Details: Renowned British league fighter Connor Tierney left the ring with a severe skull injury sustained right in the heat of battle. In the midst of a ferocious exchange with Rico Franco, a fateful moment unfolded. The fighters closed the distance, and Franco surged forward, resulting in an unintentional but brutal head-on collision. The blow landed squarely on Tierney's face.

• See also: Goal-scoring showdown in Bragança Paulista: prediction for Bragantino vs Internacional - 31.05.2026

Although the contact from his opponent was purely accidental, the consequences proved catastrophic: Connor suffered a serious comminuted jaw fracture.

BKFC fighter Connor Tierney suffered a severely broken jaw after an accidental headbutt from opponent Rico Franco tonight in the main event of BKFC Birmingham 😳 pic.twitter.com/YunKynsamc

— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) May 31, 2026

The league's medical team immediately rushed into action right in the ring, assessing the extent of the damage. The fight was stopped, and the injured athlete was urgently hospitalized at the nearest clinic for emergency maxillofacial surgery. Now, Tierney faces a long and painful rehabilitation process, with his return to bare-knuckle action postponed indefinitely.

Reminder: Conor McGregor returns to the octagon.

Details: The life of young Brazilian superstar Gabriel Ganley has been cut short at just 23 years old.

Brazilian bodybuilder Gabriel Ganley has passed away at the age of 22 pic.twitter.com/80KIMCe9o5

— internet hall of fame (@InternetH0F) May 24, 2026

Official representatives and major media platforms have already issued statements of support for the athlete's loved ones.

Gabriel Ganley was considered one of the most electrifying and genetically gifted young heavyweights in South America. At just 23, he had already built a massive fan base and showcased a phenomenal physique, which had many predicting legendary status for him on the world’s most prestigious stages.

At this time, the official cause and tragic circumstances of the young bodybuilder’s death have not been disclosed.

Details: At the age of 61, one of Scotland’s greatest rugby players, Scott Hastings, has passed away.

Scott Hastings left an indelible mark on the history of world rugby. Throughout his brilliant career, he earned 65 caps for the Scottish national team, long remaining one of the squad’s most reliable and respected defenders.

Moreover, his exceptional talent was recognized across the British Isles: Hastings was twice selected for the elite British & Irish Lions squad during their iconic tours in 1989 and 1993.

We are saddened to learn that Scotland Rugby great Scott Hastings has passed away. Hastings earned 65 caps for his country and toured twice with the British & Irish Lions in 1989 and 1993.Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time, as well as everyone connected… pic.twitter.com/zhf57BNxON

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) May 17, 2026

The DailySports editorial team extends its condolences to the legend’s family and loved ones.

The incident unfolded in the third frame of the final at the Crucible Theatre, as Chinese player Wu Yize was preparing to take his shot, leading Shaun Murphy 67-31.

From the stands, a woman shouted out emotionally, "Who even pays for a TV licence?" sparking unrest and murmurs among the crowd. She then added, "Nobody pays," before being escorted out by security.

Ffs another clown 😩🤡 pic.twitter.com/Imt4mD5REq

— Out Of Context Snooker (@OOCSnooker) May 3, 2026

Match referee Rob Spencer reacted quickly, stepping in to stop the fan’s attempt to approach the table. Security soon removed the disruptive spectator from the arena.

Don’t mess with Rob Spencer https://t.co/COVZwQ7H98 pic.twitter.com/zGoNQnYQrX

— Out Of Context Snooker (@OOCSnooker) May 3, 2026

This was not the first such incident at the tournament. Just a day earlier, a semi-final match was also interrupted when politically charged chants referencing the Jeffrey Epstein case erupted from the stands, forcing the referee to remove the offending spectator.

• See also: Aston Villa vs Tottenham: prediction, head-to-head stats and probable lineups — 03.05.2026

After four frames, it’s worth noting that Murphy is trailing Wu Yize 1-3.

Details: Right in the heat of a tense battle, with the score deadlocked at 11-11, a spectator made a blatant outburst that momentarily rattled both players.

• See also: Hull vs Norwich prediction: facts, lineups and H2H - 02.05.26

The incident unfolded at the start of the 23rd frame as Shaun Murphy was preparing for his break-off. A loud, sharp shout from the crowd forced the player to pause and regain his composure.

🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/QRwjgbK34c

— Out Of Context Snooker (@OOCSnooker) May 1, 2026

This behavior sparked an immediate and stern reaction from the commentators, who called for security to eject the troublemaker from the Crucible without delay.

Reminder: Mark Williams has promised to run stark naked down the motorway if he wins the world championship.

Details: The internet sensation didn’t just attend the event; he became an active participant in the chaos, putting on a real show in the ring.

• See also: Everton vs Liverpool: Prediction, H2H and probable lineups — April 19, 2026

During one of the matches, IShowSpeed suddenly stormed into the thick of the action and delivered a powerful move to Logan Paul, leaping off the top rope and crashing him through a table. The crowd erupted as, before the jump, the streamer sprang to his feet and performed his idol Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic celebration—the Siuuu.

IShowSpeed just hit the ‘SIUUU’ and put Logan Paul through a desk off the top rope pic.twitter.com/ut0maqV3sT

— Dexerto (@Dexerto) April 18, 2026

Reminder: Ronaldo Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps, netting a hat-trick and scoring a spectacular free-kick goal.

Details: In an interview with BBC Sport, the 51-year-old Welshman stunned the public by declaring he would run naked along one of Britain's main motorways if he clinches a fourth world crown.

• See also: Fenerbahçe vs Rizespor prediction, H2H and probable line-ups — April 17, 2026

"I'd run stark naked along the M4 from London to Cardiff," Williams admitted with a laugh.

Mark Williams REALLY wants a fourth world snooker title! 😅 pic.twitter.com/4denoGJ89w

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 17, 2026

It's worth noting that Mark, famous for his sharp sense of humor and unpredictability, has pulled off similar stunts before: after his 2018 victory, he attended the post-match press conference completely nude, covered only by a towel.

Reminder: A fire at the world championship destroyed the roof of the Olympic arena.

Details: According to TV Prefeito, the blaze started at 4:17 a.m. local time in the Velodrome building. Around 60 firefighters and more than 20 pieces of specialized equipment were deployed to battle the flames, but despite the rescuers’ efforts, the fire managed to destroy a significant portion of the arena’s roof.

• See also: Junior FC — Palmeiras Prediction, H2H and Probable Lineups — 9 April 2026

Fortunately, no one was injured as the venue was empty when the fire started. Nevertheless, the incident has cast doubt on the continuation of the championship. Organizers had to urgently relocate all scheduled matches to the neighboring Carioca arena. Originally, this venue was only supposed to host the knockout rounds, but now it will serve as the main stage for all phases of the competition.

Um incêndio atingiu o Velódromo do Parque Olímpico, na Barra da Tijuca (RJ), na manhã desta quarta‑feira (8), mobilizando uma grande operação com cerca de 60 bombeiros e mais de 20 viaturas. pic.twitter.com/nX9OlOjvak

— Maicon Souza (@MaiconSouza_) April 8, 2026

Despite this emergency, officials announced that the tournament would proceed without long-term interruptions. Group stage bouts at the new location kicked off on time as per the original schedule, though participants were warned about possible changes due to the increased demand on a single arena.

Reminder: The greatest mogul skier in history, Mikael Kingsbury, has announced his retirement.

Details: According to The Independent, the young athlete made a triumphant entrance into the world of professional bodybuilding, competing at the prestigious NPC Natural tournament in Colorado. And what a debut it was: Baena didn’t just step onto the stage—he dominated multiple categories, taking home a stunning three gold medals.

• Read also: Brisbane Roar — Sydney FC Prediction, H2H and Probable Lineups — April 2, 2026

😮 Joseph Baena segue le orme di suo padre, Arnold Schwarzenegger, e conquista il primo premio in tre categorie in una competizione di bodybuilding in Colorado.Il 28enne ha vinto nella categoria bodybuilding maschile open – classe pesi massimi, nella categoria classic physique… pic.twitter.com/OM4fVXg70F

— RTL 102.5 (@rtl1025) April 1, 2026

This success is the result of months of grueling preparation, with none other than “The Austrian Oak” himself playing an active role. In the run-up to the competition, Joseph repeatedly shared footage of joint training sessions with his father.

ARNOLD’S SON JUST WON HIS FIRST BODYBUILDING SHOW AND THE GENETICS DO NOT LIE 💪🏋️‍♀️Joseph Baena came, saw, and conquered like a true Schwarzenegger. Look at him go and proud Papa Arnold haha so cool!!😅 😻 pic.twitter.com/oSP9X1fqnA

— 💢𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹 💢 🇺🇸 (@c4mpbellbjj) April 1, 2026

The elder Schwarzenegger personally coached his son in posing secrets and muscle-building techniques—lessons that clearly paid off on the Colorado stage.

Reminder: Eden Hazard finished a cycling race and celebrated with a beer.

Details: This time, the Belgian surprised fans with his appearance in Mallorca, where he took part in the “Mallorca 312” – one of Europe’s most prestigious amateur cycling events. Riders from all over the globe gathered on the Spanish island, but it was the football icon’s presence that truly stole the spotlight.

• See also: Cultural Leonesa vs Andorra: prediction, head-to-head, and probable line-ups – 29 March 2026

Hazard didn’t go for the easy route, showcasing his impressive fitness by conquering a grueling 167-kilometer course that cuts through the punishing Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.

🇪🇸🚴‍♂️ Eden Hazard just crushed a massive 225km cycling challenge in the stunning roads of Mallorca... and wrapped it up the only way legends do — with a well-earned cold beer in hand. 🍺✨What a vibe! 🔥pic.twitter.com/7NqMsH0rXf

— Futball Centa (@futballcenta) March 28, 2026

Immediately after crossing the exhausting finish line, Hazard, true to his trademark style, decided to celebrate his achievement with a cold bottle of beer.

Reminder: Como will receive a paltry sum as Nico Paz returns to Real Madrid.

Details: After 17 seasons of unrivaled dominance on the slopes, the 33-year-old "King of Moguls" has decided to hang up his skis for good.

• See also: Czech Republic vs Ukraine: the battle for the 2027 U19 Euro

Kingsbury's stats read like the script for a superhero blockbuster. Over his illustrious career, he captured 5 Olympic medals, amassed an incredible collection of 29 Crystal Globes, and set an untouchable world record with 100 World Cup victories. In total, the Canadian stood on the podium 143 times, making him the most decorated freestyle skier in history.

A post shared by Canadian Olympic Team (@teamcanada)

Mikaël didn’t just win races—he revolutionized mogul skiing technique and took the difficulty of aerial tricks to a whole new level.

Reminder: Transgender women have been officially banned from competing in female categories at the Olympic Games.

Details: Today it became known that the death sentence for 19-year-old Iranian wrestler Saleh Mohammadi was carried out in Iran.

