cup so close, why world rugby will want this in some way to be resolved.s sara alluded to there, there has been plenty of reaction to the decision to initially overturn the ban and then world rugby�*s decision to appeal. luke griggs is chief executive of the british brain injury charity headway and he's criticised the process. i think it's been a huge embarrassment to world rugby, and i think the way this has been handled, this is a problem with our own making. itjust adds to the confusion about what is safe and is not safe. on the community level is much as anything else and that's always where our major concern is because community support follows what they see on the big screen set by elite level support. this is a very, very sorry state of affairs. well, earlier i spoke with former wales international alix popham, who was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2020. he's welcomed the world rugby�*s appeal adding that farrell always gets off lightly. i think it's a positive decision that they've done this. there's been an uproar, i think, in the media o

0wen farrell thought he was reprieved from his red card, but world rugby have other ideas and launch england to a world cup final, sarina wiegman is a manager in demand, but the football association say she's going nowhere. and swiatek survives a scare in cincinnati, as she battles back from a set down to reach the quarterfinals. hello there and welcome to the programme, lots to get through. but we start with rugby union and the ongoing but ever changing narrative of 0wen farrell's future. on saturday, he was shown a red card against wales for a dangerous high challenge and looked as though he'd be missing the start of the world cup through suspension. on tuesday, a disciplinary panel then rescinded that and farrell was back to being involved, but now — two days later — world rugby has appealed against that decision. they feel farrell should be suspended. here's our rugby union reporter sara 0rchard. it does appear to be very confusing. the argument used to clear him was that the actions of the england hooker jamie george, in the tackle, caused him to change direction. now today, worl

but you can see with the world cup so close wife world rugby will walk this — cup so close wife worldd. . . ,, resolved. so owen farrell back in limbo, disrupting _ resolved. so owen farrell back in limbo, disrupting hugely - resolved. so owen farrell back in limbo, disrupting hugely for - limbo, disrupting hugely for england. they have another warm—up task coming this weekend. england. they have another warm-up task coming this weekend.— task coming this weekend. that's ri . ht. task coming this weekend. that's right- they _ task coming this weekend. that's right- they are — task coming this weekend. that's right. they are away _ task coming this weekend. that's right. they are away in _ task coming this weekend. that's right. they are away in dublin - task coming this weekend. that's i right. they are away in dublin right now, _ right. they are away in dublin right now. going — right. they are away in dublin right now, going to play ireland on saturday _ now, going to play ireland on saturday. george ford will start at fly saturday. george ford will start at fty hatf _ saturday. geo

and world rugby are now planning to appeal the decision to overturn owen farrell's red card — could thert of the world cup? hello, welcome to the programme. it's been 2a hours since england's famous win over australia at the women's world cup, which has taken them to their first ever final at the competition. it's been a rest day for sarina wiegman's squad — before preparations to face spain begin on friday. england's semi—final win over australia was watched by more than seven million on bbc tv, the most watched match of the tournament so far, with an additional 3.8 million streams on bbc iplayer and bbc sport online. sunday's final will also be shown on bbc one. the match has also broken tv records in australia, where the lionesses won 3—1, thanks to goals from ella toone, lauren hemp, and alessia russo. sunday's world cup final comes just over a year since england won the european championships at wembley. it was their first major trophy in women's football. and now they go in search of becoming just the fifth nation to win the women's world cup against anotherfinal debutant in spain

farrell has been handed a four—match ban after world rugby successfully appealed against the decisiono overturn his red card against wales. he'll miss the opening two games of the world cup in france next month. vunipola, who was sent off against ireland, has been banned for three games but it could be reduced to two if he completes the world rugby coaching programme on tackling. our reporter sara orchard has been telling me about how it impacts england's chances at the tournament. ultimately, it has been disrupted, losing your captain for what would be the two most important games of england's polar stage and argentina and japan are the strongest in their group, however, the rugby world cup draw was done in a long time in advance and that means that those pools are extremely lopsided, meaning teams are ranked 1—5 in the world are at the opposite side of the draw to england are, so despite this disruption, you would expect england to get to the pool stage and reach a quarterfinal, by which time, they do not have any more disciplinary issues, they could well be going further and deep i

