Australia’s cricketers have thrown their weight behind the country’s netballers, creating a “fighting fund” to help them through a pay dispute with their governing body.
Australia’s Diamonds captured the Netball World Cup in August amid a background of disharmony and Super Netball players have been out of contract since September 30.
Now the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), which represents the country’s male and female cricketers, has vowed to support the netballers in their quest for a revenue-sharing model.
The support includes the creation of the fund to help netballers during the spell of unemployment and the ACA said it is in talks with the Australian Athletes’ Alliance and other player associations to join the initiative.
ACA chief executive Todd Greenberg pledged to stand with the netballers until their campaign is successful and called on Netball Australia to develop a long-term growth model with a partnership model akin to the five-year deal the cricketers have negotiated with Cricket Australia.
Describing the revenue-sharing model as a “win-win”, he said: “The netballers are leaning on friends and family for financial support.
“What is disappointing is that the netballers’ requests are modest and affordable for the sport.
“The ACA believes they should be given the same partnership opportunities as our players – the same opportunities that have seen cricket thrive.”
Australia are in their midst of the four-match Constellation Cup series against local rivals New Zealand, winning the first two matches on home soil despite continuing turmoil between the Australian Netball Players Association (ANPA) and Netball Australia.
ANPA chief executive Kathryn Harby-Williams said: “Australian netballers are brave and resilient people. When your minimum wage is 40,000 dollars (£20,940) you have to show a lot of courage to take a stand.
“That’s why this expression of support is so welcome. It lets the netballers know they are not alone.”
Netball Australia said its latest offer, rejected by the ANPA, would increase investment by 1.275 million dollars (£670,000).
The ANPA said the players wanted a revenue-sharing agreement and said “we’d like to share in the good times we help build and we will share in the risk when times are tough”.
England forwards Helen Housby and Eleanor Cardwell, part of the team beaten in the World Cup final, are among those unable to sign new contracts for the next Super Netball season.
Kyle Schwarber hit a pair of home runs to back Aaron Nola’s stellar start and the Philadelphia Phillies rolled to a 10-0 rout of the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday for a 2-0 lead in the NL Championship Series.
Trea Turner also went deep and J. T. Realmuto drove in three runs to help the Phillies improve to 7-1 in these playoffs, including 6-0 at home.
Philadelphia will try to move closer to a second straight World Series appearance when the series shifts to Arizona for Game 3 on Thursday.
Nola gave up three hits over six innings without a walk and struck out seven. He is 3-0 with a 0.96 ERA in three playoff starts this season.
Turner’s one-out home run in the first off Merrill Kelly got Philadelphia started and Schwarber extended the lead in the third with his first blast of the night.
The Phillies tacked on four runs in the sixth and knocked out Kelly.
Schwarber led off with another home run and Turner walked before Kelly got the next two outs. Joe Mantiply relieved and surrendered Bryson Stott’s single and Realmuto followed with a two-run double into the gap in left-centre.
Brandon Marsh then doubled home Realmuto for a 6-0 advantage.
Alec Bohm had a two-run double, Realmuto singled home another run and Nick Castellanos added a sacrifice fly in Philadelphia’s four-run seventh.
The Phillies have hit .315 with 28 runs and 15 homers in the past four games.
Marcus Smith is now viewed as a “world class” option at full-back by England after Kevin Sinfield was blown away by his defensive heroics against Fiji.
England are hopeful that Smith will be passed fit for Saturday’s World Cup semi-final against South Africa after he was placed on modified training alongside Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi, Tom Curry, Courtney Lawes and Dan Cole.
The converted fly-half ended the last-eight victory over Fiji on Sunday with a fat upper lip and bandage around his head after he was the victim of a dangerous tackle by wing Vinaya Habosi, forcing him to depart for an HIA which he passed.
Once again he is competing with Freddie Steward for the number 15 jersey and, after two starts in the position, Sinfield sees a player who has the bravery to match his attacking brilliance.
“We’d all agree he’s a world class 10, but last weekend I felt he was a world class 15 as well,” England’s defence coach said
“You’ve got to remember this guys has played around 100, 120 minutes as a full-back in Test rugby so far.
“What he’s done on the training field for us has been outstanding. You’re blown away by what he does now that he’s being given more time and space.
“If there was any doubt how brave and courageous he is then you saw it with your own eyes. The bloke got his face smashed in and threw his body into tackles.