Reports indicate that Iranian authorities executed the young athlete by hanging, citing his participation in anti-government protests and the killing of a police officer.

Saleh was arrested on January 15 of this year, and just three days later, on January 18, he was sentenced to death—a sentence that was carried out today.

The executed athlete tried to appeal the fatal court decision, stating that his confession was made under pressure and torture. However, the country's authorities remained adamant and refused to overturn the death penalty.

Also read: War and sports. The US destroys Iran’s legendary Azadi Stadium. How will the Olympic Committee respond?

Details: The Venezuelans managed to edge past Team USA with a 3–2 victory. It marks their first title in this prestigious tournament. The win was also acknowledged by the country’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, who declared Wednesday a Day of National Joy and an official public holiday.

In addition, United States President Donald Trump reacted to the match on his social media platform.

🚨 👀 Trump on Venezuela, winning the world baseball classic pic.twitter.com/NNv7NdzUnz

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 18, 2026

Reminder: One of Iran’s largest and most famous indoor arenas, the Azadi Stadium, was destroyed during an airstrike and missile attacks by the United States on Tehran.

Details: Two days ago, as part of the 2025/26 World Cup in Holmenkollen, Norway, a ski race took place that entertained fans not only with its suspense but also with a uniquely hilarious incident.

• See also: Portsmouth vs Derby County: prediction, head-to-head and probable line-ups – 16 March 2026

The story revolves around one of the race participants, British skier Gabriel Gledhill, who, having lost all chances of winning, decided to join the fans for some drinks right in the middle of the race.

Gabriel instantly won over the crowd, with fans running alongside him on the course and handing him alcoholic drinks, which the athlete gladly accepted:

“I had to accept every offer that came my way. After a while, I was pretty drunk. It was a lot of fun. There were some pretty strong drinks. I was offered Jägermeister, and I agreed. This was one of the most entertaining events I’ve ever been a part of,” the athlete shared.

In the end, Gabriel Gledhill finished 67th, trailing the winner by a staggering 20 minutes and 16 seconds. His finish was so late that he had to cross the line together with the women’s group, who set off 45 minutes after the men’s start.

This race will surely be one to remember for Gabriel, even though he never managed to reach the podium.

Post by FIS Cross-Country World Cup (@fiscrosscountry)

Reminder: Norwegian biathlete wins Olympic bronze and admits to cheating on his girlfriend

Details: According to TalkSport, one of the participants, Envoy Allen, died after collapsing while returning following the race. The horse had won at the Cheltenham Festival three times and had been competing at the racecourse for eight consecutive years.

Envoy Allen was set to retire after the conclusion of this year’s festival.

Heartbreaking news. pic.twitter.com/jiFKIBPUhC

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) March 13, 2026

Reminder: Celebrations of Johannes Klæbo’s triumphant season were abruptly interrupted by a horrific incident. The 11-time Olympic champion, who had just rewritten history at the 2026 Games, was hospitalized.

Details: According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, citing national team coach Arild Monsen, the decorated skier was unable to finish the competition on his own and was immediately sent for medical examination.

• See also: Stellenbosch vs TS Galaxy: prediction, head-to-head and probable line-ups – 13 March 2026

The reason for the hospitalization was a collision with American Ben Ogden on a narrow section of the course. As a result of the fall, Klæbo suffered a severe blow to the head. The athlete's condition immediately raised serious concerns among the stadium's medical staff: coach Monsen reported that Johannes appeared dazed and disoriented.

Doctors are currently conducting a series of tests to rule out a serious concussion or any other hidden injuries that can result from such a powerful impact.

For the record: Mondo Duplantis set a new world record.

Details: Charlie Manby clinched the match with a 6-4 scoreline, nailing double four in the final leg. However, instead of celebrating, he approached his rival, James Hurrell, with clear frustration.

Needle on Board Seven! 👀Charlie Manby wins a feisty affair against James Hurrell to book his spot in round four, averaging 99 in the process!Live Scores & Streaming https://t.co/gFQK4rQ2wU#UKOpenDarts | R3 pic.twitter.com/4CbOh48EW8

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 6, 2026

Hurrell plugged his ears with his fingers as Manby threw the match-winning darts, then offered him a handshake. This appeared to infuriate the young star, who followed James to the table. Manby continued to argue, and the situation nearly escalated into a physical altercation, forcing the referee to step in and separate the players.

Only after Hurrell left did Manby finally unleash a roar of triumph to the crowd, who had been egging him on throughout the tense standoff with the seasoned competitor. After the match, Manby commented:

I just don’t think he was happy with me giving it the biggun when there’s a lot riding on it. I am mates with Jammo, sat on his table for ProTours and get on really well with him. He was giving it to me back. That was it, really.

See also: War and sports. The US destroys Iran’s legendary Azadi Stadium. How will the Olympic Committee respond?

Details: According to MatchDay Central, one of the largest and most renowned indoor arenas in Iran, the Azadi Stadium, was demolished during a US air and missile strike on Tehran.

Reports indicate that the arena, which had a seating capacity of 12,000 and was part of the iconic Azadi Olympic Sports Complex, is now in ruins and unfit for hosting any events.

• See also: Tottenham vs Crystal Palace: can Tottenham finally claim a win?

This venue had previously hosted major futsal, wrestling, football, volleyball, and basketball tournaments, with its crowning achievement being the staging of the first-ever Summer Asian Games in 1974.

Alongside the stadium, the offices of several Iranian sports federations nearby—including cycling, weightlifting, and sailing—were also damaged.

Iranian officials have stated that they eagerly await a response from the Olympic Committee, especially given that the 2028 Summer Olympic Games are set to be held in the United States.

In US-Israeli airstrikes on #Tehran today, the 12,000-seat Azadi Indoor Stadium was destroyed. The venue was built between 1907-71 under the shah regime and opened in 1974 just in time to host the seventh Asian Games. Iran's infrastructure are being increasingly targeted now pic.twitter.com/sAQEvHEwpj

— Kourosh Ziabari (@KZiabari) March 5, 2026

Recall: Money versus safety. Qatar refuses to move the Finalissima 2026 despite missile strikes

Details: According to RMC Sport, Australian referee Nic Berry, who was set to officiate the March 14 encounter, will not make it to Europe. The reason: widespread flight disruptions caused by the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East.

• See also: Beşiktaş – Rizespor: will Beşiktaş extend their winning streak?

Reports indicate the issue stems from the closure of major regional air hubs, which are crucial points for flights between Australia and Europe. With airlines canceling flights en masse or rerouting, Berry’s attendance at the match became impossible. In an official World Rugby statement, the organization emphasized that the decision was made solely due to logistical challenges in the Middle East.

Berry’s spot in the officiating crew will be taken by Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli. He will be joined on the lines by Irishman Andrew Brace and Scotland’s Hollie Davidson, who continues to solidify her position as one of the most influential women referees in world rugby. Notably, this conflict has already forced Berry out of more than one fixture: earlier, he was also replaced in Saturday’s Italy vs England match in Rome.

Reminder: Legendary surfer found dead at his home in Costa Rica.

Details: According to the local Judicial Investigation Agency, surfer Kurt Van Dyke was stabbed and strangled in his own home in Costa Rica. His body was discovered on Saturday, February 14.

The assailants reportedly broke into his residence and carried out the murder. After the attack, the robbers fled with several valuables as well as a 2013 Hyundai Elantra belonging to Van Dyke’s girlfriend.

Van Dyke was just seven years old when he first took up surfing and quickly made a name for himself on the Santa Cruz surf scene.

He first traveled to the southern Costa Rican province of Limón in 1983 to ride the waves at Salsa Brava — powerful and often dangerous swells comparable to those found in Hawaii.

Recall: Olympic bronze medalist snowboarder Ueli Kestenholz tragically lost his life after being caught in an avalanche.

Details: After leading Norway to victory in the men's relay, the 29-year-old Klaebo now boasts nine Olympic gold medals. This remarkable feat puts him ahead of legendary compatriots—skier Bjørn Dæhlie and biathlete Ole Einar Bjørndalen—who each held eight golds.

• See also: Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid: prediction, head-to-head, and probable line-ups – 15 February 2026

🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo of Norway just tied the record for most Winter Olympic gold medals!#MilanoCortina2026 #CrossCountrySkiing pic.twitter.com/Lfin1Ng2Mz

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) February 13, 2026

Klaebo's ninth gold medal is a fitting testament to his dominance on the cross-country tracks. He now sits atop the all-time list of Winter Olympic legends, setting a lofty benchmark that may stand unchallenged for years to come.

Reminder: Here is the schedule and results of the ice hockey tournament at the Olympic Games.

By the seventh minute of the first half, both sides had already found the back of the net twice, and the teams headed into halftime with Spain holding a slim advantage. Portugal drew level midway through the second half, but then Spain's talisman Antonio Pérez stepped up, netting a hat-trick to restore his side's lead. Adolfo put the finishing touch on the game just seconds before the final buzzer—Spain clinched a 5-3 victory.

Your 2026 #FutsalEURO champions, Spain! 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/mlhGoUudK5

— UEFA Futsal (@UEFAFutsal) February 7, 2026

• See also: Liverpool vs Manchester City: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 8 February 2026

It’s worth noting that these teams met in the Euro 2018 final, where Portugal celebrated victory, repeating their triumph in 2022. Spain, however, have now claimed their first European Championship title since 2016 and, with eight trophies, remain the most decorated futsal team on the continent.

Earlier in the day, Croatia edged out France in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure third place and win their first-ever medals at a continental championship.

In the first semi-final, Croatia faced Spain. In the first half, La Furia Roja scored two goals and maintained that advantage throughout the second half. The Croatians pulled one goal back, but it was not enough to complete a comeback.

Spain reach the final! 🇪🇸#FutsalEURO pic.twitter.com/cJfBeDGbp2

— UEFA Futsal (@UEFAFutsal) February 4, 2026

Portugal and France met in the second semi-final. The French side struck first early in the match, but in the closing minutes of the first half the Portuguese scored twice in quick succession. Two more goals followed in the second half, with France unable to respond.

Third consecutive final for Portugal! 🇵🇹#FutsalEURO pic.twitter.com/8okSEbUeLH

— UEFA Futsal (@UEFAFutsal) February 4, 2026

As a result, Spain and France have advanced to the final of Euro 2026 in futsal. The last time these two national teams met in a final was in 2018, when Portugal claimed a 3–2 victory.

Details: Two-time Olympic champion from Ukraine, Olga Kharlan, delighted her fans on Instagram by announcing that she is expecting a baby.

Kharlan and her husband Luigi Samele shared a video clearly showing the fencer's baby bump.

• See also: Portsmouth vs Ipswich Town prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 3 February 2026

Kharlan has claimed Olympic gold in fencing twice. Olga first clinched the individual title in Beijing in 2008, and in 2024 repeated her success in the team event.

In 2016, Olga Kharlan was officially inducted into the International Fencing Hall of Fame.

This will be Olga's first child.

