpaid bill of nearly £200,000. This included outstanding corporation tax of £108,562 and National Insurance contributions of £72,967.
HMRC Fails to Serve Papers
Despite Monye’s frequent appearances on TV and radio, HMRC’s efforts to serve the petition were unsuccessful. During a High Court hearing on Tuesday, HMRC’s legal representative requested to withdraw the petition, explaining they could not locate Monye’s current address.
Judge Sally Barber granted the request, stating: “You’ve been unable to serve it because you don’t have knowledge of a place of residence where he currently lives. Permission to withdraw the bankruptcy petition granted.”
A Source Suggests an Outdated Address
Reports suggest that HMRC might have been trying to serve the petition to an outdated address. While the tax authorities have yet to comment officially, the Telegraph indicates this could be the case.
Monye’s Statement
Monye addressed the issue in a statement, saying, “I have been fully engaged with my financial advisers who in turn have been liaising directly with HMRC on this matter on my behalf. I am hopeful that the matter will be fully concluded imminently.”
Marcus Smith set to miss out on the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour
With just over a month until the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad is revealed, the odds are showing which players are most likely to earn a spot on the prestigious tour.
Back-Three: Speed, Power, and Flair
The back-three options for the Lions are packed with dynamic talent. From powerful wingers to dependable fullbacks, the competition is fierce.
Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe is practically a lock, with odds of 1/16, while Ireland’s James Lowe and Hugo Keenan also look set to make the squad. With plenty of flair and power in this group, it’s going to be a tough decision for the selectors.
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 4/9
- Blair Kinghorn (Scotland) – 8/11
- Mack Hansen (Ireland) – 2/1
Centre: Physicality Meets Creativity
In the centres, the Lions have a wealth of players who can bring both physicality and creativity. Ireland’s Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw top the list, with Aki’s odds sitting comfortably at 1/5. Scotland’s Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu are also in strong contention, bringing versatility and power to the midfield.
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Huw Jones (Scotland) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
Fly-Halves: The Masterminds of Attack
Fly-half is one of the most critical positions for any team, and the Lions have three top-class contenders. Scotland’s Finn Russell leads the way with odds of 1/10, while England’s Fin Smith and Ireland’s Sam Prendergast are hot on his heels.
Russell’s vision and flair will make him a key playmaker, but Smith and Prendergast bring youthful energy and composure to the table.
- Finn Russell (Scotland) – 1/10
- Fin Smith (England) – 8/15
- Sam Prendergast (Ireland) – 8/11
