Marco Bianchi 
Australia midfielder Cristian Volpato was stopped twice for speeding on the Anzac Bridge and allegedly returned a positive cocaine test from an oral fluid sample. The incident comes as he featured for the Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with police continuing their investigation.
Double Olympic champion swimmer Matt Richards is targeting a Commonwealth Games gold medal in Glasgow 2026 to complete his collection of major titles. He leads a Welsh squad of 21 swimmers and para‑swimmers, including Kieran Bird, Medi Harris, Ela Letton‑Jones and rising stars Theodora Taylor and Tyler Melbourne‑Smith.
Jessica Andrade, the former UFC strawweight champion from Brazil, has taken a job as a delivery driver while she recovers from a shoulder injury that sidelined her since August 2025. The move highlights the financial challenges some fighters face despite having fought 30 times in the UFC.
Scottish darts player Cameron Menzies was taken ill with high blood pressure during his World Matchplay second‑round match in Blackpool. After feeling dizzy and fainting, he was escorted off the stage and could not return, resulting in a 1‑2 defeat to Ross Smith. The PDC confirmed he was cleared medically but had to forfeit the match.
Spain midfielder Gavi said he does not believe Argentina’s Leandro Paredes should be suspended for his role in the post‑final fracas that erupted after Spain’s 1‑0 World Cup win. The incident involved several Argentine players and staff, and FIFA has opened a disciplinary investigation.
Everton have confirmed the signing of Finnish international Jutta Rantala from Leicester City, activating an undisclosed release clause. The 26‑year‑old forward joins a squad that has already added two other former Leicester players this summer as they look to improve on an eighth‑place finish in the Women’s Super League.
Larne were beaten 4-0 at home by Red Star Belgrade in the first leg of the Champions League second qualifying round. Manager Gary Haveron praised his side’s effort but acknowledged the quality gap, saying the competition was a step too far for the club.
Former Wales and British & Irish Lions full‑back Leigh Halfpenny has signed on as a full‑time skills coach at Cardiff Rugby. He will work with the club’s kickers, scrum‑halves and academy players, bringing experience from his recent role as Wales’ kicking coach.
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour have announced a new partnership with the Asian Tour, extending their strategic alliance to at least 2029. The move, welcomed by players like Rory McIlroy, further isolates LIV Golf, which is seeking new investment after losing Saudi backing.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson says the club feel privileged to return to the US for a pre‑season tour, where they will play three Premier League opponents. The schedule includes games against Leeds United in Tampa, Liverpool in New York and Sunderland in Philadelphia, with the squad looking to build on previous successful tours.