“The guys are in full admiration for him – he’s just got his face smashed all over the place yet he wants the ball. He’s just a brave guy.
“And not just because he’s physically tough and brave, because to be put on a world stage in a quarter-final and deliver what he delivered was an absolute credit to him. What a great kid.”
Steward was dropped from the 23 against Fiji altogether and now England face the choice of reverting to his high ball and positional expertise or rolling the dice by retaining Smith in the hope he will provide a cutting edge.
South Africa possess a far smarter kicking game that could expose Smith’s inexperience at full-back, pointing to Steward’s likely return when Steve Borthwick names his team on Thursday.
“I’ve worked with Fred for some time now and thankfully I’ve not had to have many of these conversations where I’m trying to pick him up,” Sinfield said.
“Clearly he was disappointed, as anyone would be, missing out on a quarter-final, but he’s responded as we’d expect him to.
“He is a great lad, you know what he’s about, he works incredibly hard at his game, he cares and he is unbelievable full-back too.
“We are in a pretty fortunate position where we have three world class 10s and two world class full-backs.
“Our team has changed every game throughout the World Cup and Steve selects the team he thinks it will give us the best chance of winning that game.
“Just because Fred wasn’t selected last week doesn’t mean he does anything wrong, he has actually done a lot of great things and a lot of things right, but Steve and the coaching team thought it was the right thing to go with Marcus against Fiji.”
Hamilton, Bermuda – Digicel Business, the leading provider of technology solutions in Bermuda, is thrilled to announce its partnership as the Official Technology Partner of Bermuda’s PGA TOUR event. The prestigious Butterfield Bermuda Championship is a premier golfing event that celebrates athleticism, sportsmanship, and community engagement.
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As Bermuda prepares to host the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, Digicel Business looks forward to contributing its technological expertise to elevate the event's impact, reach, and overall success.
Rassie Erasmus expects semi-final opponents England to have “some beef” with South Africa due to their defeat in the final of the last World Cup.
Springboks director of rugby Erasmus began the mind games ahead of Saturday’s Paris showdown by listing Steve Borthwick’s potential team selection.
England are out for revenge after being beaten 32-12 by Erasmus’ side in the 2019 final in Japan when they were coached by Eddie Jones.
Reigning champions South Africa are overwhelming favourites for victory and expected to face New Zealand, who take on Argentina in the other last-four fixture, in the final.
“To talk about the All Blacks would be disrespectful to England because they’re a massive, massive speed bump for us to get over,” said Erasmus.
“More so a pothole than a speed bump because I was just looking at the possible teams I think can play.
“They have so many experienced players that played against us last time.
“I think because they’ve played us in the World Cup final they will have some beef with us. I think they were be very physical, I think they will definitely step it up at all set phases.”
Erasmus moved into his current role after guiding his country to glory at the expense of England four years ago in Yokohama, with Jacques Nienaber replacing him as head coach.
The 50-year-old went into specific statistical detail of the two teams he believes will take to the field at Stade de France.
He then, when prompted, listed England’s possible matchday 23.
“I think we have averaged 200 minutes per player, they 260,” said Erasmus.
“I think the average caps of our team will be about 54, they’ll be about 59. I think the average age of our team is 30, the average age of their team about 29. And then the average weight is 104 (kilograms) and 105.
“England are unbeaten, they stuck to their guns since he (Borthwick) has been appointed, and they kept believing in what they’re doing and it’s paying off.
“You can see their team is full of belief and they will definitely be hurting from not just last year when we beat them (27-13 at Twickenham) but also from the World Cup in 2019.
“So they will be a very, very desperate team and a team which we respect.”
Asked for the England team written down on his sheet of paper, Erasmus replied: “We’re guessing obviously.
“Genge, George, Sinckler, Itoje, Chessum, Lawes, Curry, Earl, Mitchell, Farrell, Daly, Tuilagi, Marchant, May and Marcus Smith or Steward then Marler, Cole, George (Martin), Billy (Vunipola), Ben Youngs or Danny (Care), George Ford and Ollie (Lawrence), that’s who we think.
“But we might be totally wrong.”
Kevin Porter Jr.'s days with the Houston Rockets are officially over, and he's being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
He won't be playing in any games with his new team, however.
The Thunder are reportedly acquiring two draft picks and the troubled point guard from the Rockets and will immediately waive Porter. Oklahoma City is sending Victor Oladipo and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to Houston to complete the trade.
