Jack Crowley, Ireland’s fly‑half, has been ruled out with a blood‑vessel problem in his leg and will not return until the new year, depriving Munster of a key player for the start of the United Rugby Championship and the second block of the Six Nations. Munster head coach Clayton McMillan stressed the priority of getting Crowley back to full fitness, while the team also copes with injuries to other out‑half options.
On Test Match Special, former England captain Michael Vaughan and commentator Jonathan Agnew slammed the England cricket team’s culture after bowler Brydon Carse was handcuffed outside a nightclub. The incident adds to a series of recent off‑field issues involving the side, prompting calls for a change in attitude.
American golfer Matt Gogel has received a six‑month suspension after admitting to placing small recreational wagers on golf tournaments in 2024 and 2025, violating PGA Tour policy. The ban runs from 23 August 2026 until 22 February 2027, and Gogel says he looks forward to returning to competition.
Three-time major champion Anna Nordqvist, 39, announced she will retire from professional golf following this week’s FM Championship near Boston. She will also captain Europe in the upcoming Solheim Cup and reflected on her 18‑year career, including three major titles and nine LPGA victories.
Olympic figure skating champion Alysa Liu announced she will sit out the 2026-27 season to work on her technique and artistry. The 21‑year‑old will miss the March World Championships in Finland but says she will return stronger after the break.
Premiership Women’s Rugby reported a 23.4% rise in average attendances for the 2025-26 season, buoyed by the heightened interest after England’s home World Cup victory. The league also saw a record fourth title for Saracens and significant growth in social media reach and broadcast coverage.
St Helens legend Jonny Lomax, 35, confirmed he will retire at the end of the 2026 Super League season after a career spanning 388 appearances and numerous titles. Injuries, including a fractured jaw, have limited his playing time this year, and he reflected on his achievements and gratitude for the sport.
Luke Littler’s hopes of qualifying for the Players Championship finals were dented after a quarter‑final loss to Jermaine Wattimena at PC27 in Leicester. The 19‑year‑old, currently 141st on the Order of Merit and £22,250 behind the top 64, now faces limited opportunities to climb the rankings before the November finals.
Ireland’s women’s rugby team will compete in the WXV Global Series this autumn. Coach Scott Bemand highlighted the selection of seven uncapped players who impressed in the Interprovincial Championship, adding fresh talent to the 36‑player squad ahead of tests against the USA, Japan and South Africa.
Olympic champion Hannah Scott says she is entering the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam after a strong winter of training, targeting a second world title in the women’s quad sculls. She will race alongside Finnola Stratton, Imogen Grant and Lola Anderson, facing a stacked field that includes the Dutch, Swiss and German crews.