Post by Kharlan Olga / Ukrainian fencer 🇺🇦🤺 (@olgakharlan)

Reminder: Love rules the world! Lewis Hamilton starts dating Kim Kardashian

Details: From Group A, the national teams of France and Croatia advanced to the playoffs. From Group B, Armenia and Ukraine qualified for the knockout stage, from Group C — Spain and Belgium, and from Group D — Portugal and Italy. The eight participants have been confirmed. In addition, the quarter-final pairings of Futsal Euro 2026 have been formed.

• France — Ukraine
• Spain — Italy
• Armenia — Croatia
• Portugal — Belgium

The quarter-final matches will be played over two days, on Saturday and Sunday, 31 January and 1 February.

Let us recall: After the final matchday, all potential playoff pairings in the UEFA Champions League were also announced. This includes not only the Round of 32, but also possible Round of 16 matchups.

On one of the fast sections, roughly 96 kilometers from the finish, he was knocked down by two kangaroos. Despite the crash, Vine managed to get back up, change bikes twice, and rejoin the peloton, ultimately going on to win the stage.

Only in the Tour Down Under: Race leader Jay Vine and a few other of the world's best cyclists have been taken down by a kangaroo after it hopped into the peloton. pic.twitter.com/IbwAdtclhg

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) January 25, 2026

Vainqueur du #TourDownUnder, Jay Vine (UAE Emirates-XRG) a connu la chute lors de la dernière étape ce dimanche en raison d'un kangourou. Tombé au même endroit, son équipier Mikkel Bjerg a dû abandonner. Les UAE ont par ailleurs terminé la course à 3. pic.twitter.com/R90EgjOOKL

— Le Gruppetto (@LeGruppetto) January 25, 2026

• Also read: Roma vs Milan prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups - 25 January 2026

The crash did not go without consequences: three riders—Menno Huising, Lucas Stevenson, and Alberto Dainese—were forced to abandon the race, and one of the kangaroos was also injured.

Everyone asks me what the most dangerous thing in Australia is, and I always say: kangaroos. They wait on the roadside, and the moment you can't dodge them, they jump out in front of you. Today proved it,

Vine joked after the race.

Details: Former Swedish national team footballer and star of many renowned clubs, Zlatan Ibrahimović, shared a photo with the iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger—a meeting of two titans of sport and strength that took place in Austria. The image instantly went viral across social media.

• See also: Paris vs Angers prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups - 25 January 2026

Zlatan himself captioned the photo with the legendary phrase, “We will be back.”

" We will be back " @Schwarzenegger pic.twitter.com/stiFE6aLWk

— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) January 24, 2026

The legendary striker attended the Alpine Skiing World Cup stage in Kitzbühel, where he crossed paths with the movie icon.

Reminder: Liverpool forward Alexander Isak received the Swedish Golden Ball award.

Details: According to L'Equipe, it was reported today that 50-year-old Swiss snowboarder and Olympic bronze medalist Ueli Kestenholz died after being caught in an avalanche in the canton of Valais, Switzerland.

Official authorities in Valais stated that at an altitude of 2,400 meters, an avalanche was triggered for unexplained reasons, proving fatal for Kestenholz, who was at the scene. The former athlete was rushed to the hospital, but doctors were unable to save him.

Ueli Kestenholz claimed the Olympic bronze medal in 1998 at the Nagano Games in Japan. He also earned five medals in the Snowboard World Cup throughout his career.

The snowboarding world mourns the loss of an icon.

Le snowboarder suisse Ueli Kestenholz, médaillé de bronze en slalom géant aux Jeux de Nagano en 1998, est mort, emporté par une avalanche dans le canton du Valais➡️ https://t.co/6sZh58Chhq pic.twitter.com/kV02LG7X0C

— L'Équipe (@lequipe) January 13, 2026

See also: RIP. Brazilian gymnast Isabelle Marciniak dies at 18

Details: According to preliminary reports, the player lost consciousness and collapsed while preparing to fly to Moscow with his team, Norilsk Nickel. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, the athlete could not be saved.

It should be noted that Alex Felipe became a UEFA Futsal Champions League winner with Portuguese side Sporting in the 2018/19 season.

We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Alex Felipe, 32, a 2018/19 UEFA Futsal Champions League winner. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends and teammates at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/NUgE7mB4bY

— UEFA (@UEFA) January 7, 2026

Alex Felipe was also known for his spells with Spain's Inter FS, Brazilian clubs JEC Krona Futsal and Corinthians, as well as the Brazilian national team.

The Dailysports editorial team extends its condolences to the Brazilian's family and loved ones.

Details: According to ESPN, 18-year-old Brazilian gymnast Isabelle Marciniak has passed away at the age of 18 after a battle with cancer.

Reports indicate that Isabelle fought Hodgkin's lymphoma for a long time, but sadly, the disease proved insurmountable.

The Parana State Federation released a statement regarding this heartbreaking loss:

“May her story, her passion for sport, and her memory remain a source of inspiration for all those who believe in gymnastics as a tool for human development and transformation,” reads the statement from the Parana State Gymnastics Federation.

In 2021, Isabelle Marciniak captured gold at the Brazilian Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships, winning the all-around, taking victory in the ball routine, and earning silver in the ribbon event. In 2023, Isabelle also triumphed at the Parana State adult championships in the trio event—her final competition before her illness.

LUTO NO ESPORTEGinasta Isabelle Marciniak morre aos 18 anoshttps://t.co/2LxYUKMQqU

— ESPN Brasil (@ESPNBrasil) December 25, 2025

See also: RIP. Paralympic champion Paige Greco has passed away

Details: Yesterday’s Premier League Matchday 16 clash between Manchester United and Bournemouth delivered not only a goal-filled spectacle and a true football thriller that ended 4-4, but also featured a special star in the stands.

Among the Manchester supporters was 18-year-old Luke Littler, the youngest ever world champion in darts, who recently found himself in hot water for attending a Wolves match by bypassing ticket rules.

After Littler’s commanding 3-0 victory over Darius Labanauskas at the Alexandra Palace tournament, Luke wasted no time and headed straight to support his beloved team in this crucial fixture.

Unfortunately, even such superstar support couldn’t help Manchester United clinch the win, but fans were treated to an incredible match that kept the entire English football world on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

Luke Littler is not back in action at the Darts World Championship for a few days so he is in attendance at Old Trafford tonight supporting the home side pic.twitter.com/rAb0JvX60c

— Waleed Khalid (@AnimalMan7) December 15, 2025

Reminder: Luke Littler is the NZ Darts Masters champion!

Details: According to Sky Sport, the incident took place during the sixth round match between Calcetto Clark Udine and Manzano C5, held in Chiusaforte (Udine). It all began when Clark player Grance Shimba Olamba first received a yellow card and was then sent off.

• Also read: Udinese vs Napoli prediction, H2H and probable lineups - December 14, 2025

Enraged by the decision, the player began insulting and threatening the referee, forcing the match to be paused for several minutes. He then left the pitch, but during the break between the first and second halves, he waited for referee Stefano Tomazettiga near the locker rooms and punched him in the face, knocking him unconscious. The assault occurred despite attempts from teammates to restrain him.

After the blow, the referee fell to the ground and hit his head. He was given first aid on site and then taken to hospital for examination. According to doctors, the referee is expected to recover within several days. The match was abandoned, and two subsequent fixtures scheduled for that day were cancelled.

The attacker tried to escape after the incident, fleeing into fields near the sports complex. Calcetto Clark Udine president Giancarlo Tirindelli announced that the player has been immediately expelled from the team. His actions will be reviewed by sports authorities, and criminal proceedings are also possible.

Reminder: 15 players were hospitalized after a gas leak at a volleyball match in Catania.

Details: Today, it was announced that French Monaco midfielder Paul Pogba, 32, has officially become one of the owners of the world’s very first professional camel racing team, named Al Habob.

• See also: Qarabag vs Ajax: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups — December 10, 2025

Al Habob is a Saudi club that will forever go down in history as the world’s first professional camel racing team, making Pogba a truly unique investor.

“Camel racing is entering a new era, full of meaning, scope, and heritage. ‘Al Habob’ is not just a team. It’s a movement built on legacy, achievement, and cultural influence. We’re not just following the rules of racing: we’re rewriting them. The storm has a name. And it’s only gaining momentum.” reads the team’s official statement.

Camel racing is a popular sport in the Middle East, Pakistan, and Mongolia, but it’s in Saudi Arabia that the discipline reaches a whole new level. Currently, the Al Habob team has 11 camels on its roster and has already claimed 11 victories in all the tournaments it has entered.

🚨🚨| OFFICIAL: Paul Pogba becomes co-owner of Al Habob in Saudi Arabia, joining the world’s first ever professional camel racing team. 🐪🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/AHD1ybXTrS

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) December 10, 2025

🚨 OFFICIEL ! 𝗣𝗔𝗨𝗟 𝗣𝗢𝗚𝗕𝗔 𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗖𝗢-𝗗𝗘́𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗨𝗥 𝗗'𝗔𝗟 𝗛𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗕 🇸🇦 ! ✍️💰𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗘̀𝗥𝗘 𝗘́𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗣𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘 𝗗𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗗𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗨𝗫 𝗔𝗨 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗘 ! 🐪L'international français rejoint le projet en… pic.twitter.com/COcjJSx5e1

— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) December 10, 2025

Reminder: Paul Pogba opened up about how many people turned away from him

Details: According to the Specialized Motorsport Training Center, the 17-year-old athlete has died. The incident occurred at the Red Sand Park track in Vilafamés on Sunday, 7 December.

Quote: The High-Performance Center at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit is devastated by this news, and all CETDM staff and circuit personnel wish to express their deepest condolences, affection and support to Enzo’s family, colleagues, friends and loved ones during this difficult time, the statement said.

La Generalitat Valenciana lamenta profundamente el fallecimiento del joven piloto valenciano, Enzo Badenas, de 17 años. Campeón de España de 85cc en 2022, miembro del equipo nacional y tecnificaba en el Centro Especializado de Tecnificación Deportiva del Motor del Circuit Ricardo…

— Generalitat (@generalitat) December 7, 2025

Reminder: Recently, the NBA was also struck by grief — former player Elden Campbell passed away.

• See also: Pisa vs Parma prediction, H2H and probable lineups - December 8, 2025

Details: According to Tuttosport, 15 players were hospitalized. Eight of them required hyperbaric oxygen therapy due to high levels of carbon monoxide in their lungs, while another seven received oxygen therapy in the emergency department. Other affected individuals sought medical attention at the university clinic. All athletes were eventually discharged and sent home.

The heating system was confiscated by firefighters for inspection, and the prosecutor's office has launched an investigation under the article on negligent bodily harm. It remains to be determined why the equipment was operating, despite preliminary reports indicating it had not yet undergone full testing.

On social media, the team reported that all players are now at home and out of danger, though some are still in shock.