The Rockets wanted to cut ties with Porter and in order for Oklahoma City to acquire the picks - second-round selections in 2027 and 2028 - the deal had to include him. The Thunder also must pay the $16.9million guaranteed left on his four-year contract.
The trade was reported Tuesday by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Porter was arrested September 11 and charged with assault and strangulation of his girlfriend.
Porter and his girlfriend - former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick - were staying at the Millennium Hotel in New York, and per a police report, she was upset he returned early in the morning and locked him out of the room.
Porter was able to gain access to the room with the help of hotel security, and he then assaulted her, according to the report.
Earlier this month, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone said Porter was no longer a part of the organisation.
Porter was second on the Rockets in scoring last season with a career-high average of 19.2 points per game while averaging a team-best 5.7 assists and 5.3 rebounds.
The 2022-23 season was Porter's fourth in the NBA, though his future in the league is in serious doubt following the arrest.
Oladipo just completed his 10th season in the NBA, and was acquired by the Thunder in July after averaging 10.7 points, 3.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 42 games for the Miami Heat in 2022-23.
He has career averages of 16.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
Robinson-Earl averaged 6.8 points and 4.2 rebounds in 43 games for the Thunder in 2022-23, his second professional season.
Marcus Smith was among a number of players placed on modified training as preparations began for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa, but England are hopeful he will be fit.
Smith ended the last-eight victory over Fiji with a fat upper lip and a bandage on his head after he was the victim of a dangerous tackle by wing Vinaya Harbosi, forcing him to depart for an HIA which he passed.
The Harlequins star, who has been moved from his accustomed position of fly-half for the World Cup, defended bravely on a tense evening at Stade Velodrome and is contention to retain the number 15 jersey ahead of Freddie Steward.
Defence coach Kevin Sinfield insists a clearer picture of his availability will emerge over the coming days after he was joined by Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi, Tom Curry, Courtney Lawes and Dan Cole in missing the start of Tuesday’s session.
“Marcus is good. He’s one of those who have been modified today so we’ll get a clearer read in the week, but fingers crossed he will be good to go,” Sinfield said.
England learned on Tuesday that their semi-final will be refereed by Ben O’Keeffe, whose officiating was criticised by France in the wake of their defeat to South Africa on Sunday.
It will be the second time O’Keeffe has overseen a Springboks match at this World Cup after the Kiwi official was in place for their 13-8 defeat by Ireland in the group stage.
South Africa have taken steps to repair their relationships with referees after director of rugby Rassie Erasmus was banned for two months for verbally attacking officials during the 2021 Lions series.
The reigning world champions are among the least penalised teams in the tournament and Sinfield said: “We have full respect for whoever takes charge.
“It’s a big game and I don’t think we’d ever criticise the referee during this campaign. We understand what a tough job it is.
“We are a pretty disciplined team at the minute and it’s something we talk about a lot. We certainly need to be disciplined in a whole host of ways on Saturday evening.”
Sinfield holds South Africa in high regard as the rematch of the 2019 World Cup final looms large, but insists England must also draw strength from their own attributes.
“They are a top team. We saw their quarter-final against France and were in awe of the physicality they brought,” Sinfield said.
“We have the utmost respect for them. We think they are a nation that play the best rugby. They know what they are about and they don’t shy away from it.
“We’re coming up against a team with probably the best defence in the world. They’ve been together a long time and they’re really well drilled. It’s an aggressive defence.
“They are a running threat, they’re a kick threat, they have an incredible set-piece, they have an unbelievable defence – do you want me to keep going?
“It’s important for us to get the balance right this week, understanding what South Africa do and how they play, but also some of our strengths as well.
“I think it would be quite easy for us to be completely blown away by how good they are.”
Professional Fighters League founder Donn Davis has targeted the middle of 2024 for a Claressa Shields v Savannah Marshall rematch in MMA.
Britain’s Marshall signed a multi-year deal with the mixed martial arts promotion in August, joining long-standing American rival Shields – who beat her by unanimous decision in the boxing ring to become undisputed middleweight world champion last year.
Davis believes the PFL has “arguably the best women in combat sport” and that Hartlepool-born Marshall and Shields need time to train in MMA before a fight date is set.
“We have the top three women in boxing (Shields, Marshall and Amanda Serrano), we arguably have the best women in combat sports,” Davis told the PA news agency.
“They are both training and when they are both ready it will be great.
