James O'Brien 
Former NFL star Jason Kelce joined London amateur side Old Streetonians RFC for a 30‑minute training match against Hackney RFC, experiencing the physicality of rugby union. He was accompanied by former teammate Beau Allen and later socialised with locals in a pub, while Hackney players commented on his rapid adaptation to the game.
Bucky Irving led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a surprise 24-16 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, marking the Buccaneers’ first win of the season. Irving’s two touchdown passes were decisive in the upset at AT&T Stadium.
Leeds Rhinos legend Ryan Hall has confirmed his retirement at 38 after a 20‑year career that saw him score 358 tries in 540 appearances. Hall will move into a commercial role at the club and will make a cameo appearance in a pre‑season testimonial match.
A’ja Wilson, the 30‑year‑old star of the Las Vegas Aces, was announced as the first five‑time MVP in WNBA history, receiving 65 of 74 first‑place votes. Despite the historic achievement, she declined to participate in the league’s customary pre‑game ceremony, focusing instead on the upcoming semi‑final series against the Golden State Valkyries.
LeBron James made his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers in a pre‑season game, scoring 10 points as the team fell 114-108 to the Brooklyn Nets. James said the squad will need time to gel, but the loss provides a useful sample to build on as they aim for a championship.
All 14 Super League clubs will remain for the 2027 season, but London Broncos, despite a treble‑winning 2026 campaign, missed out after finishing 16th in the IMG gradings. Backed by Grant Wechsel and Darren Lockyer, the club fell behind other Championship sides such as Barrow Raiders.
England Netball announced that the country will host the 2031 Netball World Cup at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena, marking the fourth time England has staged the tournament. The decision was welcomed by officials who see the event as a platform to grow women’s sport and inspire the next generation.
England women’s national team manager Sarina Wiegman added Ella Toone to the squad for the upcoming World Cup play‑off matches after defender Lucy Bronze pulled out with a minor injury. The squad will face Greece in Crete before a second leg at Leicester’s King Power Stadium, with the winner moving on to the final play‑off round for a spot at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
England midfielder Declan Rice is nearing the completion of a new long‑term contract with Arsenal, extending his stay beyond the current deal that expires next season. The agreement will see a substantial rise in his weekly wages, putting him alongside top earners like Bukayo Saka, and follows recent contract extensions for manager Mikel Arteta.
Sheffield United’s chief executive Stephen Bettis told BBC Radio Sheffield that the club does not expect a 12‑point deduction after the EFL launched an investigation into a winding‑up petition against the previous owners’ company. He added that discussions are ongoing with former owner Prince Abdullah over an outstanding £35 million payment, and the owners will fight any sanction vigorously.