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MOST RECENT ARTICLES FROM NIK SIMON
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Premiership Rugby chief Simon Massie-Taylor warns more top-flight clubs could follow Wasps and Worcester into financial oblivion without a 'more sustainable future'
14/10/22 05:52
Premiership Rugby chief Simon Massie-Taylor said he cannot be certain that more clubs will follow Wasps and Worcester into financial oblivion without greater scrutiny of accounts. While the PRL CEO is not anticipating any major short-term problems, he was unable to offer guarantees about the long-term stability of other clubs. French clubs are subject to intense accounting scrutiny before the start of the season and English rugby could adopt a similar approach after the recent turmoil....read
'I've not got a f****** clue what I'll do if I can't play rugby': Worcester players left training in parks and desperately searching for new jobs after the collapse of the club
09/10/22 10:14'Where will I get my next job?' That was one of the thoughts running through Jay Tyack's head as the out-of-work Worcester prop was doing laps of Victoria Park in Plymouth this week.
Bath 17-21 Gloucester: Bath coach Johann van Graan is 'gutted' as his side lose their fifth game in a row in the Gallagher Premiership despite an improved performance
08/10/22 09:42NIK SIMON AT THE RECREATION GROUND: Five days after joining the club from Worcester, loanee centre Ollie Lawrence almost inspired his new team-mates to a second-half comeback.
EXCLUSIVE: 'A coconut for a kicking tee, a cola bottle for a ball, and I was Jonny Wilkinson': Meet Theo McFarland - the international basketball player from Samoa who is Saracens' new star
08/10/22 09:30EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON: 'We had a big plot of land so there was always something to do. We didn't have the money for technology so we were climbing trees or playing in the river behind our house.
Saracens 51- 18 Leicester: England outcast Elliot Daly leads a masterclass as hosts rack up record haul against the reigning champions
01/10/22 10:17'Boring, boring Sarries!' shouted one member of the crowd, with a mouthful of irony, after Owen Farrell's side produced a masterclass in attacking rugby.
Why is an English billionaire buying into French rugby? Brive secure major investment from entrepreneur Ian Osborne... as the Premiership crisis is blamed on weak rules and ring-fencing
01/10/22 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERBIEW BY NIK SIMON: As the news of Worcester's administration broke on Monday, the great and the good of French rugby were gathering in Paris for a red-carpet awards night.
Superbowl-style half-time shows at next year's Rugby World Cup would help win over new fans, claims England prop Ellis Genge, after he teamed up with Jay Z's Roc Nation agency
30/09/22 11:47Rugby is desperate to engage new audiences and Roc Nation CEO Michael Yormark recently met the World Cup's organising committee to discuss a 'major opening event'.
Meet the Namibian fisherman who caught the eye of Eddie Jones! Prop Patrick Schickerling has enjoyed a rapid rise after swapping Africa for Exeter... and now he's targeting England glory
29/09/22 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: I'm hoping someone can put this on Wikipedia!' says Patrick Schickerling, with a laugh, as he sprawls his giant frame across two plastic seats.
Top 14 player of the year Zach Mercer reveals his 'burning ambition' to secure a place in England's World Cup squad sparked his decision to leave French champions Montpellier... and says Eddie Jones was 'pleased' with Gloucester move
28/09/22 04:00INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON IN PARIS: After parading down the red carpet with his player of the year award, Mercer had one defiant message: bring on the 2023 World Cup.
French referee defends controversial call that cost Wallabies the Bledisloe Cup, claiming Bernard Foley 'forced' him to penalise Australia after ignoring repeated warnings...and reveals skipper Nic White apologised with a few beers after the game
27/09/22 11:22NIK SIMON IN PARIS: Referee Mathieu Raynal has doubled down on his controversial call in the Bledisloe Cup decision and backed a clampdown on time wasting.
'I always loved confrontation... but if anyone pulls my beard, I really lose it!' How 19st 5lb Afrikaner Irne Herbst brings the beast to Harlequins' beauty as they prepare to play Exeter
24/09/22 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Herbst's eyes light up when he starts talking about daisies. He is reflecting on his happy childhood memories of South Africa.
Worcester 39-5 Newcastle: Victory and out? Warriors show their fighting spirit in impressive win as Sixways gates slam shut amid suspension due to financial difficulties... with the club still looking for investors
24/09/22 09:30By 5pm on Monday, Worcester are set to be suspended from all competitions by the RFU. By midnight tomorrow, their buildings insurance will expire. When they will return, no one knows.
EXCLUSIVE: Worcester Warriors players left FUMING at owners after failure to hand over thousands in agent's fees... as ongoing turmoil leaves players 'p***** off' with up to 15 players losing five to 10 per cent of their salaries
17/09/22 09:31EXCLUSIVE: Under new fee structures this season, clubs may deduct a percentage from player salaries to pay agents. However, Worcester Warriors' co-owners have not passed on the funds.
Harlequins 27-30 Saracens: Owen Farrell's men edge out frustrated hosts after they blow a SEVENTEEN point lead in London derby lite... but rugby once again shoots itself in the foot with Marcus Smith ruled out
17/09/22 09:30NIK SIMON AT THE TWICKENHAM STOOP: Fans bought tickets to see the duel between Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell but Quins were blocked from selecting their No 10 on welfare grounds.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Mike Brown is preparing for life after rugby by going back to SCHOOL as a 37-year-old... and the former Quins full-back is keen to follow ex-rugby coach Ben Ryan in making the transition into football
17/09/22 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: With a second child due in January, the Browns have relocated back to their family home near London to begin a new chapter.
