Marco Bianchi 
Ireland’s women’s rugby side, led by head coach Scott Bemand, view the upcoming WXV Global Series as the beginning of a new World Cup cycle. The team will face the United States in Dublin before matches in Galway, Cork, and South Africa, aiming to build depth and experience after a strong Six Nations finish.
Philippine tennis prospect Alexandra Eala was defeated in her first Grand Slam main‑draw appearance, falling to Colombia’s Emiliana Arango in the opening round of the 2025 French Open. The match ended 6‑0, 2‑6, 6‑3, marking a setback for Eala after a promising breakthrough earlier in the season. Arango, then ranked No.85, advanced to the second round while Eala’s Grand Slam win‑streak ended.
Wrexham’s Hollywood owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, released a short video on the club’s X account joking about the Spygate controversy as a dig at upcoming opponents Southampton. The clip, promoting sponsor Firefox, comes ahead of the Championship match at the Racecourse Ground, with manager Phil Parkinson urging his side to focus on the game despite recent setbacks.
India’s Abhishek Sharma smashed 108 runs from 34 balls, setting the record for the fastest century in a full-member T20 international during the third T20 against Afghanistan in Delhi. His innings included nine fours and 11 sixes, propelling India to 221-7.
Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson told the media he has spoken to every player in the squad individually about the prospect of facing Israel in the Nations League, saying none feel comfortable with the fixtures. The two matches will be played at neutral venues – Israel’s ‘home’ game in Hungary on 27 September and the return in Serbia on 4 October – and the FAI has confirmed the home tie will be behind closed doors.
Seamus Coleman, the 37‑year‑old former Everton captain, was left out of the 26‑man Republic of Ireland squad for the forthcoming Nations League fixtures. Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson explained the decision was partly due to Coleman being club‑less and wanting to give opportunities to other players, while several other squad members also miss out because of injuries.
An independent technical assessment has cleared the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton as the venue for rowing and canoeing at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, despite the river being home to around 500 saltwater crocodiles. World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide endorsed the venue, and officials said contingency plans are in place to ensure athlete safety.
British doubles star Joe Salisbury, a six‑time Grand Slam champion, announced his retirement from professional tennis in a heartfelt Instagram message. He reflected on his career, his partnership with Rajeev Ram, and expressed pride in his achievements, while fellow British players praised his contributions to the sport.
Cardiff City have bolstered their defensive options with the return of 20‑year‑old Wales centre‑back Dylan Lawlor, who has recovered from a knee injury. His comeback comes ahead of the home clash with Charlton Athletic, while teammate Will Fish remains sidelined after hernia surgery.
Dutch striker Donyell Malen, once a fringe player at Aston Villa, has transformed into the most prolific scorer across Europe’s top five leagues since joining AS Roma in January. He has netted 20 goals and contributed 22 goal involvements, outscoring stars such as Harry Kane, while manager Gian Piero Gasperini has deployed him as a central striker.