Wales suffer shock World Cup exit November 3, 2013 RUGBY LEAGUE: Wales became the first side to be knocked out of the World Cup, following a surprise 24-16 defeat to competition debutants the United States in Wrexham.
Lancaster tips Tomkins to handle the pressure October 31, 2013 ENGLAND coach Stuart Lancaster has revealed he had no hesitation in awarding Joel Tomkins his first cap against Australia tomorrow due to the centre’s ability to handle big-game pressure. The 26-year-old will line up alongside four Saracens team-mates in Chris Ashton – the second most experienced player in the team – and fly-half Owen Farrell, [...]
No war between Dickson brothers as Karl backs Lee October 31, 2013 THE SUPERB form of England’s Lee Dickson means brother Karl will play second fiddle to Danny Care for Harlequins this weekend, though the scrum-half insists he has nothing but support for his younger sibling. Care was released back to Quins by England and is eligible for Saturday’s Aviva Premiership clash with Leicester Tigers, while Lee [...]
Cautious Murray casts doubt over his Australian Open participation October 31, 2013 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray admits he is yet to hit a ball almost six weeks after his back operation and fears he may not be ready for the Australian Open. The Wimbledon champion is desperate to play in Melbourne, where he has reached the final three times in four years, but is adamant he will only [...]
McIlroy rediscovers his touch in Shanghai October 31, 2013 REJUVENATED Rory McIlroy believes his nightmare spell is behind him after he shot a seven-under-par round of 65 to take a first-round lead at the WGC HSBC Champions yesterday in Shanghai. The former world No1 has suffered a barren and arduous 2013 and needs a sparkling performance this week if he is to qualify for [...]
Chelsea snap up African teenage sensation Traore October 31, 2013 CHELSEA have finally completed the signing of African prodigy Bertrand Traore – four years after first targeting the midfielder. Traore, who shone for the Blues on their pre-season tour of Asia – officially as a triallist – and turned 18 in September, has committed to the club until 2018. Work permit issues and his minor [...]
Brawn exit won’t weaken Mercedes October 31, 2013 FORMULA ONE: Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton believes his team can remain competitive next season, despite the imminent departure of team principal Ross Brawn. Hamilton, fourth in the world championship ahead of this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, said: “Everyone will do the utmost to make sure whatever decision he makes we go into next year [...]
Trio in for England World Cup clash October 31, 2013 RUGBY LEAGUE: England coach Steve McNamara has made three changes to his squad for tomorrow’s World Cup match against Ireland at Huddersfield. Forwards James Graham and Sean O’Loughlin, plus winger Tom Briscoe replace Josh Charnley, Lee Mossop and Sam Burgess.
Celtic told they can’t leave Scotland October 31, 2013 FOOTBALL: European governing body Uefa have told Celtic they will not be allowed to play any potential Champions League play-off home leg outside of Scotland next year, despite their Celtic Park home being a venue for the summer’s Commonwealth Games.
Matthew storms into semi-final October 31, 2013 SQUASH: Commonwealth champion Nick Matthew reached the World Championship semi-final with victory over Amr Shabana in straight games.