Worcester's game against Exeter faces the AXE as the cash-strapped club miss the deadline to settle unpaid bills with medical and security providers ahead of the Premiership fixture
14/09/22 09:37Worcester are on the brink of forfeiting Sunday's game against Exeter after the cash-strapped club failed to pay its stadium suppliers.
Former Gloucester lock Ed Slater opens up about being diagnosed with MND at the age of 34: I think about life in the short term now. I struggle buttoning up my shirt but I won't let it bring me down
10/09/22 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Ed Slater is sitting in the corner of a cafe in Cheltenham, with shoulders so broad they block the sunlight from coming through the window.
London Irish 45-14 Worcester: Warriors suffer defeat but financial concerns continue to provide main concern for Steve Diamond's side
10/09/22 09:30NIK SIMON: With the club on the brink of going under, and wages paid late, the pent-up frustration was evident in the early exchanges.
'It's put a bit of respect back on my name': Leicester hero Freddie Burns talks of his sudden return to the limelight after scoring his last-gasp Premiership-winning drop goal
03/09/22 09:50EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Freddie Burns is sitting in the bar of the Brooklyn Hotel in Leicester when a couple of teenagers walk by and call out his name. 'We love you, Freddie,' they shout.
RFU quiz 92 individuals as part of a formal investigation into Luther Burrell's shocking racism revelations... after the former centre lifts the lid on racist behaviour in rugby's dressing rooms
03/09/22 09:31Almost 100 people have been interviewed as part of a formal investigation into Luther Burrell's shocking revelations about racism in rugby. The former centre lifted the lif to Sportsmail in June.
EXCLUSIVE: London Irish tycoon Mick Crossan reveals he is ready to give the club away for NOTHING after almost a decade of ownership... as the millionaire businessman insists 'it's not about money'
03/09/22 09:30EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON: The millionaire businessman told the Mail on Sunday that he is prepared to talk to prospective investors with the money to finance the club's future.
Worcester chief Steve Diamond urges fans to keep faith ahead of new Premiership season as the cash-strapped Warriors FINALLY pay their players amid £25million debt crisis
03/09/22 09:30Worcester Warriors boss Steve Diamond declared 'all systems go' for the fresh Gallagher Premiership season on Saturday after the cash-strapped club finally paid its players.
Worcester assistant coach Nick Easter reveals how he is tracking his financial and professional future on Twitter as the cash-strapped club seeks to escape a winding-up petition
27/08/22 09:29Worcester assistant coach Nick Easter says the club's financial crisis has contributed to one of the most stressful periods of his life.
World Cup winner Steve Thompson urges rugby authorities to use his class action case to protect future players from brain diseases, with governing bodies facing multi-million pound lawsuit
25/07/22 09:30World Cup winner Steve Thompson has called on rugby's authorities to use his historic legal case to fuel action to protect players from degenerative brain diseases.
'It scares the hell out of me!': Michael Lipman wouldn't have played rugby if he'd known it would give him DEMENTIA by the age of 40... he battled alcohol dependency in rehab and now the ex-Bath and England star is tackling short-term memory loss
16/07/22 09:30EXCLUSIVE: Lipman lived life to its fullest during his playing days with Bath and England but now, aged 42, he is weighed down by the burden of probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy and early onset dementia.
Australia 17-21 England: Eddie Jones' side withstand late onslaught to secure a famous Test series victory in Sydney thanks to the boot of Owen Farrell and tries from Freddie Steward and Marcus Smith
16/07/22 09:01NIK SIMON IN SYDNEY: As the final whistle blew on England's series victory, the bench players jumped off their flimsy plastic seats and sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate.
Suliasi Vunivalu reveals the Wallabies are planning to replicate the ferocious intensity of State of Origin as motivated Australia bid to 'shut the Pommies up' in series decider
14/07/22 11:14NIK SIMON IN SYDNEY: England's players booked out a room to watch the game on big screen and Wallaby winger Suliasi Vunivalu, who made his name in league, wants to replicate the ferocity.
Danny Care returns to the England team for series decider against Australia as Ollie Chessum and Lewis Ludlam replace injured duo Maro Itoje and Sam Underhill in Sydney
14/07/22 06:37NIK SIMON IN SYDNEY: Care has been handed the No 9 jersey ahead of Jack van Poortvliet, adding his experience for the finale in Sydney. There are also two enforced changes for the series decider.
Australia scrum-half Nic White claims the Wallabies are on red alert for any 'wind-up tactics' ahead of Saturday's series decider against old rivals England after run-in with Ellis Genge
12/07/22 09:31The Wallabies have been on the wrong side of the referees in the opening Tests after they twice retaliated. Lock Darcy Swain was sent off for a head butt after having his hair pulled.
Sam Underhill ruled out of England's series decider against Australia with concussion, becoming the latest casualty in Eddie Jones' ranks after Tom Curry and Maro Itoje also flew home early following head issues
11/07/22 07:10No replacements will be flown out, however, after fellow flanker Jack Willis was given the all clear on a rib injury. England travelled to Sydney on Sunday afternoon.
