James O'Brien 
British Paralympic cyclist Daphne Schrager received a two‑year anti‑doping ban after testing positive for the muscle‑building substance Ligandrol. The ban, back‑dated to June 2025, will run until June 2027, meaning she misses the Commonwealth Games but could return for the 2028 Paralympics.
England’s men’s amputee football team, the reigning Nations League champions, risk missing the upcoming World Cup in Mexico because they have only raised £32,427 of the £50,000 needed. Former coach Scott Rogers called the funding shortfall “criminal” and goalkeeper Thomas Atkinson highlighted the disparity with fully professional nations.
England captain Harry Kane will begin formal negotiations with German champions Bayern Munich to extend his contract, which expires at the end of next season. The 32‑year‑old joined Bayern in 2023 for a reported £86m and has already helped the club win two league titles and a German Cup, while other clubs, including Barcelona and Saudi teams, remain interested.
Seventeen‑year‑old Shantae Amankwaah is the youngest member of Team England’s gymnastics squad heading to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The Bristol‑born athlete looks up to former champion Claudia Fragapane and aims to enjoy the experience while hoping for a medal. Her family, including a former footballer father and a sprinter grandmother, provides strong support ahead of her debut.
Manchester Super Giants dominated London Spirit in the opening match of the 2026 women’s Hundred, bowling them out for 80 and then chasing the target with 41 balls remaining. Ryana MacDonald‑Gay took four wickets, guiding the Giants to a comfortable victory.
Aston Villa have sold star midfielder Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for a record £117 million and face further exits of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and Lucas Digne to Paris Saint‑Germain. Manager Unai Emery must rebuild the squad while aiming to repeat the top‑four finish that he achieved after taking the club from 14th place in 2022.
England’s veteran wing attack Natalie Metcalf has been forced out of the Commonwealth Games squad after a calf injury was confirmed by scans. The 33‑year‑old, who helped England win gold in 2018, will miss the Glasgow tournament and has been replaced by Ella Clark. Coach Anna Stembridge expressed disappointment at the loss to the team.
St Helens head coach Paul Rowley has resigned with immediate effect less than a year into his tenure. The club, currently sixth in the Super League and dealing with an injury crisis, will face a derby against Wigan Warriors under interim coach Eamon O’Carroll. Chairman Eamonn McManus said the decision was difficult and the club will aim to restore its status as a silverware contender.
Inter Miami announced the signing of Brazil midfielder Casemiro on a contract through the 2027 MLS season, but MLS quickly opened a tampering investigation concerning the player’s discovery rights. The club reached a settlement with LA Galaxy over the rights, and the league is reviewing the matter before releasing further details.
Huddersfield Giants, currently at the bottom of the Super League table, will host a free‑entry game against Catalans Dragons on 8 August to reveal their 2027 home‑ground plans. The club is set to leave the Accu Stadium, which it shares with Huddersfield Town, after the season ends.