this is bbc news. the headlines: a tornado has killed at least 23 people in the us state of mississippi. trees and power lines have been torn down and tens of thousands of power outages have been reported by residents. continued tensions in france as demonstrators clash with police in sant—soleen, in the west of the country, during a protest against plans for a new water reservoir. the unrest follows weeks of protests over president macron�*s pension reforms. vladimir putin says russia has struck a deal with neighbouring belarus to station tactical nuclear weapons on its territory. putin told state television that belarusian president alexander lukashenko has long been raising the issue with him.

a massive asteroid is expected to pass between the earth and the moon this evening. experts say it will pass by safely — and can be seen through binoculars and telescopes you're watching bbc news. now it's time for sportsday. hello, i'm olly foster, here's what's coming up on sportsday. the red roses run riot. the champions sink the scots in the six nations. there's a strong start for wales too, they are too good for the irish in cardiff. qualifying campaign with a win. also coming up on sportsday: the wait goes on for a british medal at the world figure sakting championships, as gibson and fear just miss out injapan

from the bbc sports centre, this is sportsday. hello. we'll start with rugby union because the women's six nations championship is under way. details of a big win for wales in a moment but the grand slam champions england are playing scotland right now and racking up a huge score at kingston park in newcastle england have hit the ground running. it took them just 8 minutes to score their first try of their campaign, claudia macdonald touching down. amy cokayne added their second at the touchline later in the half before macdonald broke clear to score her second of the game. try number two for cokayne, followed before they went into the break 31—nil up,

the tries continued in the second half, but the biggest cheer of the match was reserved for this, mid way through the second half. over and out for co—captain sarah hunter, this is her last england appearance and her141st cap particuarly fitting because she was born in newcastle. relentless england carried on scoring after her departure, marlie packer completing a hat—trick of tries. the full—time whistle. 58—7 to the grand slam champions. a very similar scoreline to last year's championship. ill try to bring you some reaction to that when later the programme. full—time whistle has just gone this very moment. wales opened up their six nations campaign with a big win over ireland. 31—5 the final score

at cardiff arms park. they overpowered the irish, scoring four tries in the first half, kerin lake burst through to set up her captain hannahjones and they led 26—nil at the break sisilia tuipulotu scored a fifth early in the second half to put the game out of sight although the irish did pull a try back late on. there's no words that can explain how i'm feeling right now. i'm just grateful for the team that i have, for my family and friends supporting me on the field and off the field. we have come a long way and i would like to— we have come a long way and i would like to thank— we have come a long way and i would like to thank the crowd here today. we had _ like to thank the crowd here today. we had a _ like to thank the crowd here today. we had a record crowd here today and it has _ we had a record crowd here today and it has been _ we had a record crowd here today and it has been a — we had a record crowd here today and it has been a brilliant atmosphere say thank— it has been a brilliant atmosphere say thank you very much. gave wells ossession say thank you very much. gave wells possession and _ say thank you very much. gave wells possession and evie _ say thank you very much. gave wells possession and evie give _ say thank you very much. gave wells possession and evie give them - possession and evie give them possession _ possession and evie give them possession they— possession and evie give them possession they will— possession and evie give them possession they will execute. i possession and evie give them - possession they will execute. always --oin possession they will execute. always going to _ possession they will execute. always going to come — possession they will execute. always going to come out _ possession they will execute. always going to come out on _ possession they will execute. always going to come out on top _ possession they will execute. always going to come out on top so - possession they will execute. always going to come out on top so our- possession they will execute. always going to come out on top so our old i going to come out on top so our old errors— going to come out on top so our old errors ied _ going to come out on top so our old errors led to — going to come out on top so our old errors led to those _ going to come out on top so our old errors led to those points _ going to come out on top so our old errors led to those points and -

