a brisk north-westerly wind. be a brisk north—westerly wind. gusts of a0 mph for many. really taking the edge of the temperatures to drop its going to feel colder than this, temperatures below seasonal average, than this, temperatures below seasonalaverage, but than this, temperatures below seasonal average, but there will be some sunny spells and a bit more sunshine and drier weather on sunday. it will help to lift temperatures a bit and, if you find a sunny spot, the air is cold but, in the sunshine away from the wind, it won't feel too bad. thanks, elizabeth. and that's bbc news at six. now it's time to join our colleagues for the news where you are. hello and welcome to sportsday. euro dreamers... nothing less than a win in cardiff tonight will do for wales. who can stop the red roses? their bid for a sixth straight title in the women's six nations,

starts this weekend. and rees lightning — will the gamble to leave rugby union to chase the nfl dream pay off for louis rees zammit? wales are just two wins away from reaching this summer's european championship. high stakes knockout football starts tonight against finland in their play—off semi—final. win that and rob pages team will return to the cardiff city stadium next tuesday to face either poland or estonia with the prize a ticket to germany. we'll speak to our correspodnent at the match injust a moment but first let's hear from the manager and also skipper ben davies, one of the few members of the squad to have played at the last two euros and also the qatar world cup.

we've been in the situation before where we're in must win games. we're on the brink. where we're in must win games. we're on the brink-— on the brink. we're in good form at this moment _ on the brink. we're in good form at this moment in _ on the brink. we're in good form at this moment in time. _ on the brink. we're in good form at this moment in time. most - on the brink. we're in good form at this moment in time. most of - this moment in time. most of the squad _ this moment in time. most of the squad are — this moment in time. most of the squad are out playing football. that helps _ squad are out playing football. that helps us _ squad are out playing football. that helps us in — squad are out playing football. that helps us in many respects. trainings been _ helps us in many respects. trainings been excellent, environments good, 'ust been excellent, environments good, just as _ been excellent, environments good, just as good as it has been in the past _ just as good as it has been in the past we've _ just as good as it has been in the past. we've gone through similar experiences, the pressures of the playoffs _ experiences, the pressures of the playoffs against austria and more importantly ukraine. and the difficulties around or not. we're all quite — difficulties around or not. we're all quite relaxed. it's going to be all quite relaxed. it's going to be a really. — all quite relaxed. it's going to be a really, really tough game. there is everything to play for.— is everything to play for. we're fully prepared- _ is everything to play for. we're fully prepared. world - is everything to play for. we're fully prepared. world here - is everything to play for. we're fully prepared. world here to l is everything to play for. we're i fully prepared. world here to play for wales at the end of the day for the whoever puts our nature, doesn't matter if it's garrett's bell or players, we're here to do a job for our country and that's to qualified in major tournament. —— gareth bail.

kick—off is about an hour and a quarter away. let's head to the cardiff city stadium, our wales correspondent hywel griffith is there. hywel, there are two matches to be won, but there must be great optimism that they have what it takes to get past finland tonight. they've got to not look beyond this batch tonight. they know there should be plenty of optimism at getting the better of finland. l getting the better of finland. i think the watchword yesterday was careful and cautious and concentrating on the first game. not getting carried away with things. not to be over up overoptimistic is wales with them something rob page spoke about, less than two years ago when wales came here and beat ukraine to qualify for the world cup. it was a massive moment in welsh football they didn't really follow the tournament itself but at least they've experiences these nerves before. they know it's needed. it's not about football,

performance atoll and the results of that that's what they will concentrate on. and after such a long wait for tournament football, it's amazing to think that if they can navigate the next 6 days, then it will be the ath major tournament they've qualified for out for those players, and the euros they know what's at stake tonight. absolutely. anyone who's been to a major tournament will tell you they leave wanting more. we heard from ben davies, captain standing again. he was in 2016 and he will know what is an incredible moment that was how disappointing may be the performance was at the world cup so there is room here to improve wales is record. it will probably be his last major tournament. younger players just coming through, we see nico williams impressed at the premier league. lower down in the championship, a whole host of