EXCLUSIVE: Former Australia captain David Pocock put his body on the line on the pitch and is now desperate to make positive change off it as a politician in his country's Senate battling racism and climate change
09/07/22 09:30EXCLUSIVE: David Pocock has swapped the gold jersey for a crisp white shirt. A few kilos of muscle have dropped off since his retirement in 2020 but he still looks fit enough to last 80 minutes.
England end four-game winless streak with a 25-17 victory over Australia in second Test to level three-match series - and setup a sizzling showdown in Sydney next Saturday
09/07/22 08:55NIK SIMON AT THE SUNCORP STADIUM: England showed resolve to weather a second-half storm from Australia to clinch a 25-17 victory at Suncorp Stadium that takes their series to a decider in Sydney next Saturday.
'It was like a movie with bank robberies and assaults': Wallabies star Samu Kerevi opens up on his mission to save the family name after fleeing a life of crime in Fiji at the age of seven
05/07/22 09:00NIK SIMON: The journey was dangerous. He fled a life of crime in Fiji - via a coup d'etat in the Solomon Islands - after his cousins and uncles were sent to prison for a bank robbery.
England flanker Tom Curry is ruled OUT of the remainder of the series in Australia after suffering a concussion in humiliating 30-28 first Test defeat - with in-form Lewis Ludlam the front-runner to take his spot at No 7
04/07/22 10:35NIK SIMON AND CHRIS FOY IN BRISBANE: Curry travelled to Brisbane with the squad on Sunday but has been stood down 'in the interest of player welfare and recovery',
EXCLUSIVE: Rugby DOES have a racism problem: Sport's powerbrokers launch investigation after Luther Burrell said discrimination was 'rife' amongst team-mates... as England players call for perpetrators to be named and shamed
02/07/22 09:33EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON: The RFU's chief executive Bill Sweeney met Luther Burrell on Friday after the former England international shocked the sport in our exclusive interview.
Australia 30-28 England: Three second-half tries from The Wallabies seal a stunning win despite a late rally by Eddie Jones's men... but the hosts hold on even though Darcy Swain was SENT OFF for a headbutt on Jonny Hill in the first half
02/07/22 09:00NIK SIMON AT THE OPTUS STADIUM: This was a horrendous homecoming for Eddie Jones. His proud unbeaten record over Australia ended with humiliation.
EXCLUSIVE: 'I'm worried about rugby': David Campese, one of the game's greatest showmen, explains how the sport can rediscover its entertainment factor - and claims there is 'nothing better than beating the English'
01/07/22 10:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON IN PERTH: One of the most outspoken men in rugby, the sharp-tongued Australian has 101 Wallaby caps.
Barbarians pull off coaching coup with Ronan O'Gara and Scott Robertson set to join forces for their autumn fixture against New Zealand at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
30/06/22 11:00The coaching team has not yet been announced but Sportsmail understands that O'Gara and Robertson - have already agreed to join forces for the Barbarians.
Courtney Lawes will captain England in first game against Australia despite Owen Farrell's return, while Harlequins duo Marcus Smith and Danny Care are also given the nod by Eddie Jones
30/06/22 07:25NIK SIMON IN PERTH: Courtney Lawes has been named as skipper for England's series opener against Australia. Lawes, 33, has retained the captaincy despite the return of Owen Farrell.
Cadeyrn Neville is handed a shock start in Saturday's series opener against England... with the former rower to become Australia's oldest debutant in 23 YEARS at age of 33
30/06/22 05:36NIK SIMON IN PERTH: Cadeyrn Neville, now aged 33, previously represented his country in the youth Olympics and once targeted a place at London 2012 as a rower in the single sculls.
Son of a trawlerman Jack Nowell knows better than to go on post-training excursions these days as the England winger targets a starting berth in Saturday's series opener against the Wallabies in Perth
29/06/22 10:25As the son of a trawlerman, you might expect Jack Nowell to have been the first volunteer for England's fishing trip out on the Indian Ocean this week.
Australia's Quade Cooper hails England star Marcus Smith and hopes they can 'build friendship' because 'we are all here to help each other grow' as pair get set to lock horns in diplomatic three Test series
27/06/22 09:30NIK SIMON IN PERTH: England were braced for an onslaught of hostility Down Under but the Wallabies, who are based 2,700 miles away on the Gold Coast, are yet to engage.
'When is this going to stop?': England star Luther Burrell lifts the lid on racist 'banter' about wearing shackles as a slave and 'jokes' about bananas and fried chicken, from his own team-mates, as he lays bare rugby's shocking racism problem
25/06/22 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Our conversation started late last year. A phone call to Luther Burrell to ask about racism in rugby was met with an immediate answer: 'It's rife.'
Australia have struggled for consistency and Will Skelton's absence will leave a big hole, but Quade Cooper is a major threat... how Dave Rennie's new-look Wallabies are shaping up ahead of facing England
20/06/22 09:30Australia have undergone many changes but will still pose a threat to England. Sportsmail's Nik Simon provides an insight into how Australia are shaping up.