going to come out on top so our old errors led to those points and we i errors led to those points and we went— errors led to those points and we went in— errors led to those points and we went in at— errors led to those points and we went in at half—time _ errors led to those points and we went in at half—time and - errors led to those points and we went in at half—time and we - errors led to those points and we| went in at half—time and we said, errors led to those points and we - went in at half—time and we said, we have to _ went in at half—time and we said, we have to eradicate _ went in at half—time and we said, we have to eradicate them _ went in at half—time and we said, we have to eradicate them and - went in at half—time and we said, we have to eradicate them and have - went in at half—time and we said, we have to eradicate them and have to i have to eradicate them and have to start playing — have to eradicate them and have to start playing outside _ have to eradicate them and have to start playing outside of— have to eradicate them and have to start playing outside of rugby- have to eradicate them and have to start playing outside of rugby at - start playing outside of rugby at the test — start playing outside of rugby at the test 20 _ start playing outside of rugby at the last 20 minutes _ start playing outside of rugby at the last 20 minutes we - start playing outside of rugby at the last 20 minutes we showedl start playing outside of rugby at. the last 20 minutes we showed the heart _ the last 20 minutes we showed the heart in _ the last 20 minutes we showed the heart in this— the last 20 minutes we showed the heart in this team _ the last 20 minutes we showed the heart in this team but _ the last 20 minutes we showed the heart in this team but at _ the last 20 minutes we showed the heart in this team but at times - the last 20 minutes we showed the heart in this team but at times our| heart in this team but at times our execution — heart in this team but at times our execution iet — heart in this team but at times our execution let us _ heart in this team but at times our execution let us down _ heart in this team but at times our execution let us down and - heart in this team but at times our execution let us down and we - heart in this team but at times our execution let us down and we willl execution let us down and we will build _ execution let us down and we will build on _ execution let us down and we will build on that _ we'll have lots more domestic rugby union later in the programme, let's have a quick look at some of the other stories making the headlines today. a representative for qatari banker sheikh jassim has confirmed that a second bid has been submitted to buy manchester united. the ineos owner sirjim ratcliffe and finnish businessman thomas zilliacus have aslo tabled offers. a brazilian court has fined the three—time formula i world champion nelson piquet £780,000 for making racist and homophobic comments about mercedes driver lewis hamilton in a 2021 interview. 70—year—old piquet later apologised for the remark. england cricketerjonny bairstow will miss the indian premier league

that starts next week. he's still recovering from a broken leg, after a freak acident on a golf course in sepetember. scotland have started their european championship qualifying campaign with a win. they beat cyprus 3—0. they only made sure of the points late on thouthoe lynskey reports match one was mussed when. their path for the euros would start at home to cyprus. right now, hope rings. scott then reached the last euros and now feel they have their strongest squad for years. key to whittle out the goals from their midfielder. in the last four years he was their top scorer, his 16th for their country was their qualifying left. scotland's captain called the the toughest of them all.

they face spain here on tuesday where experience may be are key to a result. here, he came off the bench to ease the scottish nerves. 87 minutes and they had their second goal but there was still time for more. before today, he had scored just once for scotland. now cyprus opened up to give him two and six minutes. for scotland, tests are coming but they have their winning start. wales are in split, theirfirst qualifier is against croatia, kick—off in about an hour away our reporter tomos dafydd sent us this a short time ago in bright croatian sunshine well starting afresh. the fans are looking ahead to a new campaign. hope remains. i’m looking ahead to a new campaign. hone remains-— looking ahead to a new campaign. hoe remains. �* ., ., , , , hope remains. i'm glad ramsey stuck with it. i hope remains. i'm glad ramsey stuck with it- i was — hope remains. i'm glad ramsey stuck with it- i was a _ hope remains. i'm glad ramsey stuck with it. i was a bit _ hope remains. i'm glad ramsey stuck with it. i was a bit concerned - hope remains. i'm glad ramsey stuck with it. i was a bit concerned he - with it. i was a bit concerned he was going to go because if he went