Details: Today, the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation issued a statement announcing that the Skeleton World Championship, scheduled for this Friday, has been officially cancelled.

• Read also: Sporting vs Brugge prediction, H2H and probable line-ups - November 26, 2025

The reason for the cancellation was the unsatisfactory condition of the track in Innsbruck, Austria, where the event was supposed to take place. It is reported that the competition will be rescheduled for a different date and venue, with further details to be announced later.

The majority of athletes who were set to compete also supported this decision.

The next Skeleton World Cup stage is scheduled for December 12 in Lillehammer, Norway.

📣 The IBSF Executive Committee has today followed the request of the majority of Skeleton World Cup athletes and cancelled the IBSF World Cup Skeleton in Innsbruck (Austria), originally scheduled for Friday.Full news: https://t.co/hCaZrQVZhc#IBSF pic.twitter.com/blm7ncXIZJ

— IBSF (@IBSFsliding) November 25, 2025

Reminder: French swimmer Léon Marchand breaks 14-year-old record

Details: According to RMC Sport, 28-year-old Australian Paralympic cycling champion Paige Greco has passed away.

Authorities in South Australia report that Greco was found dead at her home. The preliminary cause of death is believed to be a "sudden cardiac arrest."

In 2020, Paige won gold at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, where she also set a world record in the women's 3,000-meter individual pursuit. Greco also claimed bronze medals in the women's road race and time trial events.

The Australian Cycling Federation has already released a statement:

"The Australian Cycling Federation notes that Greco's achievements on the international stage were significant, but it is her personal qualities—her kindness, calm determination, and the inspiration she provided—that will be remembered forever. She created a sense of belonging and left an indelible mark on everyone she met."

🗣️ "Un problème médical soudain." Paige Greco, championne de cyclisme paralympique, est morte à 28 ans.https://t.co/4cLLwjzoN4 pic.twitter.com/WMWWlY8p1r

— RMC Sport (@RMCsport) November 17, 2025

See also: Fell ill during a race: Italian cyclist Kevin Bonaldo has passed away

In August, he earned his first ranking points from the International Padel Federation by competing at the FIP Bronze Westerbork tournament in the Netherlands. His opponents noted that Robben is the best among former professional footballers who have taken padel seriously. Arjen himself admitted that he doesn't make a big deal out of his performances: he simply tries to fight and collect as many points as possible.

• See also: Germany vs Slovakia: H2H, predictions and probable line-ups — November 17, 2025

It's worth noting that Robben's passion for padel began during his time at Bayern. Back then, he played three times a week and was inspired by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who helped popularize padel in Sweden. Robben is currently ranked 1980th in the world and has three ranking points to his name.

Details: The showdown was a nail-biter, stretching into 11 innings before Will Smith smashed the game-winning home run.

• See also: Verona vs Inter prediction, H2H and probable lineups - November 2, 2025

INCREDIBLE GAMEINCREDIBLE SERIESINCREDIBLE SEASONTHE @DODGERS ARE BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPS 🏆(MLB x GEICO) pic.twitter.com/WJxX0V3uwZ

— MLB (@MLB) November 2, 2025

This marks a second consecutive title for the Dodgers—having defeated the New York Yankees last year, they now become the first team since the Yankees themselves (1998–2000) to successfully defend their World Series crown.

Your 2025 World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YBrJiytUkX

— MLB (@MLB) November 2, 2025

In total, the Dodgers now boast nine World Series victories, placing them third all-time in MLB history.

The South Africans, fresh off defending their Rugby Championship title, reaffirmed their supremacy—their attack looked powerful and cohesive, while Japan simply couldn't keep up with the pace.

The Springboks are off the mark in the November Internationals 🇿🇦✅#RSAvJAP | #SSRugby pic.twitter.com/THuxRtv1tk

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) November 1, 2025

Notably, this match marked the debut of former youth team captain Zachary Porthen, who became the youngest player ever to wear the Springboks jersey.

• See also: Barcelona vs Elche: Has Barcelona recovered from the El Clásico defeat?

What a special day for 21-year-old Zachary Porthen, who will become the youngest prop to make his Test debut for the #Springboks in the professional era today 🤝#ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvJAP pic.twitter.com/Aqq8c02Ylp

— Springboks (@Springboks) November 1, 2025

A successful day out for Zachary Porthen on his debut 👏🇿🇦📺 Stream #RSAvJAP on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/lTyAjArB78

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) November 1, 2025

Details: According to The Sun, Keralto accidentally fell onto a bookshelf. The glass shattered, causing severe abdominal injuries from the shards. He succumbed to his injuries.

The futsal club reacted to the tragic news:

Quote: “With great sadness, we announce that yesterday we lost Ernesto, our ‘Nestu.’ We lack the words to describe what we feel today and the void he has left among us.

Founder, player, coach, coordinator, CAPTAIN, but above all a devoted fan of this emblem, this city, and these colors,” the club statement read.

Допис, поширений ALFORJA FS (@alforjafs_oficial)

Reminder: Legendary British boxer Ricky Hatton took his own life, as officially announced during a hearing at the South Manchester court.

Details: According to AP, the Italian athlete died after a month-long fight for survival. On September 21, 2025, Bonaldo fell ill at the finish line of the Piccola Sanremo race in Sovizzo and was immediately hospitalized at San Bortolo Hospital in Vicenza.

The cyclist was only 25 years old. Initially, his team reported that Bonaldo had shown early signs of improvement, but his condition deteriorated in the final hours before his passing.

Quote: “SC Padovani Polo Cherry Bank, with broken hearts, announces that this morning, after a month of bravely fighting between life and death, Kevin Bonaldo has passed away. Our team wishes to express its deepest sympathy to Kevin’s family and loved ones,” the team said in a statement.

During the current season, Italian cyclist Kevin Bonaldo competed in 45 race days, covering a total distance of 6,747 kilometers.

Reminder: The boxing community was recently devastated by the shocking news of the death of 17-year-old Arturo Gatti Jr.

Details: The reason behind the decision was an incident that took place in August—both athletes were accused of shoplifting perfume from a duty free store during a layover on their way back from Bali. Surveillance cameras captured Tarantino taking several bottles of perfume and hiding them in Pilato's bag. Both athletes were detained but were released shortly afterward with the assistance of the Italian embassy.

• See also: Egypt vs Guinea-Bissau prediction, H2H and probable lineups - October 12, 2025

Pilato and Tarantino will miss the European Short Course Swimming Championships, set to take place December 2–7 in Lublin, Poland. When reviewing the case, the federation took into account that both swimmers admitted guilt and cooperated with the investigation, which helped mitigate their punishment.

The player made a tackle in the middle of the field, but immediately afterward took a heavy hit from Missouri defender Marvin Burks Jr., whose helmet appeared to strike Meadows directly in the head.

Scary hit here in Alabama WR Derek MeadowsHe was able to walk off the fieldpic.twitter.com/Gdpd5K6de8

— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) October 11, 2025

• See also: Orlando City vs Vancouver Whitecaps: Can Vancouver extend their unbeaten run?

The football player collapsed on the turf and lay motionless for a while, shocking both spectators and teammates. Medical staff quickly attended to Meadows, then escorted him off the field and into the locker room for further evaluation.

Alabama’s Derek Meadows gave a 👍🏼 to the bama fans after leaving the game after getting injured on a Mizzou targeting play pic.twitter.com/8GGGShpZxu

— Taylor Kauffman (@_TaylorKauffman) October 11, 2025

Details: Today, it was reported that 20-year-old Ukrainian gymnast Elizaveta Khorovynkina, a medalist at numerous international competitions and a master of sport in rhythmic gymnastics, has passed away.

The circumstances surrounding the young athlete's death have not been disclosed.

Elizaveta was a student at the National University of Physical Education and Sport of Ukraine (NUFVSU), which announced her passing on its Facebook page:

"We remember Liza as a bright, kind, and sincere person who radiated warmth and inspiration. She was not only an excellent student and a dedicated learner, but also a true devotee of her craft—gymnastics. Her love for the sport, perseverance, and heartfelt sincerity could be felt in every movement, every word, every smile. Liza, you will forever remain in our hearts—a shining example of intelligence, beauty, diligence, and genuine love for life," the statement reads.

See also: RIP. 23-year-old figure skating champion killed under truck wheels

The Springboks faced a stern test, spending much of the first half under immense pressure. However, solid defense and the relentless power of their forwards allowed the reigning champions to turn the tide in the second half.

Back to back 🏆#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/amBv1y3QJP

— Springboks (@Springboks) October 4, 2025

Despite all the adversity, South Africa once again proved their grit and resilience, defending their crown under constant pressure—every match after the loss to New Zealand felt like a final.

• Read also: Real Madrid vs Villarreal prediction, H2H and probable lineups - 04.10.2025

It’s worth noting that the Springboks have also won the Tri Nations three times—the predecessor to The Rugby Championship. The South Africans have now lifted this trophy for a third time, after previous triumphs in 2019 and 2024.

The Red Roses, having lost the previous two finals to New Zealand, came out firing from the opening whistle with relentless attacking play and rock-solid defense. The result: a convincing 33-13 win and their first world champion title since 2014.

CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD 🌹 pic.twitter.com/Cg2EIoJmvb

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 27, 2025

• See also: Pisa vs Fiorentina: H2H, lineups, and match prediction – September 28, 2025

It is worth recalling that this triumph capped off a year of glory for English women's sport: in July, the Lionesses successfully defended their European football championship title. Head coach John Mitchell emphasized that the team hit their peak form at the decisive moment of the tournament, while captain Zoe Aldcroft triumphantly lifted the World Cup trophy three years after the previous final.

Details: The Alpine Skiing division of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation reported Franzoso’s death on the La Parva course, located 50 kilometers from the Chilean capital, Santiago.

• See also: RIP. Former PSG striker dies

The tragic incident was further detailed by Il Messaggero. During training, Franzoso landed awkwardly after the first, small jump on the course, was thrown forward into the netting, cleared two rows of protective barriers, and crashed into a fence positioned 6–7 meters beyond the course.

He was immediately airlifted to hospital, placed in intensive care, and put into a medically induced coma. However, over time, Franzoso’s body could not withstand the injuries he had suffered, and he passed away.

Reminder: Franzoso was a multiple-time Italian champion in his categories, which earned him a spot on the National Observation Team in 2017, and in 2018, a place on the C team of the national squad.

Details: According to The Sun, 23-year-old Austrian figure skating champion Julia Marie Geiser died after being struck by a truck.

Reports indicate that the tragic incident occurred on a busy road where Geiser was riding her bicycle. Immediate attempts were made to resuscitate the skater following the collision, but, unfortunately, they proved unsuccessful.

Police stated that the driver tested negative for alcohol at the scene of the accident.

Before moving to Austria, Geiser represented the Italian national figure skating team.

In 2023, 2024, and 2025, she twice consecutively claimed national titles in Salzburg, competing for the Eis Salzburg team.