players who are at leeds at the top of the championship. in terms of the form at club level lots of players now really impressing, hoping they can put that together for the nation. ., ., , . , ., nation. he mentioned leads. when you look at a likely — nation. he mentioned leads. when you look at a likely starter— nation. he mentioned leads. when you look at a likely starter glenn _ look at a likely starter glenn camara has got the inside track on his wells leads teammates. as well as teemu pukki. he used to lock them in for a fund for norwich. his playing in the us now. also wells have got all these attacking talents for the fenland have that lucas 0dette ski, he's on his way to getting a bundesliga title. absolutely. when you look at finland from back to front they are physical and formidable in defense. teemu pukki had an incredible record. he knocked a few info norwich here in cardiff the years. but maybe not as much as a threat in the past. a

world—class keeper to get past for wales. they will get nervous if nothing goes in, that will meet extra time and ultimately penalties, you don't want to go up against buyer 0 since keeper in penalties. —— bayer leverkusen moving to its switch has been moving again, we seenjohnson doing well for spurs seen johnson doing well for spurs since seenjohnson doing well for spurs since he moved there for the likes of nico williams, maybe conor roberts can supply those players up front. rob page saying he had a nice headache choosing his forward players with that that's where wales is strength is at the moment. we will see. is strength is at the moment. we will see- ten _ is strength is at the moment. we will see. ten minutes away, wales correspondent live for that many thanks indeed. will try and bring you that team news at the end. scotland have already qualified for the euros and face netherlands tomorrow night in a friendly in amsterdam before facing northern ireland, who haven't qualified for germany, at hampden park next tuesday.

in terms of preparation, it's important because we have four families before we get to the tournament itself. the better we can play the better we can be prepared then. more likely we will do well in then. more likely we will do well in the summer. not great news coming out of the england camp... not great news coming out of the england camp... bukayo saka has pulled out of the england squad two days before their wembley friendly against brazil. the 22—year—old arsenal forward trained away from the main squad earlier this week, and given an individual programme, suggesting that he might have been carrying an injury. england are also playing another friendly against belgium next tuesday, also at wembley. former footballers and their families, who are suing several of the game's governing bodies, say minutes of a meeting in 1983 indicated that the football association was always fully aware

of the dangers of concussions.the group alleges that the fa "failed to take action to reduce the risk to players to the lowest reasonable level", as stated in 'particulars of claim' in a high court action, and seen by the bbc. in a statement to the bbc, the fa said it was "not able to comment on ongoing legal proceedings" but "we continue to take a leading role in reviewing and improving the safety of our game". the football associations of england and wales, the english football league and rule—making body ifab are accused of being "negligent and in breach of the duty of care owed" to the ex—players. 0ne story that's broken while we've been on air and leicester city have been referred to an independent commission for an alleged breach of the league's profitability and sustainability rules and for failing to submit their audited financial accounts to the league. the alleged breach relates to the assessment period

season ending 2022—23, when the club was in the premier league. leicester say they are surprised by the action of the premier league and they say they're 'extremely disappointed' that the league has decided to charge the club now despite their efforts to engage with the premier league in relation to this matter. there's more on this breaking story on the bbc sport website. elasticity the latest club to be charged with breaches of the premier league profitability and sustainability rules. —— leicester league. it's the start of the women's six nations championship this weekend. ireland are in france on saturday followed by wales and scotland in cardiff. on sunday, england, the grand slam champions, face italy in parma. they named their starting fifteen today for the match that will bring

up a significant milestone for the captain. 0ur rugby union reporter sara 0rchard has been with the red roses. i think all of the headlines will be stolen by molly packer and will come onto that. intriguingly the partnership says emily one of the best place in the world despite the fact she hasn't played for 13 months now in internationaljersey. she's going to have 12 on her back, which is fascinating. we never seen this happen to her at an international level. she stepped into the position during matches but she's certainly never started they are. it was alluded to byjohn mitchell today he really wants to see how she goes for that and that's more distributing role so a specific role to play as an inside center. apparently he wants the team to be quicker. i don't know if age is a part of that. the be a lot made of that position. we get to see zoe harrison who is our return. she did her acl earlier in the season, be castigated two

