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MOST RECENT ARTICLES FROM NIK SIMON
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Twickenham's road safety measures are facing further scrutiny after two fans were hit by a car near the stadium following England's win over Australia
15/11/21 10:38
Twickenham's transport measures have come under more scrutiny after roads were closed for three hours on Saturday night following a nasty collision. Two supporters were hit by a car on Rugby Road, close to the stadium gates, and treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. The road had been shut earlier in the day so spectators could walk safely away from the ground after the game....read
England suffer a double injury blow as captain Owen Farrell and hooker Jamie George are ruled out of Saturday's showdown against world champions South Africa at Twickenham
15/11/21 05:15The Saracens pair were injured during Saturday's victory over Australia, dealing a significant blow to Eddie Jones's plans. Skipper Farrell injured his ankle and hooker George injured his knee.
'We will see it as a final': Eddie Jones challenges England to secure victory against South Africa in their first clash since suffering World Cup heartbreak... but will have to wait to see whether Owen Farrell will be available
13/11/21 10:30Skipper Farrell limped off in the second half of Saturday night's victory over Australia, with hooker Jamie George also withdrawn at half time.
England secure an EIGHTH successive win over Australia as Freddie Steward and Jamie Blamire score tries and Owen Farrell converts five penalties in Autumn Nations Series clash despite James O'Connor's best efforts
13/11/21 07:28NIK SIMON AT TWICKENHAM: If you were looking for hot- stepping, glitter-ball entertainment, you would have been better switching over to Strictly Come Dancing.
Maro Itoje says being in the spotlight is a GOOD thing and can help grow rugby's popularity - as he believes there is a healthy balance to be struck between sporting and commercial activities
12/11/21 10:31Maro Itoje believes rugby players must embrace the spotlight in order to grow the sport, after Eddie Jones highlighted the sport's cautious attitude towards fame earlier this week.
Manu Tuilagi is a surprise pick on the WING for England against Australia as Marcus Smith starts at fly-half and captain Owen Farrell returns at inside centre for Twickenham clash
11/11/21 11:35It is the first time Tuilagi has started a Test on the wing since 2014, with Adam Radwan making way for the powerhouse who normally plays centre - Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell are at 10 and 12.
England confusion at Owen Farrell's 'false positive' Covid test after UK Health Security Agency insist they have NOT been contacted by the RFU - with captain's availability for Australia clash in doubt
06/11/21 10:49Head coach Eddie Jones said England were leaving the decision over his captain's participation to the UK Health Security Agency. But sources at the agency say they have not been contacted.
Owen Farrell likely to miss out on England's opening autumn fixture against Tonga at Twickenham unless secondary tests prove his case to be a 'false positive'...but assistant coach Richard Cockerill insists George Furbank is ready to be called upon
05/11/21 10:18Farrell received a positive PCR test on the eve of the opening Test against Tonga and was placed into isolation but medical staff have refused to rule him out of the Twickenham fixture.
Marcus Smith only fit enough to start England's autumn clash with Tonga on the bench as Eddie Jones hands Owen Farrell the No 10 shirt and picks Tom Curry at No 8 for Twickenham clash
04/11/21 12:27Harlequins star Smith was expected to lead a new-look England attack at Twickenham but has been hampered by a leg injury all week and has been named on the bench by Eddie Jones.
EXCLUSIVE: 'We had to use a COCONUT as a rugby ball to play on the beach': Tonga centre Vaea Vaea's remarkable journey from the tiny island of Lofanga - which has a population of just 120 - to Twickenham
03/11/21 10:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - NIK SIMON: Looking around with wide eyes at Tonga's team base near Twickenham, Vaea Vaea says: 'This hotel is bigger than the island I grew up on.'
Tom Curry is set to start at No 8 for England ahead of Alex Dombrandt in Tonga clash with late decision to be made over Marcus Smith
03/11/21 10:30Courtney Lawes is expected to play at blindside with Charlie Ewels joining Maro Itoje in the second row and Ellis Genge preferred to Joe Marler at loosehead.
RFU to give cash-strapped Tonga six-figure fee for Saturday's Test at Twickenham, while Eddie Jones' players could earn £23,000 per game as part of new match fee deal
01/11/21 11:12The RFU will give a six-figure fee to Saturday's cash-strapped opponents Tonga as part of a new development partnership, which also involves reciprocal coach sharing and financial help.
