Rugby World Cup: One of Ireland, Scotland or Boks to miss out in Pool B September 7, 2023 Every World Cup has to have a pool of death featuring three top-ranked teams with every chance of making it to the last eight – one of which will be dumped out prematurely. This year in France that dreaded group is Pool B. Holders South Africa have been drawn with world No1 side Ireland, world [...]
Rugby World Cup: England to be beaten by Argentina or Samoa? September 7, 2023 When the Rugby World Cup draw was made in 2020, Pool C looked like one full of intrigue. You had former winners England, improving Argentina and a Japan side who had thrived as hosts a year prior. Throw in qualifiers later confirmed as Samoa and Chile and the group is exciting. But the pining for [...]
Ollie Phillips: France needs Les Bleus to get party started at Rugby World Cup September 7, 2023 If I could turn back time and play more of my career in France, I would do it in a heartbeat. The country is rugby mad and you’re put on a pedestal by fans. That’s why this could be one of the great World Cups – the country is about to descend into two months [...]
African Football League in spotlight as legal row escalates over £332m media contract September 7, 2023 A legal row between African football federation CAF and its biggest rights holder has raised questions about the new African Football League.
Ed Warner: Will this really be the best Rugby World Cup ever? September 7, 2023 Are you ready for the best ever Rugby World Cup? A tournament for the ages? Two phrases that would best be banned, argues Ed Warner.
Sabalenka to become world No1 after win over Zhang at US Open September 6, 2023 Former Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka made it four out of four Grand Slam semi-final appearances this year after the Belarusian toppled Qinwen Zheng yesterday at Flushing Meadows. On track for her first ever US Open title, Sabalenka beat her Chinese opponent 6-1 6-4 in Arthur Ashe Stadium to reach the final four in New [...]
Alphonsi on how to win a Rugby World Cup with England in France September 6, 2023 As evening turned to night on 19 August 2014 under the floodlights of the Stade Jean-Bouin, flanker Maggie Alphonsi celebrated becoming one of only a handful of England players to win a Rugby World Cup. Her side’s 21-9 victory over Canada in the French capital remains the last time an English side, male or female, [...]
Saudi Pro League close to overtaking Premier League by key spending metric September 6, 2023 The Saudi Pro League could overtake the Premier League as the world’s biggest spenders of the summer transfer window on Thursday.
Rugby World Cup: Can the sport rediscover je ne sais quoi? September 6, 2023 Sometimes sporting moments transcend the core fanbase. A controversial call, a moment of brilliance or an event off-field; sporting tournaments have a habit of producing something exceptional. And goodness knows rugby needs that now. A sport that has given us Jonah Lomu, Jonny Wilkinson’s drop goal and Japan’s 2015 victory over the Springboks is in [...]
Rugby World Cup: France, New Zealand and Italy go in Pool A September 6, 2023 A Rugby World Cup group that spans four continents and includes the hosts, three-time winners and a number of difficult challengers, Pool A could be the surprise package. France and New Zealand are favourites to progress to the last eight where they will likely be rewarded with a Test against either Ireland, Scotland or South [...]