fascinating to see how she does with her aunt lucy packer at nine a lot of headlines, particularly in the back line for the week did mention marlee paca, 100 caps. scams the seventh english woman to achieve that milestone. she was keen to say this match is not about her she did recognise the achievement. super excited. i think _ recognise the achievement. super excited. i think for _ recognise the achievement. super excited. i think for me _ recognise the achievement. super excited. i think for me is - recognise the achievement. super excited. i think for me is more - excited. i think for me is more about kicking off the six nations for that is always the tournament you want to be involved in. to receive my hundred and the first game is pretty special. {line receive my hundred and the first game is pretty special.— receive my hundred and the first game is pretty special. one of two mums in their— game is pretty special. one of two mums in their 15 _ game is pretty special. one of two mums in their 15 for— game is pretty special. one of two mums in their 15 for that - game is pretty special. one of two mums in their 15 for that is - game is pretty special. one of two mums in their 15 for that is the - mums in their 15 for that is the atmosphere changed around the camp because of that a little bit? i think it's something that england are really trying to embrace on the back of them introducing maternity policy last year. it's the first time they've had a policy where women can come in, take time off and then still return to an england contract, which they can previously

have. every board who had her little girl less than a year ago is now in the bullet we've been told that baby haley has been in as well as long thick neck along with molly with her son. it's something they want to encourage. we should mark the fact that abby ward is returning to international top level rugby essentially at the first time of asking is used statues taking on for the really hasn't missed a beat. she still wants to be one of the best locks in the world. i asked john mitchell about the environment and how they wanted to make it more welcoming for families. how they wanted to make it more welcoming forfamilies. it’s how they wanted to make it more welcoming for families.— welcoming for families. it's really refreshin: welcoming for families. it's really refreshing for _ welcoming for families. it's really refreshing for me. _ welcoming for families. it's really refreshing for me. it's _ welcoming for families. it's really refreshing for me. it's something | refreshing for me. it's something that i've — refreshing for me. it's something that i've had to never considered before — that i've had to never considered before. when you're in the position and you _ before. when you're in the position and you understand how much energy it gives _ and you understand how much energy it gives the _ and you understand how much energy it gives the mums, advocates really important _ it gives the mums, advocates really important in the off times to be able _ important in the off times to be able to— important in the off times to be able to do— important in the off times to be able to do that. of important in the off times to be able to do that.— important in the off times to be able to do that. of course the next world cu able to do that. of course the next world cup is _ able to do that. of course the next world cuo is in _ able to do that. of course the next world cup is in england _ able to do that. of course the next world cup is in england in - able to do that. of course the next world cup is in england in 2025 - able to do that. of course the next world cup is in england in 2025 all| world cup is in england in 2025 all of the red roses just want to finish that with metals around their necks.

they've got to get through the six nations first with that if you want to follow the tournament it's across the bbc. you can follow italy against england on bbc two this sunday. against england on bbc two this sunda . .. . against england on bbc two this sunda . ,,., ., . ., , sunday. sarah orchard will be commentating _ sunday. sarah orchard will be commentating on _ sunday. sarah orchard will be commentating on sunday. - so that game is on sunday, england's most likely rivals for the title are again france who start at home to ireland on saturday before wales will host scotland in cardiff. i think that showed last year which ireland and his fellow crowd in england is as well. i think that helps us get the fire in our bellies even more. i'm really excited to get the home crowd behind us and put our performance in and get a result. we behind us and put our performance in and get a result.— and get a result. we know the wells -la ers and get a result. we know the wells players inside _ and get a result. we know the wells players inside out. _ and get a result. we know the wells players inside out. they _ and get a result. we know the wells players inside out. they work - and get a result. we know the wells| players inside out. they work on the place. _ players inside out. they work on the place. run _ players inside out. they work on the place, run against the team. that is the strength of this group i think you see — the strength of this group i think you see a — the strength of this group i think you see a good environment for the it's not— you see a good environment for the it's notiust — you see a good environment for the it's notjust about you see a good environment for the it's not just about smiling and enjoying — it's not just about smiling and enjoying each other company, a good environment is putting your head with the — environment is putting your head with the disappointments and getting up with the disappointments and getting up again— with the disappointments and getting up again and putting in a

performances can help this team to play wales— performances can help this team to play wales on saturday. a lot going on in cardiff. that's on bbc two — it's also a formula one weekend with the melbourne grand prix and there's still os much disquiet away from the track. some strong words from lewis hamilton who says that there is no transparency and accountability in the sport and he has backed susie wolff in her legal action against the fia following a conflict of interest inquiry into her last year, there's much more detail on that on the bbc sport website. katie boulter is through to the third round at the miami 0pen. her opponent brenda fruhvirtova retired in the second set due because of illness boulter was broken twice in the first set but she forced a tie break which she won.