“They are both dead serious about being really good in MMA so I don’t think we will see that fight until the middle of next year, or the fall of next year, because it will take them that long to sharpen up the areas they are weak at.
“Both of them are really inspired by the challenge.
“That big women cross over pay-per-view next year will be on one of Francis Ngannou’s cards in the spring, or the Jake Paul card in the later year.
“My best guess is one of those cards will be in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and the other one somewhere else, hopefully in Europe.”
Undisputed Shields, who boasts an unbeaten professional boxing record of 14-0-0, lost in her second MMA appearance to Abby Montes by split decision in 2021.
And Davis believes the Michigan fighter has gained motivation from her setback in the PFL smart cage and that the idea of seeing a boxer in a “vulnerable” setting is what makes the potential match-up so special.
“She had two fights, lost one of them but she learnt a lot from that because she lost to somebody who is not top 50 in the world,” Davis added.
“As Claressa said, it was humbling for her because she hadn’t lost a round for five years and then she loses to a fighter who’s not top 50. That made her work harder, even in boxing and she credits that defeat to her becoming a better athlete.
“I think it will be big, people like to see fighters at the top of their sport who can also be vulnerable.”
Former UFC fighter Ngannou, who joined the PFL in May, faces Tyson Fury in a 10-round heavyweight boxing fight on October 28 and Davis believes he is inspired by the challenge.
He said: “Francis Ngannou is not scared two weeks out for Tyson Fury, he is inspired by the challenge. He knows the odds are five to one against him, he’s not fearful of that. He’s inspired to prove to himself and to show what he’s capable of in boxing.”
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is unlikely to play again this season.
At least, that's what Colts owner Jim Irsay believes.
Irsay told ESPN on Monday that Richardson is considering season-ending surgery on his injured throwing shoulder.
"The most likelihood is he's probably going to be gone for the year," Irsay said. "I mean, it's not definite but [he] probably misses this year and we're going to have to contend with that factor."
Richardson suffered a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder in the Colts' 23-16 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 5. He was hurt with just over 4 1/2 minutes to go in the second quarter when he was tackled by two Titans on a 4-yard run. He took a hit to the left shoulder but appeared to land awkwardly on the right one.
Since he was injured, Richardson and the team's medical staff have consulted with doctors on various treatment options. While they are still gathering information, Irsay said surgery is a more likely choice than rehabilitation.
"There's a debate going, but it's probably going to lead toward surgery in the next week or so," Irsay said. "We're just trying to figure out exactly how and when and what we want to do and what Anthony wants to do."
Irsay's comments came hours after Colts coach Shane Steichen also said surgery was a possibility.
"Obviously, we want to do what's best for him and this organization moving forward," he said. "Like I said, we'll make that decision when the time is right. We're still evaluating that process."
Richardson has made four starts since the Colts drafted him fourth overall in this year's draft, but the dual-threat QB has only been able to finish one game as injuries have forced him out of the other three.
In the Colts' 31-20 victory over the Houston Texans in Week 2 on September 17, Richardson suffered a concussion when he took a hard hit to the head at the end of a 15-yard touchdown run.
He was unable to clear the NFL's concussion protocol and Gardner Minshew led Indianapolis to a 22-19 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3. Richardson returned in Week 4 for an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams - the first game of his young career he was able to complete.
He also suffered a knee bruise on a hard hit near the goal line in the final minutes of a 31-21 season-opening loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Steichen said he could have returned, however, and he was taken out as a precaution.
On the season, he has completed 59.5 per cent of his throws for 577 yards with three touchdowns and one interception for an 87.3 passer rating. He has also rushed for 136 yards with four TDs on the ground.
Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew made his second start of the season Sunday, passing for 329 yards and a touchdown but also three interceptions in a 37-20 loss to the Jaguars.
He has completed 65.2 per cent of his passes for 882 yards with three TDs and three interceptions for an 81.3 rating.
The Colts are 3-3 and host the Cleveland Browns this Sunday.
Brian Ellison is considering options in France and Australia for Tashkhan following his fine weight-carrying performance in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket on Saturday.
The high-class stayer has been placed in a number of top races over the past couple of years, including the 2021 Long Distance Cup at Ascot and last season’s Yorkshire Cup and Prix du Cadran.
Having registered a first win in over two years in a valuable race at Chester late last month, Tashkhan was lumbered with top-weight of 10st 2lb in last weekend’s prestigious handicap on the Rowley Mile, but showed his class in being beaten just a length into third place by The Shunter and Pied Piper.