vunipola has been banned for three games but it can be reduced to two if he completes the world rugby coaching programme on tackling. our reporter sara orchard has been telling me about how it impacts england's chances at the tournament. well, ultimately it has been disruptive, losing your captain for what would be the two most important games of england's pool stage in the argentina and japan being the strongest in their group. however, the rugby world cup draw was done a long time in advance and it means that those polls are extremely lopsided. and that means that the team is ranked one to five in the world are on the opposite side of the draw to where england actually are. so despite this disruption, you would still expect england to get through that pool stage and reach a quarterfinal, by which time, if they don't have any more disciplinary issues, then they could well be going further and deeper into that tournament. next to the world athletics championships — where the favourite, kenya's faith kipyegon produced a devastating turn of pace to win the women's 1500 metres in budapes

world championships. bernardo silva stays at city stopping the summer of speculation, the portuguese playmaker signs until 2026. billy banned. vunipola joins owen farrell on the suspended list with england's rugby world cup plans in disarray. hello and thanks for joining us on sportsday. we start at the world athletics championship in budapest, and what a day for great britain'sjosh kerr, he's taken gold in the men's 1500m after a thrilling race in hungary. the olympic bronze medallist, timed his surge to perfection, he was neck and neck with norway's jakob ingebrigtsen going into the final 200m, before breaking his rival in the final50. the 25—year—old clocked a season's best 3.29.38 seconds to make his first podium at a world championships. but it was history repeating itself for ingebrigtsen. the reigning olympic champion, beaten into silver as he was in similar circumstances at the last world championships in eugene. the day and the gold though belonging tojosh kerr. it's been a long time coming. it's quite an overwhelming experience. but i'm so proud of myself, i'm so proud of my team and my family, they got me here. i didn't feel like i ran the best race either, i just threw my whole 16 y

vunipola has been banned for three games but it can be reduced to two if he completes the world rugby about how it impacts england's chances at the tournament. well, ultimately it has been disruptive, losing your captain for what would be the two most important games of england's pool stage in the argentina and japan being the strongest in their group.

world championships in budapest rangers twice let slip a lead as they draw 2—2 in the opening leg of their champions league qualifier against psv eindhoven and owen farrell will miss the first two rugbyld cup matches after being handed a four match ban on appeal hello and welcome to the programme. kenya's faith kipyegon produced a devastating turn of pace to win the women's 1500 metres at the world athletics championships in budapest. the double olympic champion, who previously won world golds in 2017 and last year in eugene, led from gun to tape. she kicked at the bell for the final lap to outstrip a loaded field to take victory ahead of ethiopian diribe weltayjee in second with dutch runner sifan hassan back in third. team gb's laura muir finished back in sixth. i was expecting to defend my title, and i've done so and i am really, really grateful and thank god for this. i was well prepared, knowing that the defending champion is me and yeah, i was really working hard for it. morocco�*s olympic champion soufiane el bakkali left ethiopia's world record holder lamecha gearma trailing as he went on to win the 3000 metres steeplechase. 22—year—old gearma had to settle for a third consec

farrell has been handed a four—match ban after world rugby successfully appealed against the decisioncup in france next month. vunipola, who was sent off against ireland, has been banned for three games but it could be reduced to two if he completes the world rugby coaching programme on tackling. our reporter sara orchard has been telling me about how it impacts england's chances at the tournament. ultimately, it has been disrupted, losing your captain for what would be the two most important games of england's polar stage and argentina and japan are the