England coach Eddie Jones warns his players that they must be ready for 'abusive' Australian crowds as they head Down Under for three Test series against the Wallabies
20/06/22 09:04During the 2016 tour, England's arrival in Brisbane was overshadowed by Jones's claims that he was subjected to heavy-handed treatment by airport customs.
Billy Vunipola earns a recall for England's tour of Australia for the first time since the 2021 Six Nations, as Eddie Jones names his 36-man squad and hands call-ups to eight uncapped stars - with Danny Care making the cut
20/06/22 09:03NIK SIMON: The No 8 has been named in a 36-man squad, despite suffering a head injury in Saracens' Premiership final defeat by Leicester.
Fabien Galthie jokes that there is 'no pressure' on his Barbarian players as superstars take inspiration from the epic try launched by Welsh rugby legend Phil Bennett ahead of clash with England at Twickenham
18/06/22 09:32NIK SIMON FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY: On the big screen, Galthie played footage of that legendary try from 1973, initiated by Phil Bennett himself. 'No pressure,' he quipped to his players.
Philosophy, literature, politics and Zinedine Zidane: France's Fabien Galthie gets his inspiration from unusual places... nothing is off limits for the thinking man's rugby coach who lights small fires of happiness
18/06/22 07:00INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Even in the A-list world of Monaco, Galthie turns heads, immediately recognisable with his thick-rimmed glasses.
EXCLUSIVE: 'I'm pumped about finishing up in a Baa-Baas shirt AGAINST England': Former Red Rose and Saracens star George Kruis excited about his last game at Twickenham on Sunday as he hangs up his boots
15/06/22 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: George Kruis has been a household name in English rugby for the best part of a decade but now at 32, he is set to hang up the boots.
Danny Care is handed a shock England recall four years since his last appearance as Eddie Jones hands the veteran scrum-half a second chance against the Barbarians with the tour of Australia to come this summer
12/06/22 01:00Care, 35, has received a shock summons from England head coach Jones for Sunday's clash with the Barbarians, as Sportsmail exclusively predicted earlier on Sunday.
EXCLUSIVE: London Irish star Henry Arundell discusses his rapid rise to the top after a stellar season - as questions rise over whether the 19-year-old speed king is the X Factor answer to England and Eddie Jones' woes
11/06/22 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: He takes a curious look at the cameraman setting up for a photoshoot, before quickly settling into conversation.
Jamie George tips Saracens team-mate Owen Farrell to channel his inner Michael Jordan and deliver his own 'Last Dance' moment in their Premiership play-off with Harlequins
08/06/22 12:47Team-mates have compared the No 10 to basketball legend Michael Jordan, who was renowned for his fiercely competitive spirit at the Chicago Bulls.
Northampton 65-26 Newcastle: Tommy Freeman hits a hat-trick of tries as Northampton reach the play-offs with a flourish
04/06/22 09:30NIK SIMON AT FRANKLIN'S GARDENS: Franklin's Gardens was close to full bloom, with Northampton showing signs of a spectacular summer blossom.
'We had oysters for breakfast and got home at 10am!' Will Skelton relives the wild celebrations after La Rochelle's Euro triumph and explains why French rugby is enjoying a golden era
04/06/22 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: By the time we speak, Skelton is in recovery mode. He has opted out of a team lunch at Gregory Coutanceau's restaurant.
SPECIAL REPORT: Premiership Rugby facing an escalating jobs crisis with record numbers of established players set to find themselves out of work as clubs feel the squeeze of Covid-19 and salary cap cuts
28/05/22 09:30SPECIAL REPORT: The showbiz end of the Premiership season is filled with awards nights but an escalating jobs crisis means a number of players are facing a far less glamorous finale.
Having Owen Farrell alongside Marcus Smith will 'free up' England again, insists attack coach Martin Gleeson as Eddie Jones' men seek to bounce back from disappointing Six Nations campaign
23/05/22 09:30The two playmakers have only featured together for 68 minutes, after Farrell missed the bulk of the autumn and the Six Nations with injury.
Joel Kpoku flies the flag for English in the Challenge Cup final after reaping the rewards of a leap of faith with Lyon... and admits he is 'rattled' by Maro Itoje comparisons
21/05/22 09:54English flag-bearer Joel Kpoku has rediscovered his love for rugby as he prepares to lead Lyon's charge in Friday's Challenge Cup final.
'There's definitely the perception that if you're gay you might be soft, but rugby's making progress': Exeter-bound Jack Dunne will soon be the Premiership's only 'out' player and the 6ft 7in, 18st forward is ready to challenge prejudice
21/05/22 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Jack Dunne is sitting in one of the bars he used to visit as a teenager, laughing about the days when it hosted underage discos on its sticky dancefloor.
Harlequins 28-24 Gloucester: Joe Marchant scores twice as Quins stage another thrilling fightback to secure a place in the Premiership semi-finals
21/05/22 08:44There was a Craig David takeover at Twickenham. Music's comeback king serenaded rugby's comeback kings, as Quins overturned a 17-point deficit to book their place in the play-offs.
London Irish 25-25 Worcester: Warriors win dramatic Premiership Cup final on most tries scored after Fin Smith's last-gasp conversion forced extra-time
17/05/22 09:20NIK SIMON AT THE BRENTFORD COMMUNITY STADIUM: Although the scoreline ended level, Worcester lifted the trophy because they outscored London Irish by three tries to one.
