In a women’s game shifting towards professionalism, just making it to England has been a big challenge for many When the women’s Rugby World Cup starts next week 512 players from 16 squads will have a chance to represent their country on the sport’s biggest stage. It will be a...
Chess: Adams wins ninth British title, while 10-year-old girl breaks two world records
The 53-year-old is just one short of Jonathan Penrose’s record, while Bodhana Sivanandan became the youngest ever woman international master Michael Adams edged nearer the all-time record for British Championship titles last weekend when the Taunton-based grandmaster won his ninth national championship at Liverpool. Adams, who relaxes by watching cricket...
Premier League: 10 things to look out for on the opening weekend
Another new era at Tottenham, De Cuyper can shine for Brighton and Aston Villa remind us this is a business A visit to an expectant Anfield, where Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké will be out to impress on their Premier League debuts, represents a daunting start for a Bournemouth team...
What goes up must come down: can Burnley, Leeds and Sunderland buck trend?
We assess the chances of Premier League’s new teams avoiding the fate of promoted clubs for past two seasons Reasons to be cheerful There are numerous reasons behind the growing trend of promoted teams going straight back down with a decreasing number of points. One – having to adjust from...
Arne Slot insists Florian Wirtz must reach Salah’s level to meet Liverpool expectations
German has to stay fit like Salah, says Slot Giovanni Leoni moves summer spend past £300m Arne Slot has said Florian Wirtz must reach the standards set by Mohamed Salah to realise Liverpool’s expectations of their new record signing. Wirtz will make his Premier League debut when the champions open...
Louis Rees-Zammit signs for Bristol to complete return to rugby from NFL
Winger left sport to go to US in January 2024 Player says Bristol was ‘the obvious choice’ Louis Rees-Zammit has sealed his return to rugby from American football after signing for Bristol. The 24-year-old, who has been capped 32 times by Wales, announced in January 2024 that he was quitting...
Indian Super League in turmoil with domestic game on brink of collapse
Dispute between governing body and commercial partner has forced top-flight clubs to suspend player salaries Crystal Palace may be disappointed the court of arbitration for sport ruled against them on Monday but at least they now know their fate. Imagine if all Premier League clubs were waiting for a court...
‘I don’t want to be Gary’: Kelly Cates on Sky, Match of the Day and social media
Presenter on mixing Sky and BBC duties, the benefits of a conversational style and replacing a legend Kelly Cates is about to begin the busiest year of her career. That, to be fair, is an estimate, because the football presenter and broadcaster has always been a grafter. From Setanta Sports...
Rashford status shows Barça plight before La Liga’s English-tinged title race
Forward has not yet been registered by financially troubled club in a summer when Real Madrid have spent €200m La Liga begins again in Girona on Friday evening, a five-day weekend to start it off, and for the first time the division’s biggest clubs, every side competing for the title,...
My punishment for calling the Hundred the worst thing in cricket? A day at the Hundred | Barney Ronay
Crowding out every other format from the centre of summer for this still seems odd, but if you sell it they will come and this was a good day “That was SO COOL!” What’s cool around here? The aggressively upbeat DJ box? The handsome supply teacher type with the roving...