and with the rugby world cup just a few weeks away — australian head coach eddiejones, has labelled hisedia negative in what he said was "the worst press conference" he's ever had in world rugby. jones was facing questions over the loss of all four tests, before the tournament begins next month in france. i know what is wrong with australian rugby, you guys are the problem. you are so negative about everything. we will go out there and do our best, boys. if you haven't got anything positive to say, don't ask. don't ask any questions. just be the pessimists you are in australian rugby. you'll love this negativity, it's fantastic. love it, love it. keep going. i it's fantastic. love it, love it. keep going-— it's fantastic. love it, love it. kee anoin. . , ., ., keep going. i have been meaning to ask... we keep going. i have been meaning to ask- -- we are _ keep going. i have been meaning to ask... we are terrible, _ keep going. i have been meaning to ask... we are terrible, just - keep going. i have been meaning to ask. .. we are terrible, just tell- keep going. i have been meaning to as

farrell has been handed a four—match ban after world rugby successfully appealed against the decisionoverturn his red card against wales. he'll miss the opening two games of the world cup in france next month. vunipola, who was sent off against ireland, has been banned for three games but it could be reduced to two if he completes the world rugby coaching programme on tackling. our reporter sara orchard has been telling me about how it impacts england's chances at the tournament. ultimately, it has been disruptive, losing your captain for what would be the two most important games of england's pool stage, and argentina and japan are the strongest in their group. however, the rugby world cup draw was done a long time in advance and that means that those pools are extremely lopsided, meaning teams ranked 1—5 in the world are on the opposite side of the draw to where england are, so despite this disruption, you would still expect england to get through the pool stage and reach a quarterfinal, by which time, if they do not have any more disciplinary issues, they could well be going furthe

this is the tackle felt around the rugby world.rect and cleared him to continue playing. today, world rugby, the sport's governing body, says it will appeal that decision. with this in mind, he's not been selected this weekend. we thought this had been concluded on tuesday afternoon and i'm really disappointed and bemused that this is now going into next, our next test week as well. so it's frustrating. as ever, we will continue to respect the process and respect the decision. farrell's father, andy, head coach of ireland, is unimpressed with how the case has been handled. what i probably would say at this moment in time that the circus that's gone around all of this is absolutely disgusting, in my opinion. disgusting. it's a huge thump coming in. the dizzying consequences of repeated head traumas is causing the sport to stop and take note. world rugby insists player welfare is its number one priority. the former wales international alex popham was diagnosed with early onset dementia at the age of a0. that's not a good look for par

for farrell, it's the second time in a week he's been through it, after world rugby appealed the decisiont wales at twickenham. the pair risk bans and could miss the start of the world cup with england's preparations in disarray. scotland's laura muir goes for gold in the 1,500 metres at the world atletics championships in budapest later this evening. she won the event at the commonwealth games in birmingham last year. great britain will be hoping to add to their medal tally which currently stands at one gold, one silver and a bronze. earlier, we spoke to three—times world champion dame jessica ennis—hill. it was a difficult one for dena, i don't think we saw the dean asher smith were used to seeing, especially in the semifinals. in the final her startling reasonably good, but she didn't have that pick—up in the latter part of the race that we normally see, so it was disappointing for her. she will go away and pick that race apart and will come back stronger, hopefully, in the next couple of events. commentator: come on, you can do it! that'll be a goal medal!— that'll be a goal medal! ka

it was overturned via disciplinary review panel this week, but world rugby, the sport's governing body since said they're going to appeal that decision by the panel, which could still mean farrell gets a ban. he has travelled with the squad to face ireland tomorrow, but won't play. england head coach steve borthwick says he is disappointed with how events have affected preparations. we have gone through that process, respected the process, respected the decision, we thought this had been concluded on tuesday afternoon and am really disappointed and bemused that this is now going into your next test week as well. england are playing ireland this weekend, and their head coach, andy farrell, is owen farrell's father. he's been really angered by the situation. you know, i don't normally say too much because of the type of reason, you know, about my son. but what i probably would say at this moment in time, the circus that's gone on around all this is absolutely disgusting in my opinion. disgusting. and i suppose those people that have loved their time in the sun get a few more days to keep