NIK SIMON'S GAIN LINE: Chris Ashton's playing career placed in doubt as his contract with Worcester could be terminated after just three games following alleged bust-up with management
30/10/21 09:30NIK SIMON'S GAIN LINE: The former Northampton, Saracens and Toulon player has struggled to settle recently, having played for Sale, Harlequins and Worcester the last 18 months.
Wales 16-54 New Zealand: Beauden Barrett marks his 100th test with two tries as All Blacks extend 68-year hoodoo with captain Alun Wyn Jones limping off early to cap Welsh woe
30/10/21 06:24NIK SIMON AT THE PRINCIPALITY STADIUM: The little Welsh lambs, as everyone expected, ended up in the slaughter house. This fixture was doomed to become a meat-trading exercise from the off.
No Owen Farrell, but Manu Tuilagi, Marcus Smith and Max Malins all make our England starting XV! World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward and Bath star Danny Cipriani join Chris Foy and Nik Simon for Sportsmail's Red Rose selection meeting
29/10/21 09:31England are entering a new era and next week Eddie Jones will announce a revamped team ahead of autumn Tests. There are endless areas of debate, so Sportsmail brought together a selection panel.
NIK SIMON'S GAIN LINE: French clubs on red alert after George Ford's England omission and Steve Diamond says he's ready to return
23/10/21 09:31NIK SIMON'S GAIN LINE: French clubs are circling around George Ford after he was left out of Eddie Jones's England squad and his contract includes a clause that could allow him to leave Leicester.
Harlequins 31-17 Bath: Tabai Matson's men bag five tries to leapfrog Northampton back into second as Marcus Smith stars once more with 14 points against rock-bottom opponents
23/10/21 05:25Andre Esterhuizen's two early tries saw the opening stages go as expected before Bath rallied after Joe Marler's yellow card and went in 17-12 up at the break before Smith turned on the style.
Wasps 23-27 Exeter: England left to sweat over the fitness of hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie after he limped off to sour Chiefs' gritty win in Coventry
16/10/21 10:37NIK SIMON AT THE CBS ARENA: Wasps were short of big-name firepower on the bench and Exeter eventually struck back after initially falling behind in the Coventry clash.
Worcester 3-48 Leicester: Tigers skin Warriors with show of force as Fijian winger Nemani Nadolo is the star of the show for league leaders
16/10/21 10:30Steve Borthwick had special praise for Nemani Nadolo after the giant Fijian winger helped runaway leaders Leicester Tigers crush Worcester Warriors 48-3.
NIK SIMON'S GAIN LINE: Rassie Erasmus to return to South Africa fold for European tour while England call on ex-skippers for autumn pep talk
16/10/21 09:46Pantomime villain Rassie Erasmus is set to come out of hiding for the Springboks' upcoming European tour is set to come out of hiding for the Springboks' upcoming European tour
Meet the Ojomohs! Former England star Steve is in awe of Bath's brave new generation and he is revelling in his son Max's rise: 'You don't have 30 guys with beer bellies now!'
16/10/21 09:41EXCLUSIVE: Steve suffered a stroke in 2018 but he is back in good health and enjoying watching his son's rise up the ranks. NIK SIMON listened in as the pair talked about the journey.
EXCLUSIVE: The Hip Hop Prop! Wasps star Biyi Alo is close to a MILLION streaming hits on Spotify in his 'other world' of music... and after losing 2st he's ready to make an even bigger noise in the Premiership
12/10/21 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Alo's profile is growing in the music world, featuring regularly on urban music shows, collaborating with producers and videographers.
NIK SIMON'S GAIN LINE: 99-cap Owen Farrell is left in Lions limbo by dithering board, while Sale are struggling to make the count
09/10/21 09:25NIK SIMON'S GAIN LINE: Board members have still not decided whether this summer's opening game against Japan will be recognised as a capped international. It means Farrell is stuck on 99 caps.
Let's trust the maverick! Mercurial Australian playmaker Quade Cooper finally gets the respect he deserves after his remarkable return to the international scene... and gives a special nod to England fly-half Marcus Smith
09/10/21 09:13EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: It is pitch black as Quade Cooper pulls over to log on to the Zoom call. He has taken the week out and is cruising down Australia's Gold Coast.