all the old brigades were gone but we have got a good spine. the team has a new look— we have got a good spine. the team has a new look to _ we have got a good spine. the team has a new look to it _ we have got a good spine. the team has a new look to it and _ we have got a good spine. the team has a new look to it and it _ we have got a good spine. the team has a new look to it and it will - we have got a good spine. the team has a new look to it and it will be . has a new look to it and it will be interesting — has a new look to it and it will be interesting to see how these young players _ interesting to see how these young players come through. it will be sad not to— players come through. it will be sad not to see _ players come through. it will be sad not to see some familiar faces on the pitch. — not to see some familiar faces on the pitch, but all the same, very excited — the pitch, but all the same, very excited to— the pitch, but all the same, very excited to see how it goes. it is definitely going _ excited to see how it goes. it is definitely going to _ excited to see how it goes. it is definitely going to be a big ask for as but— definitely going to be a big ask for as but things _ definitely going to be a big ask for as but things happen _ definitely going to be a big ask for as but things happen in— definitely going to be a big ask for as but things happen in football. definitely going to be a big ask for. as but things happen in football and we've _ as but things happen in football and we've got— as but things happen in football and we've got to — as but things happen in football and we've got to move _ as but things happen in football and we've got to move on. _ as but things happen in football and we've got to move on. we've - as but things happen in football and we've got to move on. we've got. as but things happen in football and we've got to move on. we've got ai we've got to move on. we've got a good _ we've got to move on. we've got a good squad, — we've got to move on. we've got a good squad, we — we've got to move on. we've got a good squad, we got _ we've got to move on. we've got a good squad, we got to— we've got to move on. we've got a good squad, we got to use - we've got to move on. we've got a good squad, we got to use them. i we've got to move on. we've got a . good squad, we got to use them. his former good squad, we got to use them. former team—mate at real good squad, we got to use them. hiir: former team—mate at real madrid shows no signs of slowing down. croatia's player still dictates games at the age of 37. an inspiration to wales's new captain. is right up there if not the best so for him to be doing that at his age is quite remarkable and an inspiration in many ways to players and, yeah, it is going to be an interesting one and hopefully, you know, when i can come out on top of. i'd make a hostile atmosphere is

expected here tonight. wales have never beaten croatia in six attempts. the manager predicts a tough night against the side that finished third at the world cup in qatar. �* ., , , ., qatar. been a defensively were going to have to suffer. _ qatar. been a defensively were going to have to suffer. going _ qatar. been a defensively were going to have to suffer. going to _ qatar. been a defensively were going to have to suffer. going to have - qatar. been a defensively were going to have to suffer. going to have to i to have to suffer. going to have to be very— to have to suffer. going to have to be very well— to have to suffer. going to have to be very well organised and give ourselves— be very well organised and give ourselves the best chance to win the game _ ourselves the best chance to win the game we _ ourselves the best chance to win the game. we are realistic. at a tough game _ game. we are realistic. at a tough game but — game. we are realistic. at a tough game but of every game are going to be one _ game but of every game are going to be one one _ game but of every game are going to be one one twin. we get four points from _ be one one twin. we get four points from the _ be one one twin. we get four points from the next few games will be more than happy— from the next few games will be more than happy with that. not from the next few games will be more than happy with that.— than happy with that. not many are aaivin than happy with that. not many are giving wales _ than happy with that. not many are giving wales a _ than happy with that. not many are giving wales a chance _ than happy with that. not many are giving wales a chance tonight - than happy with that. not many are giving wales a chance tonight but i than happy with that. not many are giving wales a chance tonight but it has not stopped 1800 wells fans travelling here. they're aiming to see their side qualify for their third successive european championship. england had that win over italy in naples a few nights ago, they are back at wembley tomorrow facing ukraine. reece james has withdrawn from the squad and returned to chelsea after picking up an injury. our reporter alex howell has been with england today, who have based themselves at the tottenham hotspur training ground.