With options to run in Britain before the end of the year limited, Ellison may look to a trip across the Channel for a tilt at the Prix Royal-Oak on October 29, while an even longer journey to run on foreign soil is in the melting pot for next year.
He said: “It was a fantastic run, he got beaten by two proper horses. The penalty he got for winning at Chester probably beat him, but he ran a blinder and it was probably one of his better runs.
“We did think about putting a claimer on him but he’s a hard enough ride, which is why we left Ben (Robinson) on him, and to be fair he gave him a great ride.
“I took him out of Ascot on Saturday. He is entered in France, but I don’t know. He’s had two races in handicap company under top-weight and now we’ve got him back to some really good form, maybe we should just look after him a bit more.
“We are talking about the Sydney Cup at Randwick, where it’s wet. That race is in April, so if we wanted to go for that he’d need to go to Australia in February time.
“It’s not definite, it’s just something to think about. If he doesn’t go there, he’ll probably go to Nottingham again for the Further Flight and then just wait for soft ground.”
Ellison first bought Tashkhan out of Emmet Mullins’ yard with the idea of a future career over obstacles, but that plan has been put on the back burner for the time being.
He added: “We were actually thinking about going jumping earlier this year because he lost his way a bit, but that was probably more because he wasn’t getting his ground and he wasn’t enjoying it.
“If we did go jumping, he’d be some three-miler, I know that, and I did school him when I first got him, but he ended up being a good Flat horse, so we left him there.
“Is it worth risking it when we’re making good prize-money on the Flat? I think we’ll just stick to good races on the Flat, as there’s more money to be made.”
A decision on whether high-class juvenile Inquisitively will make a trip to the Breeders’ Cup is likely to be made in the coming days, according to his trainer Kevin Philippart De Foy.
The son of Ten Sovereigns was placed on his first two starts for fledgling handler Ollie Sangster, notably finishing third to the Breeders’ Cup-bound Big Evs in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot, but was subsequently sold in the expectation he would continue his racing career in Hong Kong.
However, in an intriguing twist, his new owner instead elected to keep him in Newmarket for the rest of the season and he is now two from two since joining his Belgian-born trainer – impressing in the Listed Roses Stakes at York in August and the Group Three Cornwallis Stakes at Newmarket last week.
Philippart De Foy is now considering whether to send the exciting colt to California for a potential rematch with Big Evs in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint on November 3.
He said: “He has come out of his race the other day very well and we are considering whether to go to the Breeders’ Cup or put him away for next year.
“We will see how the horse is, discuss it with the owner and make a plan. I would say the decision will be made over the next few days.”
Whether Inquisitively makes the trip to America or not, his trainer is hopeful he will at least begin his three-year-old campaign in Britain next term.
He added: “I think he will be with us for the first part of next season, (but) there is a question mark over whether he will be with us this time next year.”
Mawj will attempt to become the first filly since Uni in 2019 to win the Breeders’ Cup Mile.
The Saeed bin Suroor-trained Mawj made a triumphant return to action at Keeneland on Saturday, her first outing since seeing off subsequent three-time Group One winner Tahiyra.
The Godolphin trainer faced a quandary over whether her to keep her against her own sex in the Filly & Mare Turf over a 10-furlong trip she has never tackled before, or take on the boys over a mile, with the latter the preferred option.
“She’s a tough filly with a big heart, to do that on her first run for five months and win a Grade One,” said Bin Suroor.
“She had been doing well before the race and Oisin (Murphy) had been in to ride her and we knew she was well – she’s come back well from the race too.
“She will head to Santa Anita now for the Breeders’ Cup Mile. If she stayed against the fillies it would be a mile and a quarter and a mile is the best trip for her, she’s proved that.
“Because she’s a tough filly she stayed nine furlongs at the weekend but the Mile is for her, she’s a top-class filly. She’s not very big so the two turns over a mile will suit her.
“When she beat Tahiyra in the Guineas, they were a long way clear of the others – they are the best by a long way.
“In the past good fillies have gone and beaten the colts, look at Goldikova (winner of the Mile in 2008, 2009 and 2010).”
Mostahdaf’s connections will keep a close eye on conditions at Ascot before making a final call on his participation in Saturday’s Qipco Champion Stakes.
Winner of the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Juddmonte International at York this season, John and Thady Gosden’s five-year-old is in line to return to Berkshire on Champions Day.
