Marco Bianchi 
Glasgow Warriors powered through Connacht with five tries, including a rolling maul that produced three scores, to claim a 36‑19 victory at Scotstoun. The win gave them a bonus point and extended their unbeaten run in the United Rugby Championship. Connacht fought back with two tries but could not overturn Glasgow’s dominance.
Northern Ireland women’s team suffered a 4-0 defeat to Portugal in the first leg of the 2027 World Cup play-off semi-final at Inver Park, leaving them with a four‑goal deficit and virtually no chance of progressing. Manager Michael McArdle acknowledged the heavy loss but highlighted positives and the need to give younger players experience ahead of the second leg in Portugal.
Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka, who will retire after the 2026 season with his last appearance at the Swiss Indoors in Basel, received praise from fellow ATP player Daniil Medvedev, who said Wawrinka’s achievements during the Big Four era are astonishing and not overlooked by peers. The article also notes Wawrinka’s recent struggles, having won only one match since the French Open.
Shaun Edwards, a highly experienced rugby union coach, has been appointed as the defence coach for Argentina’s national team, the Pumas, on a deal that runs until the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. He will join head coach Felipe Contepomi and forwards coach Mario Ledesma at the end of October, bringing his international expertise to the side.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that the planned move of the Africa Cup of Nations to a four‑year cycle is under review. At a strategy conference in Cape Verde, CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the organisation is considering keeping the tournament on a two‑year schedule.
Australian opener Nic Maddinson, recalled to the Test side after battling testicular cancer, faced 33 balls without scoring, recording the longest duck by an Australian opener in Test history. The innings came in the first Test against South Africa in Durban, highlighting the ageing Australian batting line‑up.
Aoife Wafer, a 23‑year‑old Harlequins forward, will miss Ireland’s upcoming WXV matches in Cape Town after sustaining a minor injury in training. The Ireland squad, coached by Scott Bemand and captained by Erin King, will travel without her for the tests on 24 and 31 October.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho defended striker Kylian Mbappe after the French forward faced criticism for attending a Paris Fashion Week event and riding a bicycle during the international break. Mourinho described the media backlash as “ridiculous” and reiterated that Mbappe has fulfilled his obligations to the club.
Former world No.1 Juan Carlos Ferrero expressed openness to coaching Spanish rising star Rafael Jodar, highlighting his hunger, drive and potential. Ferrero, who previously coached Carlos Alcaraz, has turned down other coaching offers and may take the role if approached.
Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons has joined Harvard’s Crossover into Business programme, a course designed for professional athletes to develop commercial skills. The 23‑year‑old Dutch playmaker is using his rehabilitation period after an ACL rupture to study, while still prioritising his return to the pitch.