the england squad were back on the training pitch today here at the tottenham hotspur training ground. all available players were out on the pitch but chelsea's player has withdrawn due to injury and shaw are suspended for the match on monday after getting sent off against italy mid week. that means gareth southgate has gotjust 21 players available for the match against ukraine tomorrow. ukraine are not able to play their matches in their home country due to the invasion by russia and gareth southgate says that won't affect the team he knows the challenge they're going to face tomorrow. , . , , ., the challenge they're going to face tomorrow. , ., , , ., ., , tomorrow. they are very proud group of -la ers, tomorrow. they are very proud group of players. you _ tomorrow. they are very proud group of players. you can — tomorrow. they are very proud group of players, you can see _ tomorrow. they are very proud group of players, you can see that. - of players, you can see that. totally committed to bringing enjoyment to the public and, yeah, we of course have huge sympathy with what is going on and support for

what is going on and support for what is going on and support for what is going on but tomorrow is a game of football and we are fully focused on trying to win the game. there is only one uncapped player in this squad and he has the second—highest english goal—scorer in the premier league only behind england captain. he's been called up once before but he did not make an appearance. did not get on the pitch and did not make the world cup squad. i asked the england manager whether he is likely to make his debut for the national side tomorrow. yet the maquis has been very good. we really like him and he is very much in our thoughts. there is very much in our thoughts. there is always the dual objective. the desire to see players but we are in a qualifying group. the priority is to win the game first and foremost so whatever we decided with a view to doing that. england got their qualifying campaign off to a good start after they beat italy in midweek. it is the first time they

beaten the italians away since 1961. jordan pickford is one of the most experienced players in this england squad and he is hoping that they can continue their good form with victory and start the qualifying campaign in a positive way. it is victory and start the qualifying campaign in a positive way. it is a massive game- — campaign in a positive way. it is a massive game. i _ campaign in a positive way. it is a massive game. i feel— campaign in a positive way. it is a massive game. i feel like - campaign in a positive way. it is a massive game. i feel like we - campaign in a positive way. it is a | massive game. i feel like we need campaign in a positive way. it is a i massive game. i feel like we need to take forward to become winners, really, mid championships. our togetherness, our squad mentality, togetherness, our squad mentality, to go forward and to be able to beat italy away from him was a massive game for us. italy away from him was a massive game for us— italy away from him was a massive came for us. ., �*, ., ., ., ., game for us. england's game tomorrow is the first one — game for us. england's game tomorrow is the first one they _ game for us. england's game tomorrow is the first one they have _ game for us. england's game tomorrow is the first one they have played - game for us. england's game tomorrow is the first one they have played at - is the first one they have played at wembley this year. gareth southgate says top teams back up their results and he will be hoping that when he releases his players back to their clubs they are still unbeaten and in a strong position to qualify for the european championships next year. england's under 21's have qualified for this summer's european championship in romania and georgia and are playing a couple of friendlies over the next few days.

they are approaching fulltime at leicester's king power stadium against the france under 21s. england took the lead. curtisjones has rounded off the scoring. climbing really well for the under 20 ones. they are 3—0 up. let's take you live. lee carsley�*s side face croatia at craven cottage next week. they are in a pretty tough group at the tournament this summer. they've got the czech republic and israel but they are looking very good against the french. all the goals coming in the second half there, i think. yes. it was nil nil at half—time. it was nil nil at half—time. some big games in the women's super league. arsenal have kept themselves

in title contention after thrashing tottenham 5—1 away in the north london derby australian international caitlin foord scored twice either side of the break. they only led 2—1 with 25 minutes to play, late goals secures the points, that was the fifth from frida maanum. as it stands, arsenal are up to second, above manchester united on goals scored, with both clubs two points behind chelsea having played a game more. but manchester united are playing right now, taking on west ham at old trafford and it's currently 0—0. owen farrell limped off iwith an injury but emerged victorious in his battle against fellow england fly—half marcus smith as saracens beat harlequins at the tottenham hotspur stadium. after two early tries apiece, saracens edged in front for the first time in the 13th minute as ivan van zyl sent nick tompkins over. farrell added the conversion and a penalty for saracens to extend their lead

before they worked the ball wide for andrew christie to crash over in the corner for a 22—7 half—time lead.quins rallied after the break and cut the deficit to eight points. marcus smith was instrumental as his fine pass allowed caden murley to touch down. sean maitland and murley swapped tries but a maro itoje score from close range was enough seal victory for saracens. good win for leicester tigers 46—21; over bristol. london irish 2a northampton saints 10 in the united rugby championship connacht captain caolin blade scored a hat—trick of tries as his side overhwhelmed edinburgh by 41 points to 26. connacht dominated the match and ran in three tries before half time, with blade getting the first of his three. more of the same followed after the break with 2 more tries for blade as connacht notched