Saracens 37-23 Newcastle: Jamie George and Mako Vunipola send timely reminder to England head coach Eddie Jones by starring in stirring fightback
09/10/21 05:00Jamie George and Mako Vunipola overcame their recent snubs by England to produce the decisive tries in a 37-23 Gallagher Premiership victory over Newcastle at StoneX Stadium.
NIK SIMON'S GAIN LINE: BBC's rugby coverage suffers a body blow as they lose the radio rights for autumn Tests to talkSPORT after being outbid, while S4C are cut out of Wales coverage with Amazon using their own team
02/10/21 09:31NIK SIMON'S GAIN LINE: BBC Five Live have decided to end their long-term coverage of the November internationals, as rugby coverage continues to slip away from its platforms.
Nigel Wray insists he gave his 'heart and soul' to Saracens in controversial 26-year ownership spanning domination over Europe and salary cap breaches... as the club confirms plans for £32m takeover
02/10/21 09:30The deal will signal the end of Wray's controversial 26-year ownership, which saw the club dominate Europe before their dynasty came crashing down after salary cap breaches.
'I hadn't heard from Eddie Jones for a long time... it was time for a new challenge': Leeds-born No 8 Zach Mercer is loving life in the south of France after putting England on hold to chase glory at Montpellier
02/10/21 09:30NIK SIMON: 'Sorry,' says Zach Mercer, running half an hour behind schedule, 'my English number has been playing up. There are certain challenges that come with moving to France!'
Leicester 13-12 Saracens: Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick gets one over his former side after a dramatic stoppage-time victory with last-gasp penalty try
02/10/21 05:48NIK SIMON: Game by game, point by point, Leicester Tigers are slowly building Welford Road back into a fortress. This felt like the old days, when winning was a habit in the East Midlands.
Saracens to be taken over in deal worth £32m by consortium including former captain Francois Pienaar as Nigel Wray is set to hand over the controlling stake after 26 years at the club following salary cap scandal
01/10/21 05:15The move would come after a difficult period in the club's history, after they were found to breach salary cap rules back in 2019. Former captain Francois Pienaar is involved in the consortium.
Raffi Quirke is hot stuff! His heroes are more Raymond Blanc than Serge Blanco, but the young Sale scrum-half is fired up to claim the England No 9 shirt
25/09/21 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Quirke's rugby stock is rising quickly. His coach at Sale, Alex Sanderson, has already tipped him to become the next Faf de Klerk
NIK SIMON'S GAIN LINE: More Lions stars expected to follow Marcus Smith and make early to Premiership action next week after clubs forced a review of mandatory 10-week rest period
25/09/21 09:30NIK SIMON'S GAIN LINE: Some big-name Lions players will return to Premiership action ahead of schedule after player power forced a review of England's one-size-fits-all rest period.
Ruthless Eddie Jones wields the axe as he DROPS senior stars Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola, Jamie George AND George Ford from his first England squad of the season
21/09/21 08:07While only picked for the purposes of gathering together 45 men for a two-day camp next week, Jones has discarded four of his most-selected players, and two Lions.
From playing rugby at his local car boot to representing England at Twickenham... Trevor Davison lifts lid on his remarkable journey: 'I only went down because mam's friend had an ice cream van there!'
18/09/21 10:57EXCLUSIVE: 'I feel like a right twit,' mutters Trevor Davison in his quiet Geordie accent, as he leans against a broken fence post for a photograph in his parents' garden.
Sale 20-19 Bath: Danny Cipriani feels the pain as head injury spoils Englishman's long-awaited comeback... as star is forced to watch on as new team-mates fall to Sharks
18/09/21 10:44There was no shortage of irony as 'Oh Danny Boy' piped through the sound system. Bath's new No 10 got knocked down but, contrary to the lyrics, he struggled to get back up. The debut was cut short.
NIK SIMON'S GAIN LINE: Rugby chiefs plot eSports venture with 2023 World Cup game in the works... while Emma Raducanu receives invite to England's Autumn Internationals
18/09/21 10:20The most likely format for the game would be built upon international teams, in a France 2023 format, rather than club sides. Rugby has not successfully ventured into eSports since 1995.
'I felt I was dumbed down with all the attention in the past. It shapes who people think you are': Danny Cipriani opens up on shedding his old life for love, marriage and a new start at Bath
11/09/21 09:32EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: I found the media and the attention difficult. It was tough because I felt like I was dumbed down. I was thrust into it at a time when there wasn't much support.