See also: Famed boxer Ricky Hatton dies at 46

Details: In the Championship match between New Zealand and South Africa, nothing seemed to threaten the hosts: the teams went into halftime with New Zealand leading 10-7.

However, the South Africans came out fired up for the second half, racking up 36 unanswered points. The final score was 10-43, marking New Zealand's heaviest defeat ever. Interestingly, the previous anti-record was also set in a match against South Africa, which ended 35-7.

pic.twitter.com/7epuyKnmqB

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) September 13, 2025

See also: Doping scandal hits Springboks. Ntlabakanye suspended for matches against New Zealand

The incident occurred during an amateur tournament, the 2025 Homeland Week Games. In the moment of a penalty kick, the goalkeeper blocked the shot with his chest, even celebrated his save, but then suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness. He was rushed to San Miguel Hospital, but sadly, doctors were unable to save his life.

• Also read: Turkey vs Spain prediction, H2H and probable line-ups – September 7, 2025

It's worth noting that similar tragedies have happened before. In January of this year, 16-year-old goalkeeper Edson Lopez Gama died after a similar incident—on that occasion, an 11-hour delay in hospitalization proved fatal. In 2017, 17-year-old goalkeeper Bruno Cañete lost his life in Paraguay after also being struck in the chest by the ball.

After two group-stage fixtures, New Zealand tops their pool with six points from back-to-back games against Argentina. The Springboks also played a double-header, squaring off with Australia, but managed to secure just four points from their outings.

The match kicks off on September 6 at 9:05 AM Central European Time.

• See also: Battle-ready squad! Rassie Erasmus announces South Africa's rugby lineup for clash against New Zealand

Kick-off times in various countries:

• Los Angeles — 00:05
• New York — 03:05
• Panama — 03:05
• Toronto — 03:05
• Port of Spain — 03:05
• London — 08:05
• Yaoundé — 09:05
• Abuja — 09:05
• Cape Town — 10:05
• New Delhi — 13:35
• Sydney — 17:05
• Kiribati — 21:05

For your convenience, here’s the list of broadcasters covering the match in select countries:

• New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ
• South Africa: SuperSport Rugby
• United Kingdom: Sky Sports
• USA: FloRugby
• Canada: FloRugby
• Australia: beIN Sports

Details: According to L'Équipe, organizers of the 11th stage of the 2025 Vuelta faced an issue that made completing the race virtually impossible.

It is reported that due to pro-Palestinian protests, athletes from the Israel-Premier Tech team found themselves at risk. Previously, protesters had already cast doubt on the continuation of the race: during the 10th stage, an attempt by demonstrators to break onto the course where the riders were competing led to a crash involving Italy’s Simone Petilli.

• See also: UAE vs Syria prediction, H2H and probable lineups - September 4, 2025

Vuelta director Kiko García admitted after the incident that the stage in Bilbao was the most high-risk so far, and that efforts are now underway to strengthen security measures.

As for the disrupted stage, no winner was declared. All participants were awarded the same time.

Recall: Tragedy at junior cycling race in Spain: 17-year-old athlete dies

Details: This Saturday, the decisive showdown awaits the Springboks at Eden Park as they face off against New Zealand.

The All Blacks last defeated the Springboks in 2023, but since then, the Springboks have notched up four consecutive victories.

• See also: Saudi Arabia vs North Macedonia prediction, H2H and probable lineups – 4 September 2025

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has finalized his squad for the headline-grabbing fixture:

STARTERS:

• 15 WILLIE LE ROUX.
• 14 CHESLIN KOLBE.
• 13 JESSE KRIEL (C).
• 12 DAMIAN DE ALLENDE.
• 11 CANAN MOODIE.
• 10 HANDRE POLLARD.
• 9 GRANT WILLIAMS.
• 8 SIVA KOLISI.
• 7 PIETER-STEPH DU TOIT.
• 6 MARCO VAN STADEN.
• 5 RUAN NORTJE.
• 4 EBEN ETZEBETH.
• 3 THOMAS DU TOIT.
• 2 MALCOLM MARX.
• 1 OX NCHE.

SUBS:

• 16 JAN-HENDRIK WESSELS.
• 17 BOAN VENTER.
• 18 WILCO LOUW.
• 19 LOODDE JAGER.
• 20 KWAGGA SMITH.
• 21 COBUS REINACH.
• 22 SACHA FEINBERG-MNGOMEZULU.
• 23 ETHAN HOOKER.

The All Blacks vs Springboks fixture will take place on 06.09.2025 at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.

𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Rassie Erasmus names his Springbok team for #TheRugbyChampionship showdown against the All Blacks at Eden Park 🇿🇦🚨#SSRugby pic.twitter.com/ECdbSYgyCl

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) September 4, 2025

Reminder: Doping scandal hits the Springboks. Ntlabakanye suspended for matches against New Zealand

Details: Today it was reported that 39-year-old New Zealand rugby star Shane Christie has passed away.

According to The Sun, the former New Zealand international was found dead in Nelson, New Zealand, on Wednesday morning, just one day before his 40th birthday.

It is reported that one possible cause of death is suicide.

Shane Christie, born September 23, 1985, in Palmerston North, was of Māori descent, representing the Ngāti Kurawhatia and Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi iwi.

Christie ended his professional career in 2018 due to multiple concussions, the first of which he suffered as a teenager. The result: poor health, headaches, irritability. Christie was forced to leave rugby at the age of 32.

He left an indelible mark both on and off the field. His career with Tasman Mako and the Highlanders, as well as his appearances for the Māori All Blacks, served as an inspiration to young players.

💔 Shane Christie Mako #82 pic.twitter.com/VuXjjN4BeU

— Tasman Mako 🦈 (@TasmanMako) August 27, 2025

See also: RIP. Spanish cycling legend Bernardo Ruiz Navarette, a pioneer of the sport, has passed away at the age of 101

Details: As reported by journalist Mutlaq Nassar, the association’s executives presented one of the league’s top referees with… Viagra pills, typically prescribed for men’s health issues.

The affected referee approached the State Sports Committee, meeting with its head Bashar Abdallah and filing an official complaint regarding the incident. In response, the Handball Federation issued a statement announcing the launch of an investigation into this “private” episode and promised to take legal action against those responsible.

For the record: In April, Norway’s Bryne awarded the best player of the match… a live sheep.

The Dutch squad Team Visma Lease a Bike lost several bicycles after their mechanics’ equipment truck was broken into on Sunday night.

• Read also: Tragedy at junior cycling race in Spain: 17-year-old athlete dies

The team reported that police have launched an investigation into the theft. The exact number of stolen bikes has not been disclosed—only that “several” were taken. Meanwhile, the team’s mechanics are working tirelessly to prepare for the third stage.

The team also confirmed that Axel Zingle is withdrawing from the Vuelta following a crash that involved several riders, including stage classification leader Jonas Vingegaard, who is also from the same team.

The player, who made his national team debut this summer and came off the bench in the match against Australia, categorically denies any wrongdoing. According to the federation, the substance in question was prescribed by a doctor in early 2025 and is not considered a performance-enhancing drug.

• See also: Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano prediction, H2H and probable lineups – August 25, 2025

Nonetheless, Ntlabakanye will not be included in the Springboks squad for the upcoming two clashes against New Zealand in The Rugby Championship, scheduled for September 6 and 13.

The incident occurred at the 66th kilometer of the route between Langa de Duero and Laguna Negra de Vinuesa (province of Soria). In the area near the municipality of Navaleno, a massive crash took place, involving more than twenty participants. Seventeen riders sustained injuries, three of whom were hospitalized in serious condition. One of them—a 17-year-old athlete—passed away at Santa Bárbara Hospital in Soria. The two other injured cyclists remain under medical supervision.

• See also: RIP. Spanish cycling legend Bernardo Ruiz Navarrete, a founding figure of the sport, has passed away at the age of 101

The stage was canceled due to a shortage of ambulances, and later the organizers decided to terminate the race altogether. The event was scheduled for three stages totaling 117 kilometers, but the tragedy brought it to a halt.

• See also: Novak Djokovic vs. Lerner Tien – predictions and odds for August 25, 2025

The hosts put in a strong first half and went into the break with a 20-10 lead. Early in the second half, the Australians nearly closed the gap, but another penalty kick from Pollard restored a comfortable cushion for the Springboks. The visitors brought back the intrigue, but the final word belonged to the South Africans—30:22.

It's all over in Cape Town as the Boks seal a hard-fought win. Thanks for a tough contest @Wallabies and safe travels home 🤝#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvAUS pic.twitter.com/jY5uVBSNSz

— Springboks (@Springboks) August 23, 2025

It’s worth noting that South Africa entered the tournament as defending champions, having claimed the title last year. For reference, The Rugby Championship is an annual competition featuring the four strongest teams from the Southern Hemisphere: Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The Springboks’ next match is scheduled for September 6 in Auckland against New Zealand.

• See also: Roma vs Bologna prediction, H2H and probable lineups – August 23, 2025

Details: On August 22, 2025, the opening match of the Women's Rugby World Cup group stage will take place, hosted on the fields of England.

• See also: Basel vs Copenhagen: Who will gain the edge in the first leg of qualification?

Let's take a look at all the teams competing in the group stage, as well as the results of the draw:

Pool A:

• England
• Australia
• USA
• Samoa

Pool B:

• Canada
• Scotland
• Wales
• Fiji

Pool C:

• New Zealand
• Ireland
• Japan
• Spain

Pool D:

• France
• Italy
• South Africa
• Brazil

The World Cup matches will be played in eight cities: York, London, Brighton, Exeter, Bristol, Manchester, Northampton, and Sunderland.

The South African Springbok Women will begin their World Cup journey on August 24 with a clash against Brazil.

The Women's Rugby World Cup kicks off this Friday 🏆Here's everything you need to know about the four pools with the Springbok Women in #RWC2025 action on Sunday afternoon 🇿🇦#SSRugby | #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/SG3PD9mn2t

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) August 19, 2025

Reminder: Shock in Johannesburg! The Springboks suffered a surprise defeat to Australia

Details: Today, legendary Portugal futsal star Ricardinho announced on his Instagram page that he is bringing his professional career to a close.

• See also: Ferencváros vs Qarabağ H2H, prediction and probable lineups — August 19, 2025

Ricardinho etched his name in futsal history with his dazzling play and unwavering commitment to the sport.

Throughout his career, he captured three Champions League titles and 15 national league crowns: six in Spain, five in Portugal, two in Japan, and one each in France and Latvia.

His trophy cabinet also includes four Portuguese Cups and three Super Cups, as well as three Spanish Cups and three Spanish Super Cups, plus the Royal Cup.

Ricardinho was named the world’s best futsal player six times, cementing his status as one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.

During his illustrious career, Ricardinho starred for clubs such as Benfica, Nagoya, CSKA, Inter Movistar, ACCS, Pendekar, Riga, and Ecocity Genzano.