england's owen farrell could still miss the start of the rugby world cup next month — after world rugbyst the decision to overturn the red card he received against wales this weekend. the england captain's yellow was upgraded to red, after a high tackle — but a discplinary panel reviewing the incident this week found mitigating factors. saul �*canelo�* alvarez will defend his undisputed super middleweight title againstjermell charlo next month. victory would make charlo, only the second man in the four—belt era to reign supreme in two weight classes, with the american moving up two weight divisions to take on canelo, who's form has been under scrutiny in recent fights. i understand what the people say and i understand what the people say and i agree. i did i understand what the people say and iagree. i did my i understand what the people say and i agree. i did my best in the last two fights. i know why. i am ready for this fight and we will see. see what is going to happen.- for this fight and we will see. see what is going to happen. when i got the car, what is going to happen. when i

it could determine whether he misses some of the opening matches at next month's rugby world cup.e background to this case and the twists and turns around it. we are still waiting _ twists and turns around it. we are still waiting for _ twists and turns around it. we are still waiting for that _ twists and turns around it. we are still waiting for that decision. - twists and turns around it. we are still waiting for that decision. we | still waiting for that decision. we have been waiting all day long to hear whether 0wen farrell has a hint of starting the england world cup rugby campaign it is a complicated and twisting story started in england's warm—up match against wales. he was initially sent her on a yellow card for a high—tech which may contact with the balch player's head. the video official servant that into a sending off. but eight last week, last tuesday in independent disciplinary panel overturned that red card so got michael's q. to play. and he could theoretically start the rugby world cup but that was a really controversial decision. head injuries are a big deal in

world cup but the lionnesses ride their luck against nigeria. and the matildas march on — they're too strong for denmark. the co—hosts putting their early tournament wobbles to bed. and joe marchant makes england's rugbyld cup squad but there are some notable absentees. hello there and welcome along to the program. it's been a women's world cup full of twists and turns so far, with big names like the usa, germany and brazil knocked out. and england's lionnesses were so nearly on the end of the latest upset against nigeria. the african side were more than a match and could so easily have won the match inside 90 minutes. england's struggles not helped by in—form laurenjames being sent off, for an off—the—ball incident — shades of david beckham in 1998, if you're old enough to remember that. the match went all the way to penalties but this time, as not the case back then, england progressed, keeping their dreams of a first womens world cup alive. jane dougall is in brisbane for us. england were given an almighty scare and questions will be asked as to why they could not go against a country ranked 36 places below them. in contrast, nigeria looked strong right from the start and were the better side throu

this is the tackle felt around the rugby world.n selected this weekend. we thought this had been concluded on tuesday afternoon. and i'm really disappointed and bemused that this is now going into our next test week as well. so it's frustrating. as ever, we will continue to respect the process and respect the decision. farrell's father andy, head coach of ireland, is unimpressed with how the case has been handled. what i probably would say at this moment in time, the circus that has gone in and around all this is absolutely disgusting in my opinion, disgusting. the dizzying consequences of repeated head traumas is causing the sport to stop and take note. world rugby insists player welfare is its number one priority. the former wales international alex popham, who was diagnosed with early onset dementia, at the age of 40. that's not a good look for parents who are looking to send their kids to rugby practice and showing its allowing things, tackles like that to go ahead that the kids are going to be watching it and they think a pro

that meant he would be available at the start of the world cup for england, but since then, the world rugby body appealed against that, squashing the red card, and it has now been reinstated. this means the captain of england, who finished as the beaten finalist in the last world cup, will not be available for the next two games against argentina and japan. world controversy and the game has not even kicked off. we will bring you more world news. stay with us here on france 24. ♪ >> a hundred years ago, painters, sculptors, writers, and musicians battled for gold, silver, and bronze at the olympics. to mark a year until the paris games, we are looking at the artistic side of the world's biggest sporting event. we are in the heart of paris were on july 20 6, 20 24, the opening ceremonies take place. we are promised a grandiose spectacle that will tell the story up paris and of france. 600,000 spectators are expected to line the banks of the river seine, and the well-known and highly acclaimed theater director thomas jolie is the director. ♪ >> it is the show of a lifetime, the biggest show i

