James O'Brien 
Bath opened their Premiership season with a convincing 33‑17 victory over Harlequins at The Stoop. The highlight was Santiago Carreras’ magical intercept try, while Bath built a 28‑10 lead at halftime thanks to tries from du Preez, Cokanasiga and Frost. Harlequins fought back but a late try from Ewan Richards sealed the win for Bath.
Warwickshire (the Bears) posted 372 runs in their first innings of the Rothesay County Championship match at Edgbaston, thanks to Sam Hain’s 142 and Ed Barnard’s 88. The sizable lead puts them 6 points ahead of Leicestershire and puts the title within reach.
Sam Hain hit a brilliant 142 for Warwickshire against Leicestershire at Edgbaston, giving the Bears a 247‑run first‑innings lead. The win moves Warwickshire to six points, putting them on the brink of clinching their ninth County Championship title.
Southend United manager Kieron Dyer used the anniversary of his liver transplant to deliver an emotional team talk before the club’s 6‑1 win at Gateshead, saying the win was dedicated to his organ donor. The talk helped motivate the Shrimpers, who moved to second place in the National League.
England’s women’s rugby team, the Red Roses, have seen such a surge in popularity that players like scrum-half Natasha Hunt admit they can no longer meet every fan’s request for selfies and autographs after matches. Hunt explains that large crowds, recovery schedules, injuries and family commitments limit their ability to engage post‑game, echoing similar concerns in women’s football.
The Green Bay Packers suffered a 35-14 loss at Lambeau Field to the Atlanta Falcons, prompting boos from their own fans. Head coach Matt LaFleur described the defeat as a ‘butt‑whooping’ after the Falcons’ offense racked up 498 yards and four touchdowns.
Bob Pettit, the NBA’s first MVP, has died at age 93. He was a two‑time MVP, 11‑time All‑Star and the first player to reach 20,000 points, spending his career with the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks and winning the 1958 NBA title.
Taylor Townsend revealed in an interview that her relationship with fellow American Serena Williams has shifted dramatically since both became mothers, moving from a standoffish dynamic to a supportive friendship. She also recalled her only singles encounter with Williams at the 2014 US Open, which she lost 6-3, 6-1.
England opener Emilio Gay made a commanding 141 as Durham dominated the first day of their County Championship Division Two match against Lancashire, finishing on 355-5. The innings helped Durham secure three points, putting them ahead of Lancashire who earned one point. Gay’s century was his fourth in ten Championship innings this season.
Former England striker Andy Carroll disclosed in his new autobiography that he was sexually assaulted in 2021 while at home during his second spell with Newcastle United. The attacker has since been sentenced to three years in prison, and Carroll said sharing the story was painful but important. He is now a player‑co‑owner of non‑league side Dagenham & Redbridge.