The French capital hails its new king: Lionel Messi's arrival in Paris was like a state occasion fit for royalty as the masses greeted him at his new Parc des Prince home
10/08/21 07:41NIK SIMON IN PARIS: It felt like a state occasion. The dozens of police vans, the cordoned off roads and the hundreds of cameras feeding every movement to television sets around the world.
Australia plan to include Pacific Island nations in 2025 Lions tour as chairman hopes for 100,000-strong crowds with promises of 'a very different style of rugby' to South Africa series
08/08/21 07:38EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON IN CAPE TOWN: The next hosts want a blockbuster spectacle for returning fans, with a pledge for entertaining rugby and the possibility of 100,000-strong crowds.
Warren Gatland is undecided on whether he will lead the Lions for a fourth tour in 2025 against Australia... as the former Wales coach faces 14 days in self-isolation to mull over his future
07/08/21 09:51NIK SIMON IN CAPE TOWN: Gatland returns to his job with Super Rugby side the Chiefs, but not before he faces a period of quarantine to process the cruellest of series defeats against South Africa
Heartbreak for the Lions! Cheslin Kolbe comes up trumps for the Springboks with a superb solo try before veteran Morne Steyn kicks the winning penalty with just minutes to go AGAIN as Warren Gatland's side lose the series 2-1 in Cape Town
07/08/21 03:14NIK SIMON: Deja-vu and despair for the Lions. History repeated itself as Morne Steyn came back to haunt the tourists by kicking South Africa to series victory, just as he did in 2009.
South Africa fire one last shot at the Lions ahead of the series decider with coach Mzwandile Stick inviting the tourists to play 'touch rugby' in a jibe at Warren Gatland's comments over world champions' style of play
06/08/21 09:31NIK SIMON IN CAPE TOWN: Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick responded to Warren Gatland's comments that South Africa prefer to play a slow, set-piece-dominated game.
FORM GUIDE: Maro Itoje has grown in stature for the Lions over the tour, but Cheslin Kolbe has had little chance to show off his Springboks magic... how each Lions and South Africa player ranks ahead of the series decider
06/08/21 09:30The Lions will aim for a superb series triumph when they take on South Africa in the nail-biting, winner-takes-all decider this weekend. Sportsmail's NIK SIMON has rated each of the players.
British and Irish Lions are NOT granted special exemption to fly straight back to the UK with South Africa still on the red list... despite Warren Gatland's squad remaining in strict bubble for the last eight weeks
06/08/21 08:54Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has previously made quarantine exemptions for sporting teams but the Lions have not been granted any special assistance.
Warren Gatland urges officials to watch out for South African time-wasting in decider as Lions coach wants fewer TMO reviews and stoppages after TWO HOUR second test
03/08/21 09:30NIK SIMON IN CAPE TOWN: After the second Test lasted more than two hours, the Lions coach wants to speed up the tempo with fewer TMO interventions and niggle-enforced stoppages.
Warren Gatland makes SIX changes to his Lions team for third Test decider against South Africa with Welsh duo Liam Williams and Josh Adams among four switches in the backline
03/08/21 11:03NIK SIMON IN CAPE TOWN: Four of the changes come in the backline, where full-back Liam Williams, winger Josh Adams, centre Bundee Aki and scrum-half Ali Price all come in.
Keys to the door of No 10: As he names his line-up for the Lions' decisive Third test against South Africa, will Warren Gatland stick with Dan Biggar's boot or go for the X-factor of Scotland's maverick conductor Finn Russell?
02/08/21 09:41The head coach will surely consider revamping the creative hub of his team. Last weekend's 27-9 defeat to the Springboks was a crushing setback for the tourists.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster scathingly criticises the Lions series in South Africa for being too cautious, saying the clashes 'put me to sleep' and branding the two-hour second Test in Cape Town as a 'slugfest'
02/08/21 09:31Foster took aim at Saturday's second Test, which he branded a two-hour 'slugfest' dominated by kicking contests. He believes that the series is now too cautious.
South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus set to be free to be involved in crunch series decider against the Lions after World Rugby delayed disciplinary action... allowing him to continue controversial waterboy role
02/08/21 09:31The governing body announced on Monday night that Erasmus would be hauled before a disciplinary panel over questioning the integrity of referee Nic Berry during a rogue 63-minute video.