up their fifth consecutive victory. both sides picked up a bonus point. ospreys kept their hopes of finishing as the top welsh region alive, running in 5 tries to beat struggling dragons 37 by points to 18. iestyn hopkins went over for the bonus point winning fourth score. the wru's acting chief executive— nigel walker says the future of welsh rugby is on the line this weekend — more than 280 clubs will meet at an extraordinary general meeting in port talbot tomorrow. they'll vote on plans to modernise the way the game is run following a series of scandals that have rocked the union — including allegations of misogyny, sexism and racism. matt murray reports. steeped in history. the rugby club has been in existence longer than the wru and its chairman is not underplaying how important this vote is on sunday. the underplaying how important this vote is on sunday-—

is on sunday. the most important meetin: is on sunday. the most important meeting in _ is on sunday. the most important meeting in the — is on sunday. the most important meeting in the history _ is on sunday. the most important meeting in the history of - is on sunday. the most important meeting in the history of the - is on sunday. the most important. meeting in the history of the welsh rugby union. the meeting in the history of the welsh rugby union-— meeting in the history of the welsh ru:b union. . ., ., ., rugby union. the club's game away to ever bell was — rugby union. the club's game away to ever bell was profaned _ rugby union. the club's game away to ever bell was profaned because - rugby union. the club's game away to ever bell was profaned because of. ever bell was profaned because of the weather and pitch conditions. at the weather and pitch conditions. at the two bosses still met to talk about the crucial vote. the egm comes after accusations of bullying, sexism and misogyny within the w r u. sexism and misogyny within the w r u. ., ., in sexism and misogyny within the w r u, ., �* ., 1m ., u. you can't have 5096 of the population — u. you can't have 5096 of the population being _ u. you can't have 5096 of the population being treated - u. you can't have 5096 of the population being treated in l u. you can't have 5096 of the i population being treated in that manner. you cannot have bullying across the board, it is just not acceptable. if you are involved in business you will know, the end result of that i not pity for anybody. in result of that i not pity for anybody-— result of that i not pity for anbod. ., , ,, ,, result of that i not pity for anbod. ,, ,, anybody. in any business. it is 'ust unforgrvabre — anybody. in any business. it is 'ust unforgivable in fl anybody. in any business. it is 'ust unforgivable in any i anybody. in any business. it is 'ust unforgivable in any business. h anybody. in any business. it isjust unforgivable in any business. the | unforgivable in any business. the modern _ unforgivable in any business. the modern world we live in now. nobody wants to be — modern world we live in now. nobody wants to be associated _ modern world we live in now. nobody wants to be associated with _ modern world we live in now. nobody wants to be associated with the - wants to be associated with the accusations of what has gone on. the fear whether expressed is loss of a lot of sponsorship. that is something that the game probably would find very difficult to survive. ., . ., .,

