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Makhachev backs Topuria to stop Gaethje but refuses to count out the veteran
Former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has predicted Ilia Topuria will defeat Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, citing an eight-year age advantage — though he insists the fight will not go the distance and that Gaethje remains dangerous.
MMA -
Former Lions star Jared Payne joins Munster as defence coach on two-year deal
Munster have completed their coaching staff for next season by appointing former Ulster, Ireland and British & Irish Lions back Jared Payne as defence coach. Mossy Lawler has also signed a two-year contract extension to work alongside Payne in overseeing the backline and attack.
Rugby -
Philip Browne, IRFU chief executive who shaped modern Irish rugby, dies aged 66
Philip Browne, who served as IRFU chief executive for 23 years and oversaw four Six Nations titles, two Grand Slams, and the redevelopment of the Aviva Stadium, has died at the age of 66.
Rugby -
Olise's hat-trick against Northern Ireland: a first for France since 1934
Michael Olise scored a hat-trick Monday evening against Northern Ireland (3-1), becoming the first French player to achieve this feat in World Cup preparation since Jean Nicolas in 1934.
Football -
Wembley Stadium Foundation opens free Nike kit scheme for grassroots youth clubs across the UK
The Wembley Stadium Foundation National Kit Scheme, delivered with Team Grassroots, is offering fully customised Nike kits to eligible youth clubs at no cost, prioritising new teams where kit expenses are a barrier to participation.
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Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro make surprise cameos in Madonna's new short film
Chelsea forwards Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro appear alongside Sabrina Carpenter and Benedict Cumberbatch in Madonna's 14-minute Confessions II film, which premiered on 8 June ahead of her 3 July album release.
Football -
Saracens target first PWR title since 2022 as Blacklock eyes life beyond rugby
Saracens host Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Women's Rugby semi-final this Sunday, chasing a first league title since 2021/22. Centre Beth Blacklock, who retired from Scotland duty earlier this year, is balancing her push for a place in the matchday squad with two new roles in the tech industry.
Rugby -
Alonso finds 'zero positives' in Monaco as Aston Martin's weaknesses mount in 2026
Fernando Alonso scored Aston Martin's first point of the 2026 season with a 10th-place finish in Monaco, yet warned the race exposed fresh chassis problems on top of existing engine, energy and gearbox deficiencies that have left the team rooted at the back of the grid.
Formula 1 -
Liverpool confirm Salah, Robertson and Konate among 12 players leaving this summer
Liverpool have officially confirmed that 12 players will depart the club, headlined by Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, whose contract talks broke down despite late hopes of an extension.
Football -
Sidelined at PSG, Lucas Chevalier attracts interest from Tottenham and Besiktas
Bought for €40 million from LOSC last summer, Lucas Chevalier has failed to establish himself at PSG and finds himself behind Matvey Safonov in the pecking order. Tottenham and Besiktas are positioning themselves to sign him.
Football -
Kai Rooney's gym post sparks buzz over potential Man Utd senior breakthrough
Kai Rooney, the 16-year-old son of Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, has set fans talking after a cryptic gym image on Instagram, with new manager Michael Carrick reportedly keeping a close eye on the academy striker.
Football -
Azteca box owners threaten boycott of World Cup opener amid FIFA access dispute
Over 15,000 seats at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium could sit empty for the World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa, as box owners protest FIFA's restrictions on their 99-year rights to sell seats and supply food and drinks.
Football -
Dana White joins Messi and LeBron on TIME's inaugural 100 most influential people in sports list
UFC CEO Dana White has been named on TIME magazine's first-ever list of the 100 most influential people in sports, alongside athletes LeBron James, Lionel Messi and Shohei Ohtani, and executives including FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
MMA -
Manchester City extend Divine Mukasa's contract to 2030 with first-team role in sight
Manchester City have extended 18-year-old attacking midfielder Divine Mukasa's contract by 12 months, keeping him at the Etihad until 2030. Director of Football Hugo Viana praised the teenager's attitude and development during his loan spell at Leicester City.
Football -
2026 World Cup: Who could Algeria face in the Round of 16?
Placed in Group J with Argentina, Jordan and Austria, Algeria already knows its potential opponents in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Spain, United States, Belgium or Portugal are among the possible scenarios.
Football -
World Cup 2026: Visas denied, referee expelled, targeted checks — controversies mount before kickoff
Two days before the 2026 World Cup begins, several incidents at American borders are fueling controversy: Iranian delegation members denied visas, an Iraqi photographer expelled, Iraqi striker Ayman Hussein detained for seven hours, and Somali referee Omar Artan sent back to Turkey upon arrival.
Football -
World Cup 2026 kicks off with 104 games free to air across BBC and ITV
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest in the tournament's history, gets under way across the United States, Canada and Mexico with all 104 games available free to air for UK viewers on BBC and ITV. England open against Croatia on 17 June, while Scotland face Haiti the day before.
Football -
Manchester United target free-agent Karl Darlow and Sam Johnstone in goalkeeping overhaul
Manchester United are pursuing Leeds United's Karl Darlow and former academy goalkeeper Sam Johnstone as they look to reshape their goalkeeping options, with Casemiro set to leave and questions remaining over André Onana's future.
Football -
Baxter hands England final say on Feyi-Waboso return with South Africa tour looming
Exeter head coach Rob Baxter says Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will not be rushed back after jaw surgery, with England holding final authority over the winger's availability ahead of the July 4 Test against South Africa in Johannesburg.
Rugby -
Williams hands reserve Browning first FW48 runs across Barcelona and Austria FP1 sessions
Luke Browning will drive in first practice at the Spanish and Austrian Grands Prix this month, marking his debut in Williams' new-generation FW48. The British reserve will take over Alex Albon's car in Barcelona and Carlos Sainz's at the Red Bull Ring.
Formula 1
