Sixteen-time world darts champion Phil Taylor announced he will return to professional darts after an eight‑year retirement to play in the Modus Super Series International Pairs tournament in November. He will team up with fellow former world champion Adrian Lewis, with whom he has a storied partnership in England’s World Cup of Darts.
Former England rugby captain Lawrence Dallaglio will auction his 2003 Rugby World Cup winner’s medal and other memorabilia after being declared bankrupt. The medal is expected to fetch £50,000‑£80,000, with the whole collection valued at around £180,000, and the auction is scheduled for 13 October in Northamptonshire.
Ffion Lewis, a 28‑year‑old Welsh rugby player, is set to make history as the first woman from Wales to compete in both the Rugby Union and Rugby League World Cups. After overcoming a serious knee injury and a lack of contract renewal with the WRU, she returned to league with the London Broncos and earned a place in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup squad in Australia.
Newcastle Red Bulls have permitted All Blacks winger Fehi Fineanganofo to remain with the Hurricanes for an extra season, postponing his move to Tyneside until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The decision supports his ambition to represent New Zealand at the tournament while keeping his two‑year contract with the club intact for the 2027‑28 and 2028‑29 seasons.
Cricket Ireland announced that former international player Ed Joyce will take on the role of high performance batting coach for the men’s senior team and the broader talent pathway. Joyce, who played 151 times for Ireland and previously coached the women’s side, said he looks forward to improving consistency among the batting group.
Seven‑time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan was eliminated on the opening day of the Shenzhen Open, losing 5‑2 to Jiang Jun. The upset came after O’Sullivan had levelled the match, but Jiang surged ahead with a 108 break to secure the win. Other top players such as Zhao Xintong, Mark Williams and Judd Trump also progressed or withdrew in the early rounds.
Australia-born second‑row forward Jasmin Strange has been selected in England’s 23‑player squad for the upcoming Women’s Rugby League World Cup. The selection highlights the new heritage eligibility rules, allowing players with parentage ties to represent England despite being based in Australia.
England’s Matt Fitzpatrick claimed his fourth title of the year by winning the French Open at Le Golf National in Paris. He posted a one‑under‑par 70 to finish three shots ahead of Spain’s Angel Hidalgo, after leading by five shots entering the final round.
England wrapped up their summer with a dominant 223‑run victory over Sri Lanka in the third ODI at The Oval, clinching a 3‑0 series win. Tom Banton delivered a brilliant maiden century, while Harry Brook and Jordan Cox provided solid support. The win caps a successful period for England’s limited‑overs side despite recent off‑field challenges.
Scotland and Northern Ireland qualified for the 2027 Netball World Cup after a three‑day tournament in East Kilbride. Northern Ireland’s 73‑50 win over the Republic of Ireland and Scotland’s 55‑48 victory over Wales secured the top two spots, while Wales and the Republic of Ireland missed out.