Post by Portugal (@portugal)

Reminder: Donald Trump received a signed Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal national team shirt

The hosts lived up to their status as heavy favorites in the first half, heading into the break with a commanding 22-5 lead. It seemed nothing could stop the Springboks from kicking off their campaign with a home victory, but everything changed after the interval.

After halftime, the Australians steamrolled their opponents. The second half ended 33-0, and it was the visitors who celebrated a stunning 38-22 victory.

It's all over at Ellis Park. Well done to the @wallabies on the victory 🤝#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvAUS pic.twitter.com/3mMFgIxThc

— Springboks (@Springboks) August 16, 2025

• See also: Chelsea vs Crystal Palace prediction, H2H and probable lineups — August 17, 2025

It's worth noting that the Springboks are defending their Rugby Championship title, which they claimed last year. The Rugby Championship is an annual competition featuring four Southern Hemisphere powerhouses: Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The Springboks' next match will be in Cape Town on August 23, once again taking on Australia.

Luke Littler beat defending champion Luke Humphries in the final of the New Zealand Darts Masters to clinch an Antipodean double after his success in Australia last week ☢️🏆 pic.twitter.com/2tRKwUwswe

— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) August 16, 2025

Details: The final featured just 12 legs, with Littler claiming a confident 8-4 victory. The match lacked suspense: from the very start, the challenger surged ahead, breaking throw twice and holding his own to make it 3-0. Only after the third leg did the contest level out slightly, as Humphries cut the deficit to one at 2-3. But Littler quickly regained control, pulling away to 6-3 before sealing the win by taking two of the final three legs.

This triumph marks Littler’s debut title on New Zealand soil.

Details: Today it was announced that the outstanding Spanish cyclist Bernardo Ruiz Navarrete has passed away at the age of 101.

Ruiz Navarrete was born on January 8, 1925, in Alicante, Spain, and was one of the pioneers who helped lay the foundations of cycling in the country.

The most significant achievements of Navarrete's professional career:

• In 1948, he won the qualification at the Vuelta a España.
• He became the first Spaniard to win two stages of the Tour de France in a single edition.
• In 1952, Ruiz Navarrete finished third in the general classification of the Tour de France, becoming the first Spaniard ever to step onto the final podium of the race.
• In 1955, he became the first Spaniard to win a stage at the Giro d'Italia.

After his retirement, Navarrete continued to develop cycling in Spain, truly earning his status as a legend of Spanish cycling.

La Real Federación Española de Ciclismo lamenta profundamente el fallecimiento de Bernardo Ruiz a los 100 años de edad. Leyenda y pionero de nuestro deporte que inspiró a generaciones posteriores. Descanse en paz. pic.twitter.com/9PTTACK34B

— Real Federación Española de Ciclismo (@RFECiclismo) August 14, 2025

See also: Incident involving Ratcliffe's team: INEOS car hits spectator at the Tour de France

Details: During the middle-distance orienteering event, Italian athlete Mattia Debertolis was found unconscious. The 29-year-old was rushed to the hospital and received all necessary medical assistance. Sadly, despite all efforts, he passed away at the medical facility.

• See also: Shock. Italian gymnast placed in medically induced coma after failed landing

For the record: Debertolis was a member of the Italian national team that finished fifth in the relay at the 2022 World Cup Final. He competed at World Championships and World Cup stages, having chosen orienteering over cross-country skiing and football. Beyond sports, he was pursuing postgraduate studies in civil engineering in Stockholm.

The World Games are held every four years. The current, 12th edition, has brought together participants from over 100 countries and runs from August 7 to 17 in Chengdu.

Details: Armand Duplantis cleared 6.29 meters in the pole vault, conquering the bar on his second attempt. This marks the 13th world record for the Swede. His previous best—6.28 meters—was set in June 2025 at the Diamond League stage in Stockholm.

Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis bettered his pole vault world record by a centimetre on Tuesday, clearing 6.29 metres at the athletics meet in Budapest.Sweden's Duplantis broke the world record for the 13th time as he soared over the bar #AFPSports pic.twitter.com/CoqYDHe9hK

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 12, 2025

Recently, French swimmer Léon Marchand set a new record in the 200-meter individual medley, finishing in 1 minute 52.69 seconds.

Reminder: During the 17th stage of the Tour de France cycling race, held in Bollène, France, an unknown man ran onto the course from the crowd of spectators.

Details: Brecel revealed that his tournament absences have been due to health issues. While he has kept the specifics under wraps, it is clear that the problems are quite serious.

• See also: Viktoria Plzen vs Rangers prediction, H2H and probable line-ups — August 12, 2025

Quote: "Hi everyone! Some of you may have wondered why I haven't been at tournaments since April. The truth is, I'm dealing with health problems. My team and I are doing everything we can to come back stronger and better than before.

It's really tough not being able to travel and compete! But I always choose optimism! Hard times often lead to something great!" Brecel shared on his Instagram page.

Details: Today, the official Springboks page on X published the squad list for the upcoming match against the Wallabies, which will take place in just five days.

• See also: South Africa vs Guinea prediction, H2H and probable lineups — August 11, 2025

Here is the list of players who will be fighting for victory this Saturday:

• 15 - APHELELE FASSI.
• 14 - EDWILL VAN DER MERWE.
• 13 - JESSE KRIEL.
• 12 - ANDRE ESTERHUIZEN.
• 11 - KURT-LEE ARENDSE.
• 10 - MANIE LIBBOK.
• 9 - GRANT WILLIAMS.
• 8 - SIYA KOLISI (C).
• 7 - PIETER-STEPH DU TOIT.
• 6 - MARCO VAN STADEN.
• 5 - LOOD DE JAGER.
• 4 - EBEN ETZEBETH.
• 3 - WILCO LOUW.
• 2 - MALCOLM MARX.
• 1 - OXN CHE.

SUBS:

• 16 - BONGI MBONAMBI.
• 17 - JAN-HENDRIK WESSELS.
• 18 - ASENATHI NTLABAKANYE.
• 19 - FRANCO MOSTERT.
• 20 - KWAGGA SMITH.
• 21 - COBUS REINACH.
• 22 - CANAN MOODIE.
• 23 - DAMIAN WILLEMSE.

The showdown between South Africa and Australia will take place on 16.08.2025 at Ellis Park Stadium. The Springboks are in a group with New Zealand, Argentina, and Australia.

𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Rassie Erasmus names his Springbok team to face the Wallabies this weekend at Ellis Park Stadium 🇿🇦#SSRugby | #TheRugbyChampionship pic.twitter.com/T9vSwqlsW4

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) August 11, 2025

Reminder: Convincing triumph: Springboks thrash Italy in Willie le Roux's milestone game

Details: Former fighters from UFC, Bellator, and other promotions accepted ESPN's invitation to participate in pillow fighting matches.

Hector Lombard and Cheick Kongo competing in the Pillow Fight Championship on ESPN.pic.twitter.com/02SJbA12Bx

— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) August 2, 2025

The fighters proved they've still got it, trading skillful pillow strikes in the ring.

The 50-year-old Cheick Kongo has stepped into the cage over 40 times, claiming victory in 31 of those bouts. Hector Lombard, now 47, has notched up 34 wins in the octagon over the course of his career.Read also: Usyk vs Jake Paul! Talks underway for MMA rules bout

Details: The World Swimming Championships are currently underway in Singapore, where Frenchman Léon Marchand is competing. He set a new record in the 200-meter individual medley, completing the distance in 1 minute and 52.69 seconds.

Marchand shaved 1.31 seconds off the previous record, which belonged to American Ryan Lochte and was set on July 28, 2011, at the World Championships in Shanghai, China.

Leon Marchand vs. Ryan Lochte! 🔥 Marchand clocks an incredible 1:52.69 in the men’s 200m IM, going head-to-head with Lochte’s legendary pace pic.twitter.com/ndAFU1j1Rm

— World Aquatics (@WorldAquatics) July 30, 2025

Throughout his career, Marchand has now claimed his sixth world championship gold. Last year, he was one of the standout stars of the Paris Olympics, winning four gold and one bronze medal.

Reminder: During the 17th stage of the Tour de France cycling race, which took place in Bollène, France, an unidentified man ran onto the course from the crowd of fans.

Details: During the rings competition, Italian gymnast Lorenzo Bonicelli suffered a fall during his third rotation in the team event, resulting in a disastrous landing. The 23-year-old gymnast received immediate medical attention on site before being rushed to an Essen hospital.

• See also: Impostor! Unknown person enters the Tour de France race course

According to former International Gymnastics Federation director Steven Butcher, Bonicelli has now been placed in an induced coma. His condition is described as critical and the next ten days will be decisive. The gymnast suffered cervical spine injuries, requiring emergency surgery.

Due to the trauma of the incident, the Italian Gymnastics Federation has decided to withdraw their team from the team competition.

Reminder: Bonicelli was a bronze medalist at the 2019 Youth World Championships in the team event.

Details: During the 17th stage of the Tour de France cycling race, held in the city of Bollène, France, an unidentified man ran onto the course from the crowd of spectators.

The impostor was dressed in the kit of the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team, which served as a clever disguise, allowing him to initially evade detection by the race stewards and security.

Eventually, the ruse was uncovered, forcing the race organizers to call in the police and flashing patrol cars to stop the intruder.

This provocateur wanted to participate in Tour de France but was stopped by security. pic.twitter.com/dMyvjKGI7l

— RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) July 24, 2025

The winner of the 17th stage of the Tour de France was Lidl-Trek rider Jonathan Milan.

Reminder: Incident involving Ratcliffe's team: INEOS car hit a spectator at the Tour de France

Details: According to TMZ Sport, the heart of the global wrestling and showbiz legend stopped this morning.

Hogan's real name was Terry Gene Bollea, but the world will forever remember him as the legendary and one-of-a-kind Hulkster.

Hogan began his wrestling career in 1977, but achieved worldwide fame after signing with the World Wrestling Federation. He was renowned for his persona as a heroic American who overcame any obstacle on the road to success.

Hogan was also active in the film industry, with roles in movies such as "Rocky III," "No Holds Barred," "Suburban Commando," and "Mr. Nanny," as well as a number of television shows.

According to sources, the ambulance that arrived at Hogan's home could only confirm the wrestling legend's cardiac arrest.

Not long ago, Hulk underwent neck surgery, and according to his wife, he was making a rapid recovery. All the health issues reported in the media were attributed to his rehabilitation.

In 2005, Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame (World Wrestling Entertainment), but in 2015 he was removed following defamatory allegations of racist remarks. Hogan went to court, won the case, and was reinstated in the Hall of Fame in 2020.

See also: The first person to jump from space dies in an accident

Details: As officially announced on the club’s website, Johan Ackermann has been named the new head coach. A three-time South African “Coach of the Year” award winner, Ackermann brings extensive experience both domestically and internationally to Vodacom Bulls.

Quote: “He’s the right man at the right time. He’s a Carlton League legend, played his first Test at Loftus, wore the Bulls jersey… his blood runs blue. This was always meant to be. His leadership and ability to build culture are well known,” said Willem Strauss, president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union.

