New Zealand’s women’s rugby league side thrashed Samoa 32-0 in the semi‑final at McDonald Jones Stadium, securing a place in the World Cup final. Stacey Waaka starred with a hat‑trick, while tries from Wiki, Hufanga, Atai and McGregor completed the dominant performance.
New Zealand’s women’s rugby league team, the Kiwi Ferns, thrashed Samoa 32‑0 in the semi‑final of the Rugby League World Cup, securing a place in the final. Stacey Waaka starred with a hat‑trick, while tries from Mackenzie Wiki, Mele Hufanga, Kaiyah Atai and Raecene McGregor helped the side dominate in blustery conditions at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium.
Lee Westwood warned that the DP World Tour could face a difficult future after the sudden collapse of LIV Golf, which was backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. He suggested the PGA Tour may now push harder for financial support and questioned the tour’s prize fund outlook, while noting the strategic alliance with the PGA Tour.
An amateur cricketer, Brian Devine, was banned for two years after being caught clicking his fingers to simulate an edge in a NYSD Division Two match, a tactic that went viral as the ‘Clicky Ponting’ scandal. The incident also saw Saltburn’s second XI relegated with a points deduction and a £300 fine imposed on the club.
British Gymnastics issued a formal warning to Dronfield Gymnastics Academy’s head coach Clare Hague after an investigation into fear‑based and controlling coaching practices. Despite the sanction, Hague was named as a coach for England’s squad at the Horizon Cup junior competition in Greece, prompting criticism from former gymnasts and safeguarding campaigners.
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend says the All Blacks are playing a more ambitious brand of rugby and that his side must find ways to win. The team will field returning stars Finn Russell and Sione Tuipulotu as they aim to beat New Zealand for the first time in their 34th encounter. The match, a November Test at Murrayfield, pits two former Glasgow Warriors coaches against each other.
Davey Grant, the UFC’s longest‑serving British fighter, reflects on his 13‑year career as he prepares to face Elijah Smith in Las Vegas. Despite injuries and a younger opponent, Grant remains motivated by his family and love for the sport.
Olympic bronze‑medallist Ana Barbosu was handed a two‑year suspension after missing three anti‑doping tests between September and December 2025. The International Testing Agency imposed the ban, which was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and it will be in effect from May 2026.
Jac Morgan says his move to Gloucester has given him a new attacking threat, leading the Premiership in turnovers and adding ball‑carrying to his game. He will bring this form to Wales as they prepare to face Japan in the Nations Championship.
Ireland back‑row forward Jack Conan spoke about the positive impact of head coach Andy Farrell’s emphasis on open communication within the squad. He also confirmed he will miss the upcoming November Nations Championship fixtures after a shoulder injury suffered in Leinster’s Champions Cup victory over Clermont.