Warren Gatland knows it may be time for changes to freshen up the British and Irish Lions side ahead of the winner-takes-all decider against the Springboks next week
31/07/21 09:52NIK SIMON IN CAPE TOWN: It will be an anxious wait until Warren Gatland names his team for the decider. Whatever happens in selection, it remains a squad effort to snatch the series win.
Rassie the Rascal has the last laugh! South Africa's director of rugby Erasmus can claim his mind games paid off after several calls went the Springboks' way in the second Test
31/07/21 09:30NIK SIMON IN CAPE TOWN: After a week firing out rogue tweets and torching his reputation as a cool and calm character, it was the Springbok director of rugby who had the last laugh.
Warren Gatland urges World Rugby chiefs to take action against South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus following his hour-long video tirade... but Lions head coach insists he does not want 'war of words' with Springbok rival
31/07/21 07:13NIK SIMON IN CAPE TOWN: Tempers boiled over on and off the pitch as South Africa produced a stunning second-half fightback in Cape Town - before Gatland took a swipe at Erasmus.
South Africa seal 27-9 victory in second Test against the Lions to set up a decider next week as Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi both score tries on controversial night of refereeing
31/07/21 03:00NIK SIMON IN CAPE TOWN: Glory denied - or at least delayed. The Lions' hopes of sealing a famous Test series triumph were buried under an aerial onslaught from the Springboks.
FORM GUIDE: Courtney Lawes will be key to the physicality Warren Gatland wants from his team while Lukhanyo Am's speed can cause the tourists a lot of problems... how each Lions and South Africa player ranks ahead of the second Test
30/07/21 10:40Warren Gatland's side lead 1-0 in the series after beating the reigning world champions 22-17 last week in Cape Town. Sportsmail's NIK SIMON has rated the players' form going into the second Test.
South Africa vs Lions - THREE KEY CLASHES: Chris Harris will hope his defensive prowess prevails against Lukhanyo Am and Mako Vunipola will look to gain the upper hand over Frans Malherbe again... but Conor Murray vs Faf de Klerk could define second Test
30/07/21 09:40The second Test between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions takes place on Saturday - and Warren Gatland's side know they can expect a backlash from the wounded Springboks.
Has Warren Gatland picked the right team? In what areas can the Lions improve? And how about Rassie Erasmus' antics? Sir Clive Woodward, Jamie Roberts, Chris Foy and Nik Simon look forward to the second test in South Africa
29/07/21 09:31Discussing selections, tactics, potential improvements and Rassie Erasmus' antics. Sportsmail's experts look ahead to the Lions' second test in South Africa on Saturday
Another surreal twist in the Rassie Erasmus roadshow! South Africa boss DENIES having a Twitter alter-ego and then blasts Sportsmail's Sir Clive Woodward as the pressure cranks up before the second Test with the Lions
27/07/21 09:30NIK SIMON IN CAPE TOWN: Erasmus has been retweeting posts from a mystery 'Jaco Johan' account - and kicked off the show by denying rumours that he is the man behind the posts.
'Once I knew there was a shot, I just hammered it': Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones opens up on his Lazarus-like recovery from a dislocated shoulder, owing his daughters an ice cream after leaving them at home... and first Test glory
26/07/21 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON IN CAPE TOWN: Others may have thrown in the towel and settled for a summer at home with their young family, but Jones is not the type to kick stones around.
Cheslin Kolbe could have chosen the route of guns, gangsters and drugs - even one of his best friends was shot dead... but instead the Springbok star escaped the tough times to become a national hero and beacon of hope for kids
24/07/21 09:32EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: In the town of Kraaifontein, on a bad day children are running for cover from shootings. Look a little closer and you see where local gangs have tagged electricity boxes.
The Lions have lift-off! Owen Farrell and Dan Biggar kick tourists to victory in the opening Test against world champions South Africa as they battle back late on after Faf de Klerk's try in Cape Town
24/07/21 02:30SOUTH AFRICA 17-22 LIONS - NIK SIMON IN CAPE TOWN: Lawes and Itoje were the arch detonators. They muscled up, ripped the guts out of their opponents and turned defeat into victory.