EXCLUSIVE: Dan Biggar to retain Wales captaincy for summer tour despite Alun Wyn Jones being set to be named in the squad for the series in South Africa
17/05/22 06:46Dan Biggar will retain the captaincy for Wales’ summer tour of South Africa with George North and Alun Wyn Jones also set to be named in the squad. No 10 Biggar will continue as skipper.
The Premiership will not have a representative in the Champions or Challenge Cup final for the first time in NINE years following Saracens' defeat against Toulon... with a reduced salary cap of £5million potentially limiting English clubs in Europe
15/05/22 09:31Premiership clubs won the Champions Cup four times between 2016 and 2020 but, for the first time since 2013, there will be no Premiership representative in either the Champions or Challenge Cup final.
Lyon end their 89-YEAR wait to reach a major final as they snuff out Wasps' hopes of a trophy this season with victory in European Challenge Cup
14/05/22 11:48LYON 20-18 WASPS - NIK SIMON AT THE MATMUT STADIUM DE GERLAND: Wasps' current crop will have to wait until next year to make an assault on winning their first trophy since 2008.
Toulon 25-16 Saracens: Gabin Villiere puts on a masterclass to knock out Owen Farrell and Co and end English involvement in the European Challenge Cup, setting up an all-French final with Lyon
14/05/22 11:07NIK SIMON AT STADE FELIX MAYOL: On Saturday night, Toulon's action man winger Gabin Villiere announced his rugby royalty status with two tries to end Saracens' Challenge Cup campaign.
Edinburgh 30-34 Wasps: Alfie Barbeary's last-gasp try keeps visitors' European hopes alive... with No 8's scores from driving maul seeing them come from behind to book place in Challenge Cup semi-finals
07/05/22 11:12Le Blackett feared his men had blown their European dreams until Alfie Barbeary charged to the rescue and earned them a Challenge Cup semi-final spot.
England prop Joe Marler backs call by Rassie Erasmus for specialist scrummaging referees to be introduced... with Springboks director of rugby believing set-piece experts would help reduce confusion around the scrum
07/05/22 10:49Writing in his Mail on Sunday column last week, Springbok director of rugby Erasmus called for set-piece experts to help reduce confusion around the scrum.
Leicester 14-23 Leinster: Ellis Genge vents his anger at 'plucky losers' tag as Tigers come up short in Champions Cup quarter-final... as England prop's last shot at European glory with East Midlands side ends in failure
07/05/22 10:33The death stare told a thousand words. Ellis Genge marched into the press room after full-time and gave a look of daggers as he was asked about Leicester's gallant defeat.
From the gold mine to a gold rush! Racing prop and Bomb Squad member Trevor Nyakane wants to blow up Sale's Euro hopes
07/05/22 09:30INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: As a schoolboy, Nyakane always had an eye for gold. He would often spend the day with his father, Norman, identifying precious metals at the local mine.
'If it doesn't come off, I'm a "risk taker". Sometimes I think what's the point?': Scotland and Racing 92 No 10 Finn Russell opens up on the highs and lows of being a flair player, feeling drained and keeping a smile on his face
06/05/22 04:00INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: The cheeky smile is back on Finn Russell's face as he takes a seat in a meeting room of Racing 92's training ground.
Bring on the World Cup! Red Roses crowned as Six Nations champions but England prop Sarah Bern insists they are chasing global glory at this autumn's main event in New Zealand
01/05/22 09:31As England prepared to return to Heathrow with another Six Nations crown, there was one final message from the departure lounge: bring on the World Cup.
France 12-24 England: Simon Middleton's side win fourth consecutive Women's Six Nations title as they secure Grand Slam success with World Cup glory the next target
30/04/22 09:30NIK SIMON IN BAYONNE: As he toasted the Six Nations title with a bottle of lager, Simon Middleton joked that he had not thought beyond the next 10 hours of celebrations.
England captain Sarah Hunter is ruled out of huge Grand Slam decider against France after suffering rib injury in victory over Ireland
26/04/22 02:09England captain Sarah Hunter has been ruled out of Saturday's Six Nations title decider against France. The No 8 has withdrawn from the squad after suffering a rib injury during Sunday's victory.
Exeter's Jacques Vermeulen promises his side will 'fight like dogs' as they aim to salvage their season by reaching the Premiership play-offs... after 2020 European winners were knocked out of the Champions Cup last week
23/04/22 09:31They are in a race for fourth place with Gloucester and Northampton, but No 8 Jacques Vermeulen believes they will thrive in adversity when they face Saracens on Sunday.
England women are dreaming of a Twickenham sellout after hitting record ticket sales of over 15,000 for Saturday's Six Nations clash against Ireland at Leicester's Welford Road
23/04/22 09:30More than 15,000 tickets have been sold for this afternoon's Six Nations fixture at Welford Road. Scrum-half Leanne Infante, who is set to win her 50th cap, said: 'We're now filling the stadiums.'
NIK SIMON'S GAIN LINE: BT Sport close in on a new deal to broadcast the Champions Cup... while Leicester Tigers are keen on England Under 20 star Phil Cokanasiga and Raffi Quirke is set to sign a new long-term Sale deal
16/04/22 11:23NIK SIMON: An eight-year deal has been proposed, with BT Sport's current contract expiring at the end of the season. Channel 4 are keen to continue their involvement.