her 16—year—old czech opponent was already struggling by then, having called for the physio and she retired after losing the first game of the second set. boulter will play brazilian beatriz haddad maia in the last 32. the australian open championjannik sinner, is the second seed in miami, on the other side of the draw from carlos alcaraz, who beat him in the indian wells semi—finals last week. sinner starts his tournament tomorrow against fellow italian andrea vavassori after getting a bye into the second round. he's told the bbc says his status as a grand slam champion means there is a target on his back. a little more attention than this year. anyway i have a person. it's great. it's great. ifeel lucky to be in the position but that's it, if you lose the match, the next day you have to work and if you win the match, you work anyway so you have to be

really careful with opponents because opponents know you and want to beat you. i like to be in this position because it makes me a better player. let's have a quick look at some of the other sports stories in the news today. ms dhoni has handed over the captaincy of ipl champions chennai super kings to ruturaj gaikwad on the eve of this year's tournament. having already retired from international cricket, the a2 year old dhoni has described what's likely to be his final campaign as a "gift" to his fans. ronnie 0'sullivan is out of the world open, after being beaten by hossein vafaei in the last 16. 0'sullivan missed a crucial black in the final frame, allowing vafaei to complete a victory. the iranian will play ding jinhui in the quarters. and kevin durant continues to climb the nba's all—time scoring list. the 35—year—old overtook shaquille 0'neal to move into eighth place, after scoring 22 points in the phoenix suns'115—102 win over the philadelphia 76ers.

earlier this year louis rees zammit stunned welsh rugby by choosing to pursue a career in american football. well, he has reportedly had three offers from teams in the nfl tojoin their roster, after impressing at an international player pathway pro day. 0ur correspondent nesta mcgregor can tell us more. make no mistake the golden boy of rugby, the 20 three—year—old when a plane 31 transfers country scoring 1a prize including this beauty against england in the six nations last year. since crossing the atlantic he's been on a ten week intensive course to see if he got what it takes for the despite so many similarities between the two sports the switches been described as if someone is trying to learn a language. he's had to break, running and catching techniques, take it a

lifetime to develop in order to learn new ones. his gamble seems to be paying off of that because during the work out in front of scouts he's been invited to train with at least three nfl teams. that means more chances to prove he can a helmet and said against season pros make no mistakes, he's got a long way to go. no british player has ever made the transition from rugby union or rugby league to them play in the nfl. christian weight, you might remember he had ago in 2018 to chase his dream. he came close but only made the practice and never played in an season game. also worth noting, louis rees zammit may be grabbing the headlines but they might be a few others trying to break into the nfl watch this space to see if one of them could be the first to make history. double paralympic champions lora and neil fachie, along with pilot corrine hall,

were mugged and had their silver medals taken after the opening day of the para—cycling track world championships in rio dejaneiro. husband and wife neil and lora also had their passports and money stolen. neil posted on social media that "other than being shaken up they are all ok". the fachies had finihsed second behind italy in the tandem team sprint on yesterday. british cycling has reported the incident to police and cycling's governing body, the uci. its nowjust four months to go until the olympic games get underway in paris and when it comes to final preparations, team gb is leaving nothing to chance. multiple state of the art training facilities have been set up around the city for british athletes. 0ur reporter sarah dawkins was granted access inside the camps and sent this report. it may seem peaceful but paris is preparing for an olympic takeover. before the metals can be one of the