The Blue Bulls are a South African rugby team competing in the annual Currie Cup and the United Rugby Championship. They have won the Currie Cup an impressive 25 times.

Reminder: The 2025 Rugby Championship campaign kicks off on August 16, and South Africa has announced its squad for the opening match of the tournament.

Details: Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has unveiled a 37-man squad featuring 24 Rugby World Cup winners for the first match against Australia. The squad also includes fresh talent from July’s successful Castle Lager Incoming Series.

𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Rassie Erasmus has named his squad that will face the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship next month 🇿🇦Bathobele Hlekani, Cheswill Jooste and Haashim Pead have been invited to train with the group during their two-week conditioning camp in Joburg.#SSRugby pic.twitter.com/3qJSH8GfPg

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 23, 2025

• Read also: Convincing triumph: Springboks thrash Italy in Willie le Roux's milestone game

The newcomers include Ethan Hooker, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Boan Venter, Marnus van der Merwe, and Cobus Wiese.

Reminder: The Springboks, the defending champions of the Rugby Championship, will face Australia on August 16 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, followed by a second clash at Cape Town Stadium on August 23.

This will be the final edition of the Rugby Championship before the launch of the Nations Championship, which begins next year.

Details: Today, ESPN reported that U.S. President Donald Trump threatened the Washington Commanders with blocking the construction of their new stadium if the team refuses to reinstate its old name, which was previously deemed racist.

The Washington Commanders currently play in the NFL—the National Football League—and were known until recently as the Washington Redskins, a term widely recognized as a racial slur. In 2020, the name was declared inappropriate, and the team was advised to select a new identity, which they did.

However, just yesterday, the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump, declared that the decision was a mistake and strongly urged the club to revert to its former name. Otherwise, he threatened to veto the construction of the new stadium, which is scheduled to open in 2030.

According to Trump, “America is losing its identity under the pressure of political correctness,” and he believes returning to the historic name would be “the first step toward restoring true traditions.”

"I can impose restrictions on them. If they don’t bring back the old Washington Redskins name and get rid of the ridiculous Commanders nickname, I won’t authorize their stadium deal in Washington,” Trump stated.

Donald J. Trump Truth Social 07.20.25 03:35 PM EST pic.twitter.com/zUh48Uybfw

— Fan Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 20, 2025

Trump also claimed that Native Americans' rights are being severely violated in the United States and called to “make Native Americans great again.”

Reminder: Is a scandal brewing? Chelsea received a fake Club World Cup trophy—Trump refused to hand over the original.

INEOS team car drove into a spectator on Peyresourde. 😬 #TDF2025pic.twitter.com/yGLgEkHxsU

— Benji Naesen (@BenjiNaesen) July 19, 2025

The incident took place on the ascent to the Col de Peyresourde, around 200 meters from the summit. At the time of the collision, the car was escorting INEOS rider Thymen Arensman, who eventually won the stage.

The condition of the spectator is still unknown. Race organizers told Reuters they had no information on the incident, while representatives of the INEOS Grenadiers declined to comment. Notably, the INEOS Grenadiers team is owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is also a minority shareholder of Manchester United.

• See also: Awards and medals stolen. Michel Platini becomes a victim of robbery

Oliver Cookson, the British team's sporting director, was fined $6,200 (5,000 Swiss francs) and shown a yellow card by Tour de France commissaires for "behavior endangering the safety of spectators," according to the official report.

Details: Baumgartner's life was cut short in a motorized paraglider accident in central Italy. According to Reuters, Baumgartner lost control of his powered paraglider and crashed near the swimming pool of a local hotel.

• See also: Eurocup match postponed at the request of the Dutch Foreign Ministry. What's the reason?

Quote: "He was a symbol of courage and a passion for flight. Our community is deeply shocked by his passing. On behalf of the administration and all residents, I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones," said Massimiliano Ciarpella, mayor of Porto Sant'Elpidio.

Reminder: Baumgartner gained global fame in 2012 when he became the first person to break the sound barrier (approximately 1,236 km/h) in free fall. He jumped from a height of 38,969.4 meters and reached a top speed of 1,357.6 km/h.

Today, the Springboks once again dominated the first half, although Manie Libbok missed two conversion attempts. Midway through the opening period, Jasper Wiese was shown a straight red card for a dangerous foul.

• Also read: Victory at last! Wales end 18-match losing streak in rugby

In the second half, the South Africans widened the gap even further, cruising to a resounding 45-0 win. Notably, the last time the Springboks kept a clean sheet was at the 2023 World Cup against Romania.

On another note, Willie le Roux earned his 100th cap for South Africa.

From the streets of Stellies to stadiums across the world, Willie’s journey has been pure magic. He doesn't just wear the @Springboks jersey, he lights it up. With flair. With fire. With feeling. 🇿🇦💯 tests.💯 moments that made us believe. #GrassrootsToGreatness #FNBLovesRugby pic.twitter.com/2d4ZF1AiUY

— FNB South Africa (@FNBSA) July 12, 2025

Looking ahead, the Springboks are set to play again in just a week. On July 19, they'll face Georgia.

Details: Wales secured their first victory in 644 days, defeating Japan 31-22. The British side came within a single step of matching France’s unwanted record: between 1911 and 1920, the French team lost 19 matches in a row.

The standout performer was Dan Edwards, who delivered 16 of Wales’ 31 points in this contest.

Details: With seven kilometers remaining, a major accident occurred at the back of the yellow jersey group, as at least 10 riders went down hard in a massive pile-up.

• Read also: Wimbledon semifinal between Alcaraz and Fritz interrupted multiple times. What was the reason?

According to The Guardian, the incident was triggered when one of the race favorites, João Almeida, lost a tire off his rim, crashed heavily, and brought down around ten other riders with him.

João Almeida caiu quando faltavam 6 klm para o final da etapa e chegou bastante tempo atrasado na etapa de hoje.pic.twitter.com/uAIADDbQnl

— Cabine Desportiva (@CabineSport) July 11, 2025

Most of those involved managed to get back on their bikes and continue the race, but it remains unclear whether Almeida, as well as Jack Haig—who suffered the most in the crash—are alright.

Reminder: Ultimately, Almeida did finish the stage, but came in 28th. The stage was won by Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar.

Details: The global fencing community erupted in outrage when the International Fencing Federation (FIE) published a list of neutral athletes eligible to participate in the upcoming World Championships in Tbilisi.

According to reports, 40 athletes from two countries will compete under a neutral flag. While this has become a familiar sight in recent times, the shocking revelation is that some of these competitors are active military personnel.

This includes Sofia Velikaya, who currently holds the rank of major in the Russian Armed Forces; Yana Egorian, who is a lieutenant; and Olga Nikitina, who also has a military background.

On April 18, 2025, Ukraine placed Sofia Velikaya on its sanctions list for ten years due to the fencer's support of the war in Ukraine.

Previously, the IOC strongly advised the FIE not to allow athletes from countries under sanctions for military aggression in Ukraine to participate in tournaments. However, the FIE openly disregarded these recommendations and welcomed athletes from Belarus and Russia.

The World Fencing Championships are scheduled to take place from July 22 to 26 in the Georgian city of Tbilisi. At this point, the Ukrainian national team has officially protested the FIE's decision.

Recall: UEFA has changed the list of hosts for Futsal Euro 2026. What's the connection to the Belarusian national team?

Before the match in Pretoria, the Loftus Versfeld Stadium gave a magnificent rendition of the South African anthem, and from the opening minutes the Springboks set out to meet the fans’ expectations.

Already in the first half, the Africans scored four tries, each followed by successful conversions from Pollard. The visitors responded with a penalty kick, but the halftime whistle locked in a score of 28-3 in favor of the hosts.

The second half was more evenly contested, but Italy failed to bring any suspense back into the game. The final whistle sealed the result at 42-24—a commanding win for South Africa.

🇿🇦 THE SPRINGBOKS POWER TO THEIR FIRST TEST VICTORY OF 2025! #RSAvITA pic.twitter.com/h0zS1GaqQw

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) July 5, 2025

As a reminder, these teams will face each other again on July 12, and a week later, the Springboks are set to play against Georgia.

Before the game at Loftus Versfeld, fans welcomed South Africa's 67th captain, Jesse Kriel. Afterwards, the entire stadium joined together to sing the nation's anthem.

𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 🇿🇦❤️Loftus Versfeld delivers another powerful rendition of the South African anthem 🎶📺 Stream #RSAvITA on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/VcghsJnCcj

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 5, 2025

• See also: Yellow cards and VAR system: Changes on the horizon for the Tour de France

Recall, the South African team has won its last five matches. The squad is gearing up for the World Cup, which kicks off for them on August 16. Their rivals, as always, will be Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina.

Details: According to SuperSport Rugby, the former head coach of South Africa's national rugby team now leaves the Vodacom Bulls after five years of partnership.

Jake White joined the team in 2020 and immediately delivered strong results, clinching back-to-back titles in Super Rugby Unlocked and the Carling Currie Cup in his very first season.

During his tenure, the Bulls also reached three grand finals in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and made exits in the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.

Club CEO Edgar Rathbone expressed his gratitude to White for his dedication and achievements:

"Jake possesses immense rugby intellect, and it was clear how he was able to integrate that into our systems. As a club, we remain grateful for the impact he made during his time here. He did an incredible job, and it was an honor to work with him as he helped restore our team to powerhouse status. He provided us with a tremendous platform for growth, especially with a talented new generation of young players who are only just discovering their true potential.

He also helped develop a broader playing group, with 10 of them earning call-ups to the Springboks. This encouraging growth also ensured that we consistently remained among the trophy contenders."

White himself stated that this decision was meant to demonstrate his sole focus on the development of the team, rather than on personal gain.

The name of the new head coach will be announced at a later date.

Reminder: England U20 vs South Africa U20: kickoff time, how to watch, live stream – July 4, 2025

Details: According to The Guardian, video replay technology could be introduced at the Tour de France. In addition, riders may be shown yellow cards for infringements. Two yellow cards would mean a seven-day suspension; three yellow cards within 30 days would result in a 14-day ban.

Officials may now scrutinize shoulder bumps, wheel changes, sudden accelerations, and even foul language in the peloton more closely. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is planning to expand its disciplinary regulations.

The Tour de France is an annual multi-stage road cycling race held on the roads of France. The first Tour was staged in 1903. Today, the Tour de France is regarded as the most prestigious event among professional stage races.

Reminder: At the most recent Giro d’Italia, there was a major crash involving numerous riders, resulting in injuries to many athletes, including Jai Hindley.

• See also: South Africa's Bulls fall short for a third time in the United Rugby Championship 2024/25 final

Both sides opened their U20 World Championship campaigns with victories. England faced off against Scotland and came out on top with a 56–19 win. South Africa delivered an even more dominant performance, overwhelming Australia 73–17 in a ruthless display.