survive. the need for change are certainly accelerated _ survive. the need for change are certainly accelerated massively l survive. the need for change are i certainly accelerated massively over the past _ certainly accelerated massively over the past six months. massively. read the past six months. massively. read the proposals — the past six months. massively. read the proposals is _ the past six months. massively. read the proposals is to _ the past six months. massively. read the proposals is to have _ the past six months. massively. lie—r the proposals is to have at least five women of the target are five women on the board. that is big change, isn't it? has women on the board. that is big change, isn't it?— women on the board. that is big change, isn't it? has welsh rugby clubs need _ change, isn't it? has welsh rugby clubs need to _ change, isn't it? has welsh rugby clubs need to reflect _ change, isn't it? has welsh rugby clubs need to reflect 21st - change, isn't it? has welsh rugby clubs need to reflect 21st century| clubs need to reflect 21st century society and be diverse. dare clubs need to reflect 21st century society and be diverse. are women in one of the top — society and be diverse. are women in one of the top jobs _ society and be diverse. are women in one of the top jobs where _ society and be diverse. are women in one of the top jobs where the - society and be diverse. are women in one of the topjobs where the ceo - society and be diverse. are women in one of the topjobs where the ceo or| one of the top jobs where the ceo or the chair. one of the top “obs where the ceo or the chair. . , one of the top “obs where the ceo or the chair. ., , , , , ,., the chair. that is the best person for the job. _ the chair. that is the best person for the job, fine. _ the chair. that is the best person for the job, fine. it _ the chair. that is the best person for the job, fine. it has _ the chair. that is the best person for the job, fine. it has to - the chair. that is the best person for the job, fine. it has to be - the chair. that is the best person for the job, fine. it has to be the| for the job, fine. it has to be the trest— for the job, fine. it has to be the best person, male or female. it has to be _ best person, male or female. it has to be the _ best person, male or female. it has to be the best person for the job because — to be the best person for the job because this is seen as a watershed moment _ because this is seen as a watershed moment a— because this is seen as a watershed moment. a chance for it to lose its image _ moment. a chance for it to lose its image as _ moment. a chance for it to lose its image as an— moment. a chance for it to lose its image as an old boys club but there are calls _ image as an old boys club but there are calls for— image as an old boys club but there are calls for not just changes at the top — are calls for not just changes at the top with women appointed to the board _ the top with women appointed to the board but— the top with women appointed to the board but also changes at a grassroots level.— board but also changes at a grassroots level. i've spoken to some of my _ grassroots level. i've spoken to some of my rugby _ grassroots level. i've spoken to some of my rugby clubs. - grassroots level. i've spoken to some of my rugby clubs. i - grassroots level. i've spoken to l some of my rugby clubs. i invited them _ some of my rugby clubs. i invited them to— some of my rugby clubs. i invited them to come _ some of my rugby clubs. i invited them to come and _ some of my rugby clubs. i invited them to come and to _ some of my rugby clubs. i invited them to come and to me - some of my rugby clubs. i invited them to come and to me and - some of my rugby clubs. i invited them to come and to me and i. some of my rugby clubs. i invited . them to come and to me and i think it is really— them to come and to me and i think it is really important— them to come and to me and i think it is really important that _ them to come and to me and i think it is really important that they- it is really important that they audit— it is really important that they audit the _ it is really important that they audit the skills _ it is really important that they audit the skills of _ it is really important that they audit the skills of the - it is really important that they audit the skills of the womenl it is really important that they. audit the skills of the women that they have — audit the skills of the women that they have around _ audit the skills of the women that they have around the _

audit the skills of the women that they have around the game. - audit the skills of the women that they have around the game. it- audit the skills of the women that they have around the game. it isl audit the skills of the women that i they have around the game. it is not 'ust they have around the game. it is not just about _ they have around the game. it is not just about female _ they have around the game. it is not just about female players. _ they have around the game. it is not just about female players. it - they have around the game. it is not just about female players. it is i just about female players. it is about — just about female players. it is about women— just about female players. it is about women in _ just about female players. it is about women in sport, - just about female players. it is about women in sport, womenj just about female players. it is i about women in sport, women in business — about women in sport, women in business and _ about women in sport, women in business and bringing _ about women in sport, women in business and bringing them i about women in sport, women in i business and bringing them together to run— business and bringing them together to run better— business and bringing them together to run better businesses, _ business and bringing them together to run better businesses, better- to run better businesses, better rugby— to run better businesses, better rugby clubs _ to run better businesses, better rugby clubs and _ to run better businesses, better rugby clubs and to _ to run better businesses, better rugby clubs and to promote i to run better businesses, better rugby clubs and to promote the | to run better businesses, better- rugby clubs and to promote the game in wales _ rugby clubs and to promote the game in wales. and— rugby clubs and to promote the game in wales. �* ~ . rugby clubs and to promote the game in wales. �* . ., , ., in wales. and the wru are straight talkin: in wales. and the wru are straight talking about _ in wales. and the wru are straight talking about what _ in wales. and the wru are straight talking about what is _ in wales. and the wru are straight talking about what is at _ in wales. and the wru are straight talking about what is at stake - in wales. and the wru are straightj talking about what is at stake here. identikit is possible to overhyped importance of the vote. put simply, we don't make the changes that we've advocated, the welsh rugby union and welsh rugby, the hold of welsh rugby will be in danger of disappearing because we've simply got to make their governance changes to bring this in line with modern day best practice. it is as simple as that. for a country so proud of its past on the pitch, this is seen as a time to modernise and look to the future. this is seen as a time to modernise and look to the future. in super league, leeds rhinos ended catalans dragons' unbeaten start to the season, staging a great comeback to win