Harlequins 33-20 Montpellier (59-60 on agg): Marcus Smith misses vital late conversion as Harlequins are knocked out of the Champions Cup by Montpellier - losing by a single point on aggregate
16/04/22 09:31NIK SIMON: The miracle comeback was almost complete in the 75th minute when Louis Lynagh dived over. All Smith had to do was add a straightforward conversion.
England manager Gareth Southgate spends the day with Harlequins as Premiership holders prepare for their Champions Cup showdown with Montpellier, aiming to overturn first-leg deficit
13/04/22 09:36The England football manager watched training and joined team meetings as Quins look to overturn a 40-26 first-leg defeat at the Stoop in their Champions Cup tie with Montpellier.
Zach Mercer 'loving life' at Montpellier after England snub... as the dynamic forward, 24, says his stint in Top 14 is changing people's perception of him
11/04/22 09:31Zach Mercer insisted he has no regrets over halting his England career by moving to Montpellier after his starring two-try display in a 40-26 win over Harlequins.
Montpellier 40-26 Harlequins: Visitors score FOUR late tries to salvage their Champions Cup quarter-final hopes after trailing 34-0 in first leg
10/04/22 09:30When Danny Care booted the ball into Joe Marler's backside and it ricocheted into Montpellier hands for another try, it felt like this was not going to be Harlequins' day.
We can't go another seven years with zero wins! Italy hero Paolo Garbisi gets a kick from playing on big stage... while his rise to stardom has forced a shift in the pecking order
09/04/22 09:31EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Paolo Garbisi's profile soared since he kicked Italy's match-winning conversion against Wales last month. It ended his country's seven-year wait for a win the Six Nations.
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SPORTS Digest
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KIERAN GILL
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Travis Kelce returns to Chiefs practice after 'comforting Taylor Swift over foiled terrorist attack'
Police stopped a plot to attack Swift's concerts
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Paris Olympics fans go wild as Chinese star Luo Shifang SLEEPS her way to a gold medal
Broke three Olympic records to take gold in the 59kg weightlifting
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Noah Lyles reveals he has COVID after needing to be wheeled off the track after third-place 200m finish
But insists he has NO regrets
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Team USA serenade A'ja Wilson at Paris Olympics as the WNBA star celebrates 28th birthday
Celebrates with personalized champagne
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Olympics commentator CORRECTED live on air after misgendering USA star Raven Saunders
But viewers watching on are unimpressed
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Travis Kelce announces launch date of 'Are You Smarter Than A Celebrity?'
The Chiefs star gave fans a first look at his new show on Amazon Prime
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How Aaron Rodgers held an impromptu reunion with his father Ed at a golf tournament after NFL star's rift with his parents
Jets star's family agony
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Lamecha Girma's condition 'revealed' after horrifying fall during steeplechase at Paris Olympics
He was taken away on a stretcher
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Appalachian State football star smacks teammate with his own HELMET in wild brawl during practice
Viral footage was shared on social media
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What Simone Biles showed 'pommel horse guy' Stephen Nedoroscik when Team USA stars crossed paths at Olympics
'Surreal'
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Falcons forced to cancel practice after Rondale Moore is rushed to hospital as teammates 'pray' for wide receiver
Scary scenes
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OnlyFans star Alysha Newman celebrates Olympic bronze by TWERKING to crowd
Canadian pole vaulter cleared national record 4.85m to make podium
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Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker praises Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid for their support
After his controversial commencement speech
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Michael Jordan enters fishing tournament in stunning $8million superyacht
NBA legend puffs on a cigar at Maryland competition
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Travis Kelce 'upgrades his kitchen' for Taylor Swift with singer set to spend more time at his $6million mansion
Often cook together
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Jeweler behind Simone Biles' GOAT necklace reveals fans will NEVER be able to buy their own - despite 'thousands' of requests
Bold decision
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Jonathan Owens reveals his stance on Simone Biles going to 2028 Olympics in LA
Amid his desire to have kids with the USA gymnastics legend
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Why Simone Biles broke down in tears after her final event of the 2024 Olympics
The American gymnast now has 11 Olympic medals to her name
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Watch as Mariners invite kids from Seattle hospital to hand out signed baseball cards... to MLB stars
Fans praise players for the gesture
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Gender row boxer Imane Khelif powers past Janjaem Suwannapheng to book place in Olympic final
MIKE KEEGAN AT ROLAND GARROS
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Christian McCaffrey's comical blunder fuels uncertainty surrounding Brandon Aiyuk's 49ers future
Slip of the tongue from the running back?