With both teams sitting on five points after their opening matches, the winner of this showdown could secure an early ticket to the U20 World Championship playoffs.

The Rugby U20 World Championship group stage match between England and South Africa will take place on Friday, July 4, at 18:00 Central European Time.

Kickoff times in different countries around the world:

• Los Angeles 09:00

• New York 12:00

• Panama 12:00

• Toronto 12:00

• Port of Spain 13:00

• London 17:00

• Yaoundé 18:00

• Abuja 18:00

• Cape Town 23:00

• New Delhi 21:30

• Sydney 02:00

• Kiribati 04:00

The second-round group stage match between England and South Africa will be available to watch for free on RugbyPass TV.

Details: South Africa’s head coach Rassie Erasmus has unveiled the Springboks lineup for the match against Italy. The game is set to take place on Saturday, July 5, at Loftus Stadium. A total of 23 players have been named in the squad.

𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Rassie Erasmus names his Springbok team to face Italy at Loftus on Saturday 🇿🇦🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/yRVjIE0GtH

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 1, 2025

In July, the Springboks will play three matches: first against Italy on the 5th and 12th, followed by a fixture against Georgia on July 19.

Reminder: Six South African players are in contention for the prestigious "Next Generation Player of the Season" award in the United Rugby Championship.

Also, the trophy for the Women's Rugby World Cup was recently unveiled. The cup is crafted from 925 sterling silver and coated with 24-carat gold.

The South Africans showcased an organized game plan and clear strategy. The team displayed tremendous physicality and, despite a few errors, played with aggression and determination, leaving their opponents with virtually no chances.

The Junior Boks score 11 tries to thump Australia in their #WorldRugbyU20s opener 🇿🇦🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/6ZBck9XKKg

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 29, 2025

• See also: South Africa's Bulls fall short for a third time in the United Rugby Championship 2024/25 final

It’s worth noting that the African side started the tournament with confidence, immediately establishing themselves as the frontrunners for the title. The team will play two more group-stage matches against England (July 4) and Scotland (July 9).

South Africa will take on the Barbarians as part of their preparation for the July Test match series, where they’ll face Italy on July 5 and 12, followed by Georgia on July 19. These fixtures are part of the Springboks’ buildup to the Rugby Championship.

The match will take place on Saturday, June 28, at Cape Town Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:10 Central European Time. The match will be officiated by AJ Jacobs, with Christopher Allison and Stefan Geldenhuys serving as assistant referees.

In South Africa, the game will be broadcast on SuperSport, available through the DSTV network.

Fans in the United States and the United Kingdom can watch the match on FloRugby, via the FloSports app, and on Sky Sports Action.

Reminder: Both teams have already announced their squads for this encounter.

Details: The Baltic states do not allow Belarusian athletes to compete on their territory, and the Belarus national team has qualified for the tournament. In a swift response, UEFA was forced to revise the list of host countries, adding Slovenia to the mix.

• See also: Major changes: NHL and the players' union agree on a new partnership structure

According to the organization's press release, Ljubljana will now stage matches for two of the four groups, two quarterfinals, both semifinals, and the final and the third-place match. Kaunas in Lithuania and Riga in Latvia will each host one group (A and B, respectively) and one quarterfinal.

Reminder: The Ukrainian federation is also considering boycotting the tournament due to Belarus's participation, though negotiations with UEFA are still ongoing. The tournament draw will take place at a later date.

Details: This Saturday, the Springboks will kick off the season with a home game against the Barbarians at their iconic Cape Town stadium.

Today, the lineups for both teams have been announced ahead of tomorrow’s showdown:

Springboks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Nielting Fouché, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.

Barbarians: 15 Melvyn Jaminet, 14 Mark Telea, 13 Leicester Fainga'anuku, 12 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 11 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 10 Josh Jacob, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Shannon Frizell, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Peter O'Mahony (captain), 5 David Ribbans, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 2 Camille Chat, 1 Cian Healy.Replacements: 16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Hassane Kolingar, 18 Will Collier, 19 Josh Beirne, 20 Hoskins Sotutu, 21 Santiago Arata, 22 Joe Marchant, 23 Lachlan Boshier.

Rassie Erasmus was forced to make a change following Siya Kolisi’s withdrawal due to a minor complaint. Marco van Staden will step in on the flank, while Jesse Kriel will captain the side.

The match kicks off tomorrow at Cape Town Stadium at 15:10 GMT, with AJ Jacobs as the referee. He will be assisted by Christopher Allison and Stefan Geldenhuys.

Reminder: Siya Kolisi stands up for Jaden Hendrikse

Details: The South African national team’s Instagram page shared a video showing Kolisi’s preparation ahead of the match. The star flanker arrived for a photoshoot with the tournament’s main trophy in hand.

Допис, поширений Springboks (@bokrugby)

South Africa will face the Barbarians at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, June 28, as part of the Qatar Airways Cup. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 CET.

Following the Barbarians match, the Springboks will take on Italy (July 5 and 12) and Georgia (July 19) in test matches as part of their lead-up to the Rugby Championship.

Reminder: The team has already announced its squad for these encounters. A total of 54 players have been named to take part in the matches against the Barbarians, Italy, and Georgia throughout June and July.

Details: This Saturday will mark a historic moment as the Barbarians take to South African soil for the very first time!

Preparing for a side like the Barbarians is always a challenge, given their unpredictable playing style. Nevertheless, the Springboks are determined to stick to their trademark approach and take control of the game from the outset. This was emphasized by Springboks assistant coach, New Zealander Tony Brown.

"We treat this as a test match, and we'll approach the game accordingly. The Barbarians are a world-famous team. Everyone knows how they play. Everyone knows what they're trying to do, but it's impossible to fully prepare for it.

But I promise you, we've studied them closely and we'll be as ready as we possibly can be," Brown said at yesterday's press conference.

Tony Brown joined the squad at the start of 2024, and since then, the traditional power and set-piece physicality of the South Africans has been superbly complemented by their attacking flair.

"This is definitely a different kind of challenge to what we usually face. Over the years, they've beaten many great teams. The stakes for this match are massive. It's exactly the sort of contest we want for what we see as our first game of the year. We will play our game. That's my promise!" Brown added.

The historic clash between the Springboks and Barbarians will take place on June 28 at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. Tickets for the match start at 250 rand.

Reminder: The South African Bulls suffered their third defeat in a United Rugby Championship final in the 2024/25 season.

This clash between representatives of two rugby powerhouses sparked massive interest, drawing a record crowd of 46,127 spectators.

Heading into the match, the Irish squad were clear favorites and lived up to that billing on the pitch. Leinster produced a superb first half, taking a 19-0 lead into the break. The South Africans managed to get on the scoreboard early in the second half, but never threatened a comeback—the final score, 32-7.

. @LeinsterRugby is the @Vodacom #URC Champions! pic.twitter.com/iNeaOtGsHB

— vodacomrugby (@VodacomRugga) June 14, 2025

Notably, this marks the Bulls’ second consecutive, and third in four years, defeat in a United Rugby Championship final. Last year, they lost to Glasgow, while in 2022 they were beaten by the Stormers.

Both teams are chasing their first-ever URC title, and the surging excitement has sparked near-record ticket demand. The previous attendance record for a final—46,092 at Aviva Stadium in 2018—could be eclipsed tonight. Ticket sales have outstripped expectations thanks to the hosts' vigorous promotion campaign.

• See also: The decision is made. South Africa U20 squad named for Rugby World Cup

The South Africans have made one enforced change to their starting lineup: Marco van Staden steps in for the injured Cameron Hanekom. This has reshuffled the back row, with captain Ruan Nortje staying alongside van Staden while Marcell Coetzee moves to number eight.

Leinster, meanwhile, led by captain Jack Conan, will take the field with an almost full-strength squad. The Irish side’s biggest hopes rest on the shoulders of stars Jamison Gibson-Park, James Lowe, and Jordie Barrett.

This final has become a true showcase of the rivalry between two of rugby’s powerhouse nations—Ireland and South Africa—set against the iconic backdrop of an Irish sporting cathedral. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 Central European Time.

• Read also: Cristiano Ronaldo announces he will become an ambassador for the Esports World Cup

She played volleyball throughout her high school and college years, representing Marshall University in West Virginia. For many seasons, she served as team captain. However, after hanging up her jersey, Simmons decided to pursue new directions.

Публикация от Kayla Simmons (@kaylasimmmons)

Публикация от Kayla Simmons (@kaylasimmmons)

Kayla has modeled for Maxim Australia and continues to dazzle fans on the adult entertainment platform OnlyFans. These days, she regularly posts bold and vibrant photos on her Instagram page, sending her followers into a frenzy.

Публикация от Kayla Simmons (@kaylasimmmons)

Публикация от Kayla Simmons (@kaylasimmmons)

Her account boasts over 1 million followers, with her posts consistently racking up tens of thousands of likes. Fans flood the comments with admiration, while Kayla keeps delighting them with bikini shots and stunning outfits from sun-drenched beaches.

Публикация от Kayla Simmons (@kaylasimmmons)

• Read also: Mauro Icardi shares romantic autumn photos with China Suárez from Argentina

She has claimed medals at the European Championships on three occasions, earning gold twice and a bronze once. Böhm also took home a bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships in the mixed team event.

Публикация от Playboy Deutschland (@playboygermany)

The German athlete is renowned for her impressive figure, which she confidently shows off on her Instagram page, frequently posting bikini photos from the beach.

Публикация от Alina Böhm | Judoka (@alina.boehm)

Публикация от Playboy Deutschland (@playboygermany)

Recently, she posed nude for the PlayBoy cover. Böhm explained that she decided to take part in the photoshoot to break stereotypes about women involved in combat sports. She wanted to prove that femininity and strength can go hand in hand.

Публикация от Alina Böhm | Judoka (@alina.boehm)

It's worth noting that Böhm's partner, Yannick van der Kolk, fully supported her decision to appear in PlayBoy.

Публикация от Alina Böhm | Judoka (@alina.boehm)

Details: Head coach Kevin Foote has revealed the Junior Springboks' roster. For this tournament, forward Riley Norton will captain the team.

Kevin Foote has announced his Junior Springbok squad for the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy 🇿🇦Riley Norton is retained as captain for the tournament which will be staged from 29 June to 19 July 📅 pic.twitter.com/JemtMSGAo6

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 10, 2025

Reminder: This tournament in Italy marks the 14th international appearance for the South African U20 side. The Junior Springboks have never missed a championship, with their best result—a title win—coming in 2012.

• See also: South Africa's senior rugby squad announced for upcoming matches

Throughout their history, the Junior Springboks have frequently claimed medals, but in last year’s 2024 tournament as hosts, they failed to reach the playoffs, finishing third in Group C behind England, Argentina, and Fiji.

England will again be one of their group stage rivals in Italy, alongside Australia and Scotland. The championship will unfold in northern Italy from June 29 to July 19.