32—22 at headingley. the visitors started strongly and tom davies was the first to go over with this acrobatic effort. but despite building up a 1k point lead at the break, leeds fought back. harry newman sealing the victory with one of five second—half tries, touching down in—between the sticks late on to put the game beyond the reach of the dragons. that moves leeds up to seventh in the table. esports, competitive gaming, has long been touted as a potential olympic discipline and it might feature as a demonstration sport in paris next year. any inclusion is likely to be met with fierce resistance but it's been said that the ioc is keen to tap into its global popularity. lizzie greenwood—hughes spoke to esl pro league commissioner alexander inglot to hear his thoughts on any possible partnership. there are two schools, actually, with quite different views. there are those who believe that kind of tying themselves into intertwining

their events and competitions into their events and competitions into the olympic spacer they can traditional sports space is critical for the next step for showing a certain maturity and a certain level of sophistication, really reaching new audiences to reach new sponsors, to reach new fans. every single person who feels that way there's another person who feels like, hold on a second, we have created this and moulded it and created it together and our own image with her own priorities, with their own platforms and rules, regulations, why do we need to kind of come, you know, hat in hand asking for acceptance, bending over and adapting to the rules and regulations of traditional sport in order to fit in. do you think the olympics needs you more than you need them?—

need them? we've got our biggest events which _ need them? we've got our biggest events which are _ need them? we've got our biggest events which are grand _ need them? we've got our biggest events which are grand slams i need them? we've got our biggest events which are grand slams 2.7| events which are grand slams 2.7 million viewers watching it through media and online. we fill out a venus, 20,000 arenas when we put on a prestigious events and our players have salaries of 20—50,000 a month depending on which they come from. we are a fully fledged self —dependent successful entertainment product, game, competition. so we don't need anybody, really, to keep going. another question is, why does the olympics consider it so important that they try to tap into a sports? in my opinion, it is a two—way relationship. if it is going to develop into a relationship it has to be a two—way relationship and there has to be respect and compromise from both sides. it cannot be a whole list of demands, and if you don't do that then you

will be left out in the code e sports is definitely not out in the cold. sports is definitely not out in the cold. to the nfl next and a story of overcoming the odds. chargers austin ekeler went from undrafted rookie battling to make the team, to starting running back. he puts it down to his mental toughness due to his upbringing on a ranch, when from an early age his then—step dad would get him up at the crack of dawn to build fences all day. growing up there was no option. you could not complain. so my mum's ex—husband, hated him for this, could not complain. so my mum's ex—husband, hated him forthis, but he was always yelling, just physical just had a presence of when i asked you to do something, you get it done right now and you don't complain. that was it you face the consequences. and you don't want to face the consequences. so i got it

done fast, immediately, efficient, right. so that is how i grew up and i was younger so when i went to play sports, i was the most coachable guy on the field because if you asked me to do something i am getting a dancerfrom a young to do something i am getting a dancer from a young age to do something i am getting a dancerfrom a young age i did not know what i was doing to me but mentally, it was just moulding know what i was doing to me but mentally, it wasjust moulding me know what i was doing to me but mentally, it was just moulding me to be this, like, super mentally tough individual where it is like i put my mind to something i go get it. so it's kind of who i am. it was who i was then even though i did not know that was what i was getting moulded to be. it has stayed with me and i try to teach people about that and just how i have mentally prepared myself by going and practising. i was practising mental toughness. i was practising mental toughness. i was practising. you practice football, you go out in practice. playing an instrument and things like that. but how do you practice mental toughness?

