In the opening match of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, Tonga stunned England with a 30-12 victory in Perth. The win ends a six‑game losing streak against England and leaves the English side facing a tough path to the semi‑finals. Tonga’s attacking flair and solid defence, highlighted by captain Jason Taumalolo, secured the upset.
Australia’s women’s rugby side overwhelmed Scotland in a WXV Global Series clash in Sydney, posting a 56-12 victory with eight tries. The win marked Scotland’s eighth consecutive defeat in the competition, while Australia secured their second win of the series, moving up in the world rankings.
In a dramatic WXV Global Series match in Toronto, Canada edged England 24‑21 thanks to a late try by Shoshanah Seumanutafa, snapping England’s 41‑match unbeaten streak that had lasted nearly four years. The win marked Canada’s first victory over England on Canadian soil and set a North American attendance record for a standalone women’s rugby fixture.
In the opening match of the WXV Global Series, Canada rallied in the final minutes to defeat England 24-21 at a Toronto venue. Shoshanah Seumanutafa’s 77th‑minute try secured the win and snapped England’s unbeaten run that had lasted since the 2022 Rugby World Cup final.
Toulon opened their European Challenge Cup campaign with a 27-17 victory over Edinburgh in Edinburgh. Full-back Melvyn Jaminet was the star, scoring two tries and adding 22 points through penalties and conversions. Edinburgh fought back but could not overcome the French side’s strong second‑half performance.
Former Sale Sharks lock Hyron Andrews died in an accident at the Johannesburg Lions’ hotel in La Rochelle before the team’s Champions Cup fixture. The club and South African Rugby Union issued statements expressing deep sorrow, and the upcoming match will be played in his honour with a moment of silence observed.
The opening match of the Rugby League World Cup saw Australia narrowly defeat New Zealand 24‑22 in a physically demanding contest in Sydney. Star full‑backs Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga pushed through severe ailments – Walsh vomited on the field and Ponga played with a suspected broken arm – highlighting the brutal toll of the sport.
Tom McKibbin posted a six-under 66 to sit one shot off the lead on day one of the DP World India Championship at the Delhi Golf Club. Rory McIlroy, also from Northern Ireland, was three shots behind, while Denmark’s Niklas Norgaard led the field after a late surge. The opening round was disrupted by lightning, causing delays for many competitors.
Great Britain’s Matthew Bostock delivered a commanding performance to claim the gold medal in the men’s scratch race at the Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai. His victory adds to Britain’s strong showing at the event.
England opening batsman Zak Crawley has agreed a one‑year extension with Kent, ensuring he will play his 11th season for the county. The deal comes three days after the England and Wales Cricket Board omitted his central contract, ending his recent involvement with the national side.