FORM GUIDE: Tadhg Furlong will be Warren Gatland's key player at prop but watch out for the small but savage Cheslin Kolbe... how each Lions and South Africa player ranks ahead of the first Test in Cape Town
23/07/21 10:02With both South Africa and the British and Irish Lions coming into Saturday's series opener in similar form, Sportsmail's NIK SIMON has rated the players' form going into the first Test...
Duhan van der Merwe - The Lions' own 'Bok' who grew up near Cape Town - vows to take the South African sledging in his stride as winger prepares to battle 'best in the world' Cheslin Kolbe
23/07/21 09:31Having grown up a few hours from Cape Town, Duhan van der Merwe will be back in familiar surroundings on Saturday. He played alongside a handful of the Springboks as a schoolboy.
Coach Warren Gatland left furious after South African Marius Jonker is drafted in as a last-minute TV match official for Saturday's first Lions Test
22/07/21 09:30Jonker, who grew up in the Northern Cape, has replaced Brendon Pickerill. The Lions were only informed about the switch on Wednesday, with Gatland understood to be dismayed.
Elliot Daly has got his mojo back with the Lions after being dropped by England during the Six Nations... the Saracens star is reborn in the No 13 role and says he has learned to 'trust his instincts' again
22/07/21 09:30He looked short on ideas, with questions being asked about wasted talent, but now he has rediscovered his mojo. Reborn in the No 13 jersey. The secret? Learning to trust his instincts again.
ALAIN ROLLAND: South Africa should not be allowed to use Rassie Erasmus as a waterboy during first Test against the Lions... he is head coach in everything but name and the Springboks exploiting this loophole doesn't sit comfortably with me
21/07/21 09:30ALAIN ROLLAND (EX INTERNATIONAL REFEREE) - INSIGHT: I've got no doubt that it's been raised this week and will get looked at by World Rugby.
Warren Gatland pours scorn over the Springboks' ploy of using director of rugby Rassie Erasmus as a waterboy to issue tactical instructions... as the Lions head coach insists it's 'not the greatest look for the game'
21/07/21 09:30South Africa director of rugby Erasmus has been masquerading as a drinks assistant throughout the warm-up games to deliver tactical instructions to his players, who he coached to World Cup glory.
Alun Wyn Jones completes incredible recovery from dislocated shoulder to captain British and Irish Lions for first Test against South Africa, but Mako Vunipola and Toby Faletau are among Warren Gatland's shock exclusions
21/07/21 09:00Jones will skipper a team loaded with surprise selections, including scrum-half Ali Price, hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie and No 8 Jack Conan. Stuart Hogg also starts at full-back.
Captain Siya Kolisi is BACK from isolation and fly-half Handre Pollard wins his 50th cap as South Africa name an experienced side for the first Test against British and Irish Lions
20/07/21 12:09The World Cup winning skipper from 2019 will be one of several starters who have recently had the virus, including fly-half Handre Pollard, wing Makazole Mapimpi and prop Ox Nche.
Handre Pollard rejects jibes claiming the Springboks' tactics are 'boring' and insists their style of rugby is 'beautiful' as they prepare to face the Lions
19/07/21 09:31The world champions are preparing to launch their heavyweight bomb squad against the Lions on Saturday, with a game plan to outmuscle the tourists.
Livewire Ali Price was working early mornings at his local BAKERY the last time the Lions toured South Africa... now the Scotland star is the RIGHT choice for the No 9 spot as all attention turns towards the first Test against South Africa on Saturday
18/07/21 09:30NIK SIMON IN CAPE TOWN: When the Lions last toured South Africa, Price was waking at 3am to make bread at his local bakery. Then 16, he had a school holiday job at the Krusty Loaf in Hunstanton.
'I had to set cars on fire, throw stones in the street and do bad things to survive': South Africa's first black national rugby coach opens up on a divided nation as the Lions tour rolls on amid a backdrop of civil unrest
17/07/21 09:31EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Next week's Test series will take place against a backdrop of unrest. The protests have been quashed by the deployment of military personnel but the divide is deep-rooted.
A prop who 'tackles 100 per cent every time', a scrum half who can do everything, and an 'un-coachable' superstar winger: Three Springboks for the Lions to watch out for ahead of the first Test
17/07/21 09:30Ahead of the first Test in Cape Town, PETER DE VILLIERS, the first ever black national rugby coach, tells Sportsmail the three dangermen for the Lions to look out for.