like that. but how do you practice mentaltoughness? it like that. but how do you practice mental toughness? it is discipline. putting yourself in situations where you have to push beyond and when i got the opportunity to play for the charges i treated it as if my life depended on it. i did notjust go hard. i treated it like if i do not do this my life will be a failure and that is how i approached it. this is everything. there is nothing else. it is this. i have to get this done. have to make sure i have to make my reputation in the nfl known so that was my mindset. so i tapped into literally my survival instincts. when it went to being on the practice field, when i went to study and, talking, connecting. so when i was on the field i was untouchable. i remember one time sitting down with my coach and i literally broke down crying. i'm not even an emotional person but i was so stressed out because i did not move up the depth chart and i was putting every ounce of my energy into it at practice, at home in the studies, all of not move up the chart until i made the team. he did not know my name until i made the team. i was number three. not know my name until i made the team. iwas numberthree. i not know my name until i made the team. i was number three. i was number three. team. i was number three. i was numberthree. so team. i was number three. i was number three. so that is what i was dealing with. that is how far the odds were against me. he didn't even know my name and i made enough of an impact to make the roster. is a impact to make the roster. is a confident _ impact to make the roster. is a confident fellow, _ impact to make the roster. is a confident fellow, isn't he? lilah fear and lewis gibsonjust

missed out on a medal at the figure skating world championships injapan the european silver medalists were looking to claim the first british medal in the event since torvil and dean's gold in 1984, they secured a seasons best score for their free dance routine and they were in first but then had to watch as the american, italian and canadian, couples bettered their score and they had to settle for 4th. we are so thrilled with fourth place. it is great for us to be so high up in the world and we are really excited and proud of the skates he put out here. it is a privilege to feel that. to be competing on the world stage at such a high level with so many high—level skaters around as that encouraged us, motivated us, many of i'll are our training maze so it is fun for everyone to put up with the good skates. to everyone to put up with the good skates. ., , ., ., , skates. to be a part of it is exciting — skates. to be a part of it is exciting in _ skates. to be a part of it is exciting in itself _ skates. to be a part of it is exciting in itself and - skates. to be a part of it is exciting in itself and i i skates. to be a part of it is| exciting in itself and i think skates. to be a part of it is i exciting in itself and i think it shows such great things for the standard of i stand it is going up

and up, and we are so happy to be part of the mix and super excited and looking forward to next season. thank you. it means the world to us. we feel your support from japan. we are so honoured to represent great britain and we hope you are well caffeinated for the rest of your day. let's bring you back to our top story now in the women's six nations — england beating scotland. 58—7 sarah hunter's last game for her country after 1m caps a remarkable career that saw her win the world cup in 2014 and she's been a runner up twice. sheerjoy, you know, and pride, to have played for this amazing team over the years, you know. ijust feel so lucky and privileged that i have been a part of it for so long and the girls have been brilliant this week. i've had the best week. i've enjoyed it and to come out here and play at home in front of this amazing crowd and put in a performance like that, just means

everything. performance like that, 'ust means eve hina. ~ . . performance like that, 'ust means everything.— everything. what a remarkable career. a everything. what a remarkable career- a big — everything. what a remarkable career. a big win _ everything. what a remarkable career. a big win for _ everything. what a remarkable career. a big win for england i everything. what a remarkable | career. a big win for england at everything. what a remarkable i career. a big win for england at the start of the women six nations. i will be back at 7:30pm. lots more reaction to that game and a lot more besides. see you injust reaction to that game and a lot more besides. see you in just over half an hour. goodbye.

this is bbc news, broadcasting to viewers in the uk and around the world. i'm lukwesa burak. the headlines... at least 23 people have died as violent storms triggered by a tornado rip through the southern us state of mississippi. growing tension in france. riots today in the west, after unrest in the capital. vladimir putin says russia has struck a deal with neighbouring belarus to station tactical nuclear weapons on its territory. and a once in a decade flyby, as an asteroid passes between the earth and the moon.