hard work needs to be done. and for team gb final preparations will take place here. this is saintjapan, about 12 miles west of the city centre for the home to a famous ship tow and an even more famous football club in psg. —— st. germain. come summer this time will be swapping footballers for 0lympians. firm rugby seven to hockey to tennis, time is ticking as athletes hope to turn potential into podium finishes. around 1a0 mac british and dues will pass through this complex in the final weeks and days before they compete. absolutely no expense has been spared by the local community. this is a brand—new athletics track, designed to replicate the want user competition at the stat to france. we're very good at travelling our acclimatisation and reparation camps like this where we're today, they are very acute in terms of the

technical training and the competence. that's likely been taken away from us just because of the geography of europe. we're still very confident in our plans. we've left no stone _ very confident in our plans. we've left no stone unturned. _ very confident in our plans. we've left no stone unturned. such - very confident in our plans. we've left no stone unturned. such is i very confident in our plans. we've| left no stone unturned. such is the size of team gb that not all of the 350 predicted athletes will be able to train here. son will find for longer in the uk while others will be here. all the way on the other side of paris in about a0 minutes from the olympic village another french town, and other state of the art camp. nothing is left to chance when it comes to planning nlm six for the hundreds of thousands have been spent by the city on new facilities. a legacy investment to maximise british and ultimately french potential.— maximise british and ultimately french potential. when you explain that to other— french potential. when you explain that to other countries _ french potential. when you explain that to other countries that - french potential. when you explain that to other countries that you - french potential. when you explain that to other countries that you gotj that to other countries that you got that to other countries that you got that access they are a bit like, oh my god, why haven't we got back was that you see that in reflection in performances and team gb go out well

and do incredible things. it's all about the 1% when you get to our level. we get all the hard training, if we can have the extra 1% against everybody else it's beneficial. ambitious plans to stage the opening ceremony means security concerns and the threat of a strike or two could rain on paris 202a parade. but british athletes will be hoping to shut out the noise with olympic glory. the former world and european karate champion, jordan thomas has retired. thomas won european kumite gold in 201a and became world champion two years later. the 32—year—old had switched to taekwando after failing to qualify for the tokyo games but has now decided to call it a day. james burridge reports. jordan thomas back at his old school in hartford sure. this time he's the teacher, not the student. get in hartford sure. this time he's the teacher, not the student.— teacher, not the student. get set for the half _ teacher, not the student. get set for the half art _

teacher, not the student. get set for the half art is _ teacher, not the student. get set for the half art is a _ teacher, not the student. get set for the half art is a punch - teacher, not the student. get set for the half art is a punch after i for the half art is a punch after calm, straight—line and direct? iie calm, straight-line and direct? he set u- a calm, straight—line and direct? he set up a karate academy hoping to teach these teenagers are a thing or two about elite sport. ii teach these teenagers are a thing or two about elite sport.— two about elite sport. if they can learn and practice _ two about elite sport. if they can learn and practice resilience, - learn and practice resilience, focus, discipline, progress confidence, problem—solving, if these kids can master all those skills, notjust sport but in their life they can champion bad. bind life they can champion bad. and that's what _ life they can champion bad. and that's what it's _ life they can champion bad. and that's what it's about. 2024 is an that's what it's about. 202a is an olympic year but after a decade 0lympic year but after a decade competing at the top in karate and tae kwon dojordan has told us he is retiring. i tae kwon do jordan has told us he is retirinr. . ., , ., retiring. i felt that it was time to transition- _ retiring. i felt that it was time to transition. it _ retiring. i felt that it was time to transition. it was _ retiring. i felt that it was time to transition. it was time _ retiring. i felt that it was time to transition. it was time to - retiring. i felt that it was time to transition. it was time to go - retiring. i felt that it was time to l transition. it was time to go to the next step. i have a daughter, that is my purpose now my ambition. coming to that decision was very tall. it still plays in my mind right now. i still feel like i'm capable but we do things on purpose.

