New Zealand number eight Kaipo Olsen‑Baker has been named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year. The 24‑year‑old was recognised ahead of Canada’s DaLeaka Menin and England’s Megan Jones and Zoe Harrison, and joins previous winners Sophie de Goede and Ellie Kildunne. The award was presented in Christchurch as the Black Ferns enjoyed a strong season under new coach Whitney Hansen.
Wales women’s rugby team secured a comfortable 29-5 victory over Japan in Kumagaya City, completing a double win in the WXV Global Series. The win gave Wales three tournament victories, their only loss having come earlier against the USA, and highlighted a dramatic turnaround under coach Sean Lynn. Japan, coached by Toshizumi Kitagawa, remain winless in the competition.
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev said his next bout at UFC 336 will be one of the final fights of his career, hinting at retirement. He also discussed the upcoming interim welterweight title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales that will determine his next opponent.
Canelo Alvarez and challenger Christian Mbilli successfully weighed in at 12st (76kg) ahead of their world title fight in Riyadh, just a day after two ballistic missiles were intercepted over the Saudi capital. The bout proceeds amid heightened security concerns and travel advisories, but the combat‑sports calendar in Saudi Arabia remains largely intact.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has lifted the IIHF’s suspension of Russia, meaning Russian men’s and women’s national teams can take part in international tournaments from the 2026‑27 season. The IIHF expressed disappointment, but will comply with the ruling while still concerned about safety and logistical issues.
Dominican champion Carlos Adames is set to make his Zuffa Boxing debut against Wales’ Gerome Warburton in a 165‑lb catch‑weight fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout is a non‑title fight, with Adames’ WBC belt not on the line, and forms part of Zuffa Boxing’s first event in the region.
England’s women’s rugby league side were knocked out of the World Cup after a 6-24 defeat by Samoa, ending their hopes of a fifth consecutive semi‑final. Coach Stuart Barrow had fielded a youthful squad, but Samoa’s power and pace proved too much, sending England’s campaign to an early close.
Scotland’s Mark Stewart, a 31‑year‑old former lifeguard, captured gold in the points race at the World Track Cycling Championships in Shanghai, securing his first world title after years of setbacks. The victory marks the pinnacle of his career and positions him as a contender for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Wales scrum-half Kieran Hardy has undergone surgery after a serious knee injury sustained in the United Rugby Championship. Ospreys head coach Mark Jones says Hardy will miss the remainder of the season but hopes he can be fit for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Wales wing Josh Adams, aged 31, has been released from the national squad to gain game time with Cardiff Rugby ahead of the Nations Championship. He will start at St Helen’s against the Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship, while both sides are missing several other Wales internationals due to injury or club commitments.