Alun Wyn Jones has made a remarkable recovery after suffering a dislocated shoulder... but should he start for the Lions on Saturday? MIKE BROWN and Mail on Sunday rugby correspondent NIK SIMON disagree
17/07/21 09:30Jones suffered his injury three weeks before returning to play 27 minutes against the Stormers on Saturday, but Mike doesn't feel Jones' shoulder can be trusted to withstand the Springboks.
Stormers 3-49 Lions: Warren Gatland's men put defeat to South Africa 'A' behind them with seven tries to seal victory in Cape Town as captain Alun Wyn Jones makes a remarkable return from a dislocated shoulder
17/07/21 05:59NIK SIMON IN CAPE TOWN: Even the South African stadium announcer had bought into the hype. 'He's back… the legend returns,' boomed the Afrikaans accent as Alun Wyn Jones appeared.
Lions star Luke Cowan-Dickie admits 'you've got to be a bit weird' to play front row... but insists rugby career is no hard graft compared to his Cornwall roots of nine-day fishing hauls, three hours sleep and 'messy' nights on Cornish cider!
15/07/21 09:31EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON: When Warren Gatland was asked which of his Lions players he was most looking forward to having a beer with, he did not hesitate about his answer.
Lions star Maro Itoje condemns racist abuse of England stars Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford as well as hitting out at 'appalling' violent scenes among fans that marred build up to Euro 2020 final defeat by Italy
12/07/21 10:47Itoje watched England's final against Italy on TV in South Africa, before sending a message of support to Buyako Saka after he missed the last penalty.
Lions head coach Warren Gatland reveals Alun Wyn Jones could make a remarkable return to squad in South Africa just TWO WEEKS after dislocating his shoulder... as 35-year-old trains with Wales and with a decision to be made on Tuesday
12/07/21 01:24Jones sustained a dislocated shoulder six minutes into the opening match against Japan on June 26 but is now training with Wales and Warren Gatland will make a decision on Tuesday.
Anthony Watson shifts to full-back as Warren Gatland makes 12 changes to his Lions team for clash against South Africa A on Wednesday with Conor Murray captaining the side
12/07/21 09:31With Stuart Hogg absent for a third game in a row, Watson has been switched from winger to full-back for the Cape Town clash against South Africa A, in a XV which has 12 changes from Saturday.
Sharks 31-71 British and Irish Lions: Warren Gatland's men score 11 tries as they romp to victory in Pretoria... but only pull clear after Jaden Hendrikse was sent off early in the second half for elbowing Liam Williams in the head
10/07/21 05:59NIK SIMON: Anyone hoping for 80 minutes of light relief after one of the most chaotic weeks in Lions history will have to keep waiting. Game day did not offer a sanctuary from the madness.
Lions tour to South Africa is in jeopardy! Now Springboks cancel warm-up against Georgia after Covid rips through their training camp, while tourists record a positive case and their weekend match is cancelled
07/07/21 01:40The British Lions' tour to South Africa is in danger of falling apart as Covid rips across the country in a third wave, fuelled by the Delta variant, which is also driving infections in the UK.
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A disappointing day for USA Track & Field at the Paris Olympics only got worse
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Golden Girl Biles is becoming a Mean Girl: KENNEDY says gymnast star is cruel to stoke feud that's sparked death threats
Do you agree?
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Jake Paul sets sights on Los Angeles Olympics in 2028
That doesn't mean he's turning his back on becoming a champion pro
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EXCLUSIVENon-binary Olympics star Saunders pulls on their trademark mask for shot put final
A day after sparking controversy by competing in women's event
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Basketball legend Magic Johnson sports a VERY bold Dolce & Gabbana outfit in Venice
Soaks up the sun on boat trip with his wife Cookie
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Fans go wild for Richardson as she stares down opponents on home straight before taking gold for Team USA in 4x100m relay
Formidable performance
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PGA Tour caddie runs 200m street race after mocking Noah Lyles... but what was his time?
Entertained themselves during rain delay at a tournament
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Durant sparks fury as he labels basketball fans 'CLOWNS' in bizarre 5am Twitter tirade
Team USA basketball team have been slammed
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USA basketball fans go wild for Kevin Durant's one-line answer about representing the US
'Slogan of the generation'
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Abandoning training after a nuclear storm and getting cigars ready: Inside Enzo Maresca's hectic first month at Chelsea
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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- 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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