However, a forecast for heavy rain later in the week and the prosect of running on soft or even heavy ground is an obvious concern for a horse who has a proven preference for a fast surface.
Angus Gold, racing manager for owner-breeders Shadwell, said: “The forecast isn’t good obviously, but there’s no point making a fuss about it and we’ve got to take what we’re given.
“We’ll just keep an eye on it and I’ll speak to Sheikha Hissa and speak to John and see if we can come up with a decision between us.
“As we all know at this meeting, at this time of year, you can get very bad ground and when he raced on it in last year’s Arc he couldn’t handle that at all.
“There’s no point getting beat just for the sake of it, but at the same time we’re very keen to run and try to round off his season with another big win at Ascot.”
Connections do have a fallback option in the form of the Breeders’ Cup Turf on November 4, but they are not looking beyond Saturday at this stage.
“That was always the thing – the number one aim was Ascot and if because of the weather or whatever it didn’t come off, then we had the option of the Breeders’ Cup,” Gold added.
“We haven’t discussed it properly as we’ve always been hoping to go to Ascot.”
England head coach Shaun Wane has urged his side to learn the lessons from last year’s World Cup heartbreak as they prepare to kick off their three-match international series against Tonga in St Helens on Sunday.
Wane has named an initial 24-man squad for the series, which will mark their first serious test since their agonising golden-point semi-final defeat to Samoa at the Emirates Stadium last November, following a facile 64-0 win over France in June.
“We fell short at the World Cup and we need to improve,” said Wane, whose squad is a blend of youth and experience, and includes Wigan captain Liam Farrell, making his first appearance since 2021 after missing the World Cup with a knee injury.
“Tonga are very talented and their players play in an unbelievable competition so it is a massive challenge for us.
“Samoa was a massive test for us last year and we fell short, but we learned a lot of lessons and we have made progress. I’m very happy with the squad that I’ve got and I’m really excited to see how the young players perform in such a pressured environment.”
Farrell is one of four players from the newly-crowned Super League champions to be included in the squad along with team-mates Tyler Dupree, Toby King and Harry Smith.
England captain George Williams has also been named in the squad despite awaiting the results of a disciplinary tribunal which could rule him out for all or part of the action.
Catalans winger Tom Johnstone and St Helens full-back Jack Welsby – both Man of Steel nominees – are included, and there is also a place for Leigh forward Robbie Mulhern after an impressive campaign with the Challenge Cup winners.
Wane added: “I’m really happy with the mixture of senior players and young kids, and I know they’re all proud to represent their country.
“All of the players included have impressed me throughout their respective Super League and NRL campaigns and are worthy of representing their country in this historic series.”
Nevertheless Wane’s options were hampered by a series of injury-enforced withdrawals, including Saints duo Jonny Lomax and Alex Walmsley and Wigan centre Jake Wardle, fresh from winning the Harry Sunderland Trophy for man of the match on Saturday.
Dismissing questions over the international futures of the likes of Lomax, who also missed out on the World Cup, Wane continued: “Without sounding nasty, I’ve forgotten about them. The only people I’m thinking about are in the 24-man squad.”
England squad to face Tonga: Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), John Bateman (Wests Tigers), Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Daryl Clark, Ben Currie (both Warrington Wolves), Tyler Dupree, Liam Farrell (both Wigan Warriors), Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants), Tom Johnstone (Catalans Dragons), Toby King (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees (both St Helens), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Tommy Makinson (St Helens), Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons), Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves), Jack Welsby (St Helens), Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders), George Williams (Warrington Wolves), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights)
Mario Andretti has come to the defence of Sergio Perez, claiming that the Mexican is "very valuable" to Formula One champions Red Bull.
Despite being in the best car on the grid, Perez has struggled since last tasting victory at the Azerbaijani Grand Prix back in April.
While his team-mate Max Verstappen was crowned champion for a third successive year after the Qatar Grand Prix, Perez fell to a disappointing tenth-placed finish.
It continued his recent run of poor performances following a mistake-laden performance in Japan – in which he ultimately failed to finish – and an eighth-place finish in Singapore the week prior.
Perez's contract with Red Bull runs until the end of the next season, but a host of other drivers have been linked with the seat to partner Verstappen.
However, the 1978 drivers' champion Andretti believes Perez still has the ability to partner the Dutch driver moving forward.
"He has shown moments of brilliance, there are times when Max had some issues, and he picked up the ball and ran with it, and he won some great races," he told Stats Perform.