this is the right time, i'm confident in myself. actually, i'm ready for it. it’s confident in myself. actually, i'm ready for it— ready for it. it's definitely the ri . ht ready for it. it's definitely the right decision. _ ready for it. it's definitely the right decision. jordan's - ready for it. it's definitely the right decision. jordan's father william was a world champion in karate in 1992. 22 years later jordan repeated the feat and became the first karate world champion from great britain in 12 years. alongside the delight, the despair. he was two seconds away from qualifying for the 2020 olympics and received a kick to the head during dying moments of a fight in paris. flat the head during dying moments of a fight in paris-— fight in paris. not making the ol mics fight in paris. not making the olympics was _ fight in paris. not making the olympics was very, _ fight in paris. not making the olympics was very, very - fight in paris. not making the - olympics was very, very difficult. 0lympics was very, very difficult. mentally, i wanted to be that person who blamed everybody. but i decided and made the conscious decision to take a lot of ownership for what i had done. but for me i am a world champion and that will never change. it doesn't not happen in the past. that will always stay with me. to be able to replicate what my dad did on

the small scale of what he achieved, i won't go to becca's that will blow his head. that's what made it for me. , ., his head. that's what made it for me. his professional career now behind him _ me. his professional career now behind him jordan's _ me. his professional career now behind him jordan's next - me. his professional career now - behind him jordan's next motivation behind himjordan's next motivation will be inspiring others. just like his father did to him. just a reminder of our top story — wills kicking off but appears to team news for you. this is what rob page has gone with. warden goal, then david days, the skipper, roberts and williams wingback. ampadu will be winning his 50th at the age of 23 for the youngest welshman to reach 50 caps they've gone with the front three of wilson, brooks and spurnsjohnson for that

lots more on the bbc sport website. also the news that leicester city have been found to breach premier league financial fairplay rules for me and the rest of the team, goodbye. good evening. there have been mixed fortunes across the country once again today for much of central and southern england. it stayed largely fine and dry with glimpses of sunshine, in fact, in london once again, we had temperatures into the mid—teens so you could get out and enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom that we've got at the moment. it was a different story, however, further north and west, the rain not too heavy, but it was a nuisance, as you can see from lancashire just a few hours ago. now, this weather front will continue to sink its way south and east, clearing the southeast during friday and then behind it under this influence of low pressure. a cooler story is set to dominate, so it will be a rather murky

start with some light, drizzly rain pushing its way southeast behind it somewhat brighter with a rash of showers and gale force gusts of winds to the far north. so, we could see that frontjust lingering across the kent coast during the afternoon. but a brighter story across england and wales, few isolated showers, but look at the difference in the temperature. notably cooler feel out there. further showers into northern ireland and scotland accompanied by gales, perhaps severe gales across the northern isle. so that really will make it feel quite chilly here. and some of those showers will start to turn quite wintry to higher ground. low pressure drifts its way steadily east. the winds remain tightly packed with those isobars for the start of saturday. and that weather front will continue to enhance the showers. so a chilly start to the weekend, low single figures in many rural spots and there will be some showers from the word go across scotland and northern ireland. these will, yes, be of snow to higher ground and will then get to see some showers developing

across england and wales. some of these heavy with some hail and maybe some thunder mixed in there as well. and temperatures will remain on the cool side. gusty winds, 35 to a5 miles an hour and temperatures down on where they should be really for this time of year. a brief ridge of high pressure for sunday quiets things down, but not for long. low pressure once again set to return into next week, keeping things again quite cool for this time of year and unsettled. so yes, sunday the better of the two days through the weekend, but there's further showers or longer spells of rain and temperatures a little bit below par as we head towards easter weekend.

live from london. this is this world today with maryam moshiri. the us files a landmark lawsuit against apple, accusing the tech giant of monopolising the smartphone market and crushing competition. antony blinken says there's consensus between the us and arab allies on the need for an immediate and sustained ceasefire in gaza. a new report finds many british women are owed apologies — and thousands of pounds in compensation — because of state pension changes. also coming up on the world today: we look at the 270 million —year—old fossil of an ancient and for being

named after the worlds most famous frog. —— amphibian. welcome to the world today — an hour of international news from the bbc. the us secretary of state has flown to the middle east to discuss a post—war plan to govern and secure gaza. antony blinken is in the egyptian capital, cairo, where he's meeting senior ministers from six arab states and the palestinian authority. in a news conference with the egyptian foreign minister, us secretary of state antony blinken set out their shared priorities. there set out their shared priorities. is a clear consensus shared there is a clear consensus on the shared number of priorities. need for immediate sustained cease—fire with the release of hostages. that

would