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Olympic Village food vendor breaks silence after swimming star claimed athletes found 'WORMS' in the food
Hit back at British star Adam Peaty
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MyKayla Skinner begs taunting Simone Biles to call off cruel attacks
Claims she's been subject to online bullying and death threats
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Luana Alonso's shock comments about Team USA resurface
Amid claims the Paraguayan was kicked out the Olympic village in Paris
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Meet US Olympics superstar Gabby Thomas' boyfriend Spencer McManes
He'll cheer her on as she goes for Paris 2024 gold on the track
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Conor McGregor launches shocking attack on Khabib Nurmagomedov and slams Donald Trump
After former president's confession to Adin Ross
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Pat Mahomes Sr. celebrates six months' sobriety after recent arrests
Marks it with bizarre Instagram post featuring baseball legend
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Serena Williams shames Paris restaurant for turning her and her kids away during 2024 Olympics
The five-star hotel replied to tennis icon
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Allowing gender row boxers to compete is dangerously wrong, but the charlatans who exploit them for their cause are even worse
OLIVER HOLT
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Olympic champion Armand Duplantis celebrates world record by kissing girlfriend and PUNCHING teammate
Wild celebrations
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Simone Biles reveals the damage to her calf as she wears protective BOOT following painful end to Paris Olympics
It was a difficult end to a golden Games
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Travis Kelce blames Taylor Swift after fan admits she 'literally almost died' after meeting the Chiefs star
'You just took my wife's breath away,' Kelce told
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Simone Biles endures brutal day at the Olympics as she injures herself
Before taking silver on the floor following huge error on the beam
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Simone Biles appears to HIT OUT at Olympics crowd after falling off beam
As teammate Suni Lee blames 'tense' atmosphere in Paris
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Revealed: Real reason glamorous Olympic swimmer, 20, was kicked out of the athletes village
After being accused of 'inappropriate conduct'
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Noah Lyles comments mocking the NBA resurface after USA star won 100m Olympic gold in dramatic photo finish
And fans love it!
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Three brutal NFL brawls erupt between Detroit Lions and New York Giants
As practice ahead of the 2024-25 season turns violent
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Gender row boxer Imane Khelif gives first sit-down interview since forcing female athlete to quit after 46 seconds
Issues a defiant warning
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USA Olympic star reveals why he deliberately finished LAST in 110m hurdles as fans hail 'genius''
Finished five seconds behind the winner
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Simone Biles toasts Olympic glory with racy snaps alongside fellow Team USA gymnast Jordan Chiles: 'Red, white, biles & chiles'
Lots to celebrate
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Jon Rahm savaged by analyst Brandel Chamblee after Spanish golfer missed out on Olympic medal following late collapse
Brutal verdict
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Phil Foden poses with a prize catch as the Manchester City star rounds off his pre-season vacation by landing a huge fish
On a five-day family trip
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Controversial boxer Imane Khelif celebrates her latest Olympics win with a poignant Instagram post
On the brink of an Olympic medal
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Steve McMichael enters Pro Football Hall of Fame in powerful scenes as the Bears star, ravaged by ALS, is joined by teammates
Touching tribute
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Amazing Katie Ledecky video of her playing peekaboo with Michael Jordan as a baby resurfaces
A baby GOAT meets NBA's ultimate star
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Ben Gay, former Cleveland Browns running back, dead
Former NFL player lost his life in a tragic car accident in Colorado at the age of 44
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2024 Olympics sailing medal race descends into chaos after USA rivals make baffling mistake in final stretch
And yet somehow, they STILL won gold!
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Simone Biles draws star-studded crowd at vault finals including John Travolta, Andy Murray and Pharrell
Track star Allyson Felix also among the crowd
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'Pommel horse guy' Stephen Nedoroscik wins another bronze!
Olympics fans go wild after Team USA's 'Clark Kent' secures second medal in Paris
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These Games are a triumph - in spite of Olympic chiefs! Superstars like Simone Biles provide protection from criticism
RIATH AL-SAMARRAI
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Olympics fans laud Simone Biles for post-vault moment with rival
After USA star admitted she 'doesn't want to compete with the Brazilian no more'
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Tommy Fleetwood moves within one shot of leaders Jon Rahm and defending Olympic champion Xander Schauffele in Olympics
RIATH AL-SAMARRAI
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Simone Biles: Why I've been shaking with anxiety in the Olympic village
USA's golden girl gets candid on life in France for the Paris Games
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Dodgers give update on Freddie Freeman after son Max, 3, diagnosed with rare nerve disease
Heartbreaking news emerged this week
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Simone Biles' INCREDIBLE opening Houston Astros pitch from 2019 goes viral
Is there anything that the USA gymnastics star cannot do?
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Travis Kelce is helping a Chiefs teammate deal with PTSD after 18-year-old was shot dead in alleged 2018 robbery
Classy gesture
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Fans have ranked every sports stadium in the United States with California being among the WORST
So where does YOUR team rank?