"We've seen his speciality in street races, for instance. So he brings something very valuable to the table.
"And I think, to me, from where I stand, as a driver, that's a perfect team. Actually, they don't get into each other's way."
Perez has admitted to being frustrated by his own performances, particularly after his display in Japan, and Andretti believes the 33-year-old needs to look inward and make the necessary adjustments to get back to his best.
"There may be setups or something not totally to his liking," he added.
"But it's a matter of adjusting, for every driver, that's the whole trick, to be able to adjust and compensate for some of the things that don't always go your way."
While Perez and Verstappen have combined to retain the constructors' championship, the latter has emerged as the clear star and number one driver in the Red Bull team.
Other teams have opted not to keep both drivers on an equal footing, but Andretti is unsure if such a system breeds the “optimal” environment for success.
"There are teams that have got two number ones, and that's fine. I don't know if that's the optimal situation. But nevertheless, that's the way it goes, nothing is defined," he ended.
"They should give equal attention, equal commitment and everything is equal opportunity. But it's really up to the individual to earn the position of number one."
Formula One team Alpine Racing have announced more investors from a range of sports including golfer Rory McIlroy, heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua as well as footballers Trent Alexander-Arnold and Juan Mata.
Kansas City Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are also part of the 200 million euro (£173m) strategic investment led by consortium Otro Capital in the French team, which is backed by the parent company Renault.
The latest move follows on from Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney expanding their sporting portfolio by also investing in Alpine for a 24 per cent stake of the team, which is currently sixth in the 2023 F1 constructors’ championship.
McIlroy, who helped Europe win the Ryder Cup in Rome last month, said: “Passion for excellence on the golf course has led me to admire the same pursuit in Formula 1.
“Partnering with Otro Capital in Alpine F1 is an exhilarating venture that unites my love for sports, competition, and the relentless drive to be the best.”
Former heavyweight world champion Joshua felt the opportunity was one he could not ignore.
“The heritage of the team, mixed with the global growth of Formula 1 as a sport and brand made this a very serious proposition,” Joshua said.
“I am excited to start this journey with Otro and a great group of fellow investors and hope to help the team achieve its full potential.”
Liverpool and England defender Alexander-Arnold joins the investor group alongside his brother Tyler.
“Our shared goal as an investment group is to help contribute to its continued success on the grid, at a time when F1 is facing incredible growth as a sport,” he said.
Alec Scheiner of Otro Capital added: “We are honoured to be joined by this particular group of investors.
“These are best in class investors, athletes, entertainers and entrepreneurs and they are all committed to elevating the Alpine F1 team.”
Billy Loughnane wants his 2023 champion apprentice title to be the springboard towards the next step in his career.
Loughnane has quite simply been a revelation. On New Year’s Day, he had ridden just six winners, yet he has now had over 100 following a startling season which is surely going to be the prelude to a successful career.
Almost 20 winners clear of last year’s champion Benoit De La Sayette in the title race, the expected slow down after losing his claim failed to materialise and the winners just kept on flowing.
He will be at Ascot on Saturday to pick up his award, where he expects to be in action in the final race of the meeting.
“I’m hoping to have a ride in the Balmoral, so I’ll be there on Saturday,” said Loughnane
“It’s been a crazy season, really. We’ve had a good year and I’ve had a lot of people supporting me, it’s been great.”
It is fair to say Loughnane did have a head start on most apprentices – given his father, Mark, is a trainer.
But once he spread his wings, the 17-year-old flourished.
“Dad was very good to me at the start and obviously supported me a lot early in my career but I’ve also had a lot of support from a lot of other trainers,” he said.
“The main thing is they have kept using me even after I lost my claim, so it’s been great and I must thank everyone for the support.
“It’s always a worry for any jockey once you lose your claim but thankfully most of the trainers have stood by me and I’m very grateful.”
With 100 winners under his belt already and the victories continuing to flow without the help of a claim, what does 2024 hold?
“I think for the immediate future, I just want to ride as many winners as I can. My goal for next year is to ride 100 winners in the year. It will be very hard, obviously, without having a claim, but if I can manage that it will be great,” said Loughnane.
“On top of that, if I could ride a Group or even a Listed winner along the way that would top it off.
“All jockeys are the same, hopefully I can keep the numbers going but then you’ve got to look at raising the quality of the horses you ride. Hopefully, the more winners I ride, the more the quality will go up.
