Sport

Wales have learned their opposition at next year’s Rugby World Cup in England. Ioan Cunningham’s side have been drawn in Pool B along with Canada, Scotland and Fiji. Wales were grouped with Six Nations rivals Scotland in the 2022 tournament, with Keira Bevan kicking a dramatic winning penalty. They are also familiar with Canada having played them in a friendly …

The Larne boss adds that the quick turnaround of games they are facing is “not something they are complaining about” but it does present challenges in terms of preparation. “Our boys haven’t been wired to play the amount of games that have been asked of them. You’re now in a situation where the final whistle is blown and two days …

Duff was sacked after less than six months in charge with Swansea struggling for results and also facing criticism over their style of football. Swansea had overhauled their squad before the season started, but a number of their many signings proved underwhelming. There were more question marks over the club’s transfer business in January 2024, before Williams’ first close season …

But a groundbreaking operation, which required his breastbone to be split open, saved his career and enabled him to represent England again and win the Premiership with Saracens in 2023. However, despite his remarkably quick return, he says it took time psychologically to recover from the procedure. “[At the time] you just treat it as if it is an injury …

A key influence in Williams’ recent turnaround is the decision to sack Sargeant and employ Colapinto, a member of the Williams driver development programme who previously had been having a decent but not outstanding season in Formula 2. Vowles had considered replacing Sargeant after an unconvincing debut season in 2023, but gave him a second chance. But after lagging behind …

Ulster back row David McCann says the province’s difficult start to the season should stand them in good stead for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. Richie Murphy’s side edged out United Rugby Championship champions Glasgow with a late score in their first home game, then lost to the Lions and the Bulls on their two-match tour to South Africa. …

Dutchman Wesley Plaisier beat Josh Rock 8-7 in a thrilling final at Players Championship 28 in Wigan to win his first PDC title. Rock led 4-3 after a 111 checkout before Plaisier put the finishing line in sight by winning four of the following six legs to lead 7-6. A 112 checkout from Rock forced a decider but the Englishman …

Real Madrid prioritise signing Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool and Man City chase Nicolo Barella, Arsenal monitor Benjamin Sesko. Real Madrid have made Liverpool and England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, 26, a priority target. (Athletic – subscription required), external Liverpool and Manchester City are interested in Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella, 27, but the Italy midfielder is also on the radar of Real …

We hear from Thomas Tuchel for the first time as he’s named as the next England manager.

Despite being unable to beat a top-40 player for the first time, Fearnley looks likely to consolidate his place in the top 100 after a fine week in the Swedish capital. Stepping up to the top-level ATP Tour, Fearnley won two qualifying matches before beating tricky Frenchman Corentin Moutet in the first round of the main draw to reach the …