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Simone Biles breaks silence on criticism of husband Jonathan Owens for wearing her Olympic gold medal
After fans blasted his 'odd' behavior
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Ryan Garcia brands Olympic boxing a 'joke' as he weighs in on Imane Khelif controversy
Amid outrage over gender question marks
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Chinese badminton player proposes to his girlfriend after she wins gold at 2024 Paris Olympics
After she took home top spot in mixed doubles
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Simone Biles reveals new Team USA nickname
After the five-girl squad won more gymnastics gold at the Olympics earlier this week
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Riley Gaines slams Kamala Harris over Imane Khelif Olympic boxing controversy
Reveals why backing VP is 'vote against your daughter's future'
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Dodgers star Freddie Freeman and wife Chelsea give heartbreaking update on son Max, 3, after he was rushed to hospital
Shock news
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Simone Biles reveals reason behind wearing a GOAT necklace after winning ANOTHER Olympic gold'
'Haters hate it, so I love it even more'
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Angela Carini arrived at Paris Olympics to honor her late father... instead, her 46-second loss to Imane Khelif has sparked a gender row
Debate is raging on
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Imane Khelif left rival thanking GOD for escaping horrific injuries in 2022 fight
'Biological male' now sparking huge Olympics gender row
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Imane Khelif row: NFL star SLAMS Pat McAfee's comments after boxer beat Italy's Angela Carini
Not impressed with the ESPN analyst
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Simone Biles wins ANOTHER Olympics gold as USA icon prevails in gymnastics all-around event
As teammate Suni Lee takes bronze
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American diver jokes about 'staring at the hot athletes' in hilarious TikTok from the Olympic Village
After making slew of funny videos in Paris
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Angel Reese poses in a Chanel bikini during whirlwind tropical getaway
Before rookie star returns to training with Chicago Sky
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Pornhub reveals HUGE spike in Olympics searches
As fans go wild on the porn site after watching stunning athletes in action in Paris
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EXCLUSIVEBelichick's ex Linda Holliday living happily on Nantucket amid Jordon Hudson romance
After moving into $4.8M home
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Fans claim Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are MARRIED after spotting new detail in Arrowhead suite
Eagle-eyed fans are onto them!
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Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles pose in Team USA bath robes from Olympic village
They enjoy a relaxing night after winning gold earlier in the week
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Olivia Dunne lives it up at Paris Olympics as she shares stunning pictures from France
Livvy loves the Games judging by her latest social media post
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USA basketball star goes viral for injury treatment at Paris Olympics - but all is not as it seems!
Cameras caught him in a bad way!
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Brazil trainer goes viral for stealing a chair meant for injured fencer Nathalie Moellhausen
And she was competing with a TUMOR on her coccyx
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Simone Biles gets BLOCKED by MyKayla Skinner as their bitter Olympics gymnastics feud escalates
Biles has crossed a line with Skinner
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Fans rip into Simone Biles' husband Jonathan Owens for 'odd' behavior after gymnast's Olympic win
Was it wrong for him to wear her medal?
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Korbin Albert scores outrageous goal for the USWNT against Australia
Embattled star has been criticized for anti-LGBTQ post
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British Olympian Joe Choong blames his disappointing result in Paris on Team GB not selecting his girlfriend
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Pep Guardiola throws his water bottle and storms off in a rage at a Man City star, moments before half-time...
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- Jordan Chiles is set to LOSE Olympic bronze medal after bombshell ruling against USA star
- Simone Biles breaks silence after Jordan Chiles ruling sees USA star's Olympic bronze medal put in jeopardy
- Heartwarming moment major spat between Brazilian and Canadian beach volleyball players at the Olympics is defused as DJ plays John Lennon's 'Imagine', sparking mass sing-a-long
- Olympics fans left divided after Team USA high-jumper Shelby McEwen refused to share his gold medal with competitor - before being dealt 'instant karma'
- Olympics fans are left in stitches as new video of viral breakdancer 'Raygun' in qualifying emerges - and ask 'how did she beat 14 others?'
- Netherlands disqualified for 'endangering another rider' after Team GB's Ollie Wood appeared to be HEADBUTTED by Dutch rival and crashed in men's madison final
- Simone Biles rallies behind US gymnast Jordan Chiles who may LOSE her Olympic bronze medal five days after winning it on a technicality as her sister slams bombshell ruling that hands medal to Romanian opponent... but IOC won't be rushed on a decision
- 'Summertime Trav' Kelce and 'Polo Pat' Mahomes arrive for Chiefs' first preseason game in Jacksonville as Kansas City aims for threepeat
- World's greatest marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge takes a TAXI to the finish line in Paris after he was forced to walk and then quit the race
- USA runner who was replaced 4 minutes before 4x400 relay hits back at USATF despite team's historic eighth Olympics gold
- Doug Emhoff, Jimmy Fallon, Sha'Carri Richardson, Melo and Megan Rapinoe take in USA basketball's gold medal game vs. France
- Caitlin Clark enjoys last weekend before WNBA return meeting Aaron Judge at Yankee Stadium
- Jordan Chiles' sister says RACISM is behind shock decision to strip USA gymnast of her Olympic bronze
- Rachael Gunn: Angry Aussie Olympics boss Anna Meares blames criticism of breakdancer Raygun on SEXISM after her shocking display in Paris
- German athlete reveals she 'vomited NINE times and had diarrhoea' after swimming in the River Seine for Olympic race - despite £1.2BILLION clean-up job
- Donald Trump taunts Imane Khelif by calling Olympic boxer 'he' and claims she's transgender after winning gold
- USA water polo player pulls rivals trunks in SHOCK viral underwater camera clip from Paris Olympics
- Man United agree £43m Matthijs de Ligt deal AND a £17m fee for Noussair Mazraoui in double transfer from Bayern Munich to transform Erik ten Hag's defence
- Dave Portnoy reveals why he wants USA basketball team to LOSE Olympics final to France in Paris
- New Liverpool boss Arne Slot has 'BANNED' a constant feature of Jurgen Klopp's training regime as Dutchman stamps his authority
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