“I go into George Boughey’s to ride out two or three days a week and he’s been very good to me. He’s supported me since I was a 5lb and then a 3lb claimer. He’s got a yard with some nice horses and hopefully he’ll have a few to ride for me over the next few years.
“There’s a lot of people in the weighing room who have helped me along the way, just to help me in anything, really. The key thing when I first started was I couldn’t drive so I relied on a lot of them to give me lifts, but there were different aspects as well, they’ve helped me a lot.
“There are too many in there to single one out that has helped me, I feel comfortable talking to any of them and having a chat.”
Given how success has come so readily for one so young, he could be forgiven for getting ahead of himself but there is a constant in the background that will not allow that.
Loughnane said: “My dad has made sure that I stay grounded and don’t get too big for my boots!”
Ferrari have the capability to threaten Red Bull's recent dominance in Formula One, so says 1978 champion Mario Andretti.
Red Bull secured their second successive constructors' championship last month, with their number one driver Max Verstappen cruising to his third successive title at the Qatar Grand Prix shortly after.
Despite the poor form of Verstappen's team-mate Sergio Perez's, Red Bull have still accrued more than double the amount of points of the second-place team, Mercedes.
However, tentative signs in recent weeks have begun to hint at a long-awaited shift away from Red Bull’s dominance.
In Singapore, both Verstappen and Perez struggled - finishing fifth and eighth respectively - as Ferrari's Carlos Sainz claimed victory.
Ferrari were tipped to be serious title challengers this year and, despite their poor start to the season, Andretti is encouraged by their performances as of late.
"Well, they've shown the capability," he told Stats Perform. "There were two successive races where they were on pole, and then the one where Max Verstappen had some issues which they won.
"So, they're there and can cause some issues for Red Bull. You're seeing Ferrari and McLaren also annoying Red Bull quite a bit. And that's the interesting part as well."
McLaren have been the surprise package in the second half of the F1 season, having struggled with their car earlier in the year.
The British team have bounced back superbly, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both finishing on the podium in back-to-back races in Japan and Qatar and Andretti believes the future is bright for the young duo.
"It's been really interesting to watch how much McLaren has really improved in every way," he said.
"Obviously, they've given their drivers the equipment and the improvements that they needed to be competitive.
"They've been right there, annoying the very top and Red Bull quite a bit. Two young drivers, one being a total rookie. There's a future there and no question, something to be built on.
"Lando has shown that he is capable and between the two of them, it seems like they really get along very well. There seems to be a lot of harmony within the team."
McLaren's rapid rise has seen them put daylight between themselves and rivals Alpine this season.
Alpine pipped the British team to fourth in the team standings last season but have endured a disappointing season in 2023, with drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly only able to secure one podium each so far this year.
They sit sixth in the standings and a considerable 129 points behind McLaren with six races remaining, but Andretti believes the team will soon rediscover their winning formula.
"You never know why some teams all of a sudden they fall behind; there are many reasons for that," he said.
"I wish you could say 'do this and that, and you'll be right back where you were, or even better', but there's always a reason somewhere.
"That's nothing unusual in this sport. And sometimes the team just have to reboot, but their competitive capability is there. No question. They've shown that before."
Charlie Fellowes is being encouraged by the Ascot weather forecast ahead of Vadream’s tilt at the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes on Saturday.
Fellowes’ five-year-old, who is owned by Coventry City supremo Doug King, has twice run with credit at the end-of-season showpiece, finishing a respectable fifth in 2021 and then a place further back when sixth behind Kinross 12 months ago.
However, both of those appearances on British Champions Day came on good to soft ground and she is yet to encounter her preferred testing conditions at the meeting.
She was seen thriving with plenty of cut in the ground at the beginning of the current campaign when picking up both the Cammidge Trophy and Palace House Stakes and having tuned up for a third crack at this Group One prize with a pleasing effort in the recent Bengough Stakes, her handler is hoping the weather forecasters have got it right.
“We might be in business,” said Fellowes. “I’ve been keeping a close eye on the forecast and every time I look at it, more rain seems to be coming into it.
“It’s a Group One and a very good Group One as always. But as everyone knows, she is excellent when the ground gets horrible.
“This year she has put in three of her best ever runs and if she does what she did at Ascot (last time) and behaves the way she did before the race and is able to jump out and get a position close to the pace like she did there, then she will go there with as good a chance as she’s ever had because she loves that ground and there are not many horses who are as good as her on that ground.”
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