News

Ben Earl urges England to block out South Africa's world-champion reputation at Ellis Park

Ben Earl has called on England to focus on their own game rather than South Africa's status as back-to-back world champions ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship clash at Ellis Park. Jamie George will captain the side after Maro Itoje was rested for the tour.

Belal Muhammad reveals Yair Rodriguez is moving up to lightweight after wrist surgery

UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad has claimed his Valle Flow Striking teammate Yair Rodriguez is leaving featherweight behind and moving up to lightweight, while also disclosing that Rodriguez underwent wrist surgery following his win over Patricio Freire.

Magomedov brands Strickland a 'domestic champion' who is too scared to leave America

Fresh off a come-from-behind win over Sean Strickland's teammate Michel Pereira at UFC Baku, Sharabutdin Magomedov has accused the middleweight champion of refusing to fight outside the United States out of fear.

Belgian prop Bruno Vliegen fighting for recovery after severe burns cover 37 per cent of his body

Bruno Vliegen, a Belgium international with more than 20 caps, is hospitalised at the Grand Hôpital de Charleroi after a serious accident left him with burns across 37 per cent of his body. A fundraising appeal has been launched to help cover his medical costs.

Manchester United target former City academy product Felix Nmecha in £42m Dortmund move

Manchester United are among several clubs pursuing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, a former Manchester City academy player now valued at €50m. The 25-year-old Germany international is said to prefer a move to one of the Manchester clubs over Newcastle United.

Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed appointed for Germany vs Paraguay World Cup clash in Boston

Jalal Jayed of Morocco will take charge of Germany's round-of-32 meeting with Paraguay in Boston. The 39-year-old has officiated twice at the tournament so far, issuing just two yellow cards across both matches.

Riot police deployed as death threats greet South Korea's World Cup exit and Hong Myung-bo's resignation

South Korea will be met by 160 riot and airport police at Incheon International Airport on Tuesday following death threats against manager Hong Myung-bo, who resigned after the team's group-stage elimination at the 2026 World Cup.

Erasmus names Pollock England's biggest threat ahead of Ellis Park Test opener

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has singled out 21-year-old Henry Pollock as England's most dangerous player ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship Test at Ellis Park, calling the Northampton number eight 'a flipping good rugby player' despite the back-rower's polarising reputation among Springbok fans.

Neymar available off the bench as Brazil face Japan in World Cup round of 32

Neymar remains without a start at the 2026 World Cup but is available from the bench as Brazil take on Japan in the round of 32 on Thursday in Houston. The forward returned from a calf injury in the group-stage finale against Scotland, playing 14 minutes.

Aspinall and Moicano back Pereira in growing backlash against referee Herb Dean

Tom Aspinall and Renato 'Moicano' Carneiro have publicly sided with Alex Pereira in criticising referee Herb Dean, pointing to a series of incidents — including Sharabutdin Magomedov's repeated hair grabs at UFC Baku — as evidence of damaging officiating failures.

Rodri set for surgery on mystery injury as Man City face early pre-season blow

Manchester City midfielder Rodri is reportedly set to undergo surgery on an undisclosed injury after Spain's World Cup campaign concludes, threatening to sideline him for the start of the new season under incoming manager Enzo Maresca.

Organizers clear Pereira after UK seminar backlash over missing meet-and-greet

Event organizer Joyagear has taken full responsibility for the controversy surrounding Alex Pereira's UK seminar tour, stating the UFC light heavyweight champion was never informed about autograph signings or individual photographs. Affected ticket holders will receive full refunds.

Koubek resigns as Czech Republic coach after group-stage exit at World Cup 2026

Miroslav Koubek has stepped down as Czech Republic manager following a dismal World Cup campaign that ended with a 3-0 defeat by Mexico and a bottom-place finish in Group A with just one point.

FIFA dismiss match-fixing claims over Algeria and Austria's dramatic 3-3 World Cup draw

FIFA will not investigate allegations that Algeria and Austria engineered their 3-3 draw to ensure both teams advanced from their World Cup group, despite Austria's 96th-minute equaliser prompting widespread suspicion.

Ireland vs Israel Nations League clash moved behind closed doors in Serbia amid boycott calls

Republic of Ireland's Nations League fixture against Israel will be played behind closed doors at the TSC Arena in Bačka Topola, Serbia on 4 October, the FAI confirmed. The relocation follows widespread calls for a boycott of the match over Israel's military actions in Gaza.

McGregor taunts Mayweather on social media as UFC 329 return draws near

Conor McGregor took an unprompted dig at Floyd Mayweather this week, reacting to a 2018 cage-walk video with a laughing emoji. The Irishman faces Max Holloway at welterweight in his first UFC bout since breaking his leg in 2021.

Barcelona sign 18-year-old Caicedo from LDU Quito in deal set to become permanent

Barcelona have completed the signing of Ecuadorian left-back Josué Caicedo from LDU Quito on a loan that converts to a mandatory €2.5 million purchase after just four senior appearances, with a four-year contract and a 20% sell-on clause included.

Madrid set €60m asking price for Camavinga despite midfielder's insistence on staying

Real Madrid have placed Eduardo Camavinga on the transfer market with a minimum asking price of €60m, according to Diario AS, even as the 22-year-old French midfielder publicly insists he has no desire to leave the Bernabéu.

Packer scores twice and lifts trophy in perfect Saracens farewell before Harlequins move

Marlie Packer ended her nine-year Saracens career in style, crossing the whitewash twice as the North London side demolished Trailfinders Women 52-14 to claim their fourth Premiership Women's Rugby title at the Twickenham Stoop.

BBC confirms England vs DR Congo World Cup tie will air on BBC One after scheduling confusion