i would ago when i came for the rugby world cup. om don't know what to do with their life, they themselves, their families, their children — every single element has been disrupted and changed forever. and then you give them the opportunity to put a prosthetic leg on and run the hundred or 200 metres and train for a goal to suddenly have a purpose in life. literally, it saves lives. prince harry injapan. do you stay with us here on bbc news. plenty more to come. bye—bye for me and the team on verified live. a burst of summer work coming through with some sunshine for most parts. during the day, we've had this week warm front pushing northwards post on that still around in some area, and we've still got a pretty brisk wind. notice there are some pockets of cloud developing, so we could have some fog as we head towards the morning. a warmer night noticeably in the north. quite muggy in the south. late august or mid to late august, the fog hangs around just a little bit. but we are drawing up with the light, some wind. it means we are g

for farrell, it's the second time in a week he's been through it, after world rugby appealed the decisionerturn the red he received against wales at twickenham. the pair risk bans and could miss the start of the world cup with england's preparations in disarray. there are four golds to be won at the world athletics championships in budapest tonight. among the contenders is great britain's laura muir. she'll be chasing gold in the women's 1500m. muir won bronze at last year's championships in oregon her only medal at the worlds. that's under way at around 8:30pm british time, but there's full coverage on bbc two, the iplayer and the bbc sport website. meanwhile soaring temperatures in budapest have pushed back the women's 5,000 metres heats from wednesday morning to wednesday evening. the temperature in in the hungarian capital is expected to reach 32 degrees. "world athletics" have been highlighting issues faced by pacific island nations in relation to rising sea levels due to climate change. here's simone fe�*ao who's president of athletics cook islands. i think there is enough influence

the way the women's world —— rugby league has evolved in the last few years is incredible, so they feel for maybe those two nations to host a women's world cup stand alone, as well. and from then on, the women's world cup will be stand—alone going forward every four years. what world cup will be stand-alone going forward every four years. what about the wheelchair _ forward every four years. what about the wheelchair tournament? - forward every four years. what about the wheelchair tournament? they're | the wheelchair tournament? they're lookin: to the wheelchair tournament? they're looking to keep _ the wheelchair tournament? they're looking to keep the _ the wheelchair tournament? they're looking to keep the wheelchair- looking to keep the wheelchair tournament with the men's tournament. 0bviously tournament with the men's tournament. obviously a lot of costs involved with the wheelchair tournament. they need to make sure it's financially viable, but at this stage, the international rugby league are planning to keep the men's and the wheelchair together from 2026, 2030 and going forwa

he'll miss the games against argentina and japan after world rugby appealed against the decision of aickenham to a yellow. council officials have said the foundations and remaining bricks from the burned out crooked house pub near dudley in the west midlands must remain on site while its future is decided. it was demolished withing 48 hours of a fire — which staffordshire police is treating as arson, and campaigners want the famous landmark rebuilt. the number of drug deaths in scotland has fallen to its lowests level in five years, amid hopes it could be the start of a downward trend. numbers are down from over 1,300 in 2021 tojust over 1000 last year. but despite that the drug death rate in scotland — as you can see — remains far higher than in any other country in europe at 248 per million of the population. the sister of one man who died from a drug overdose has been telling us his story. tony devine had been struggling with addiction and dependence on drugs, including heroin, for around 40 years. this is his sister, liz daly. it was my last day at work after a 50—year career. the

you do begin to wonder if england are ever going to catch a break in the lead up to this rugby world has been tumultuous in the buildup to it. we had the injury to jack van portleet and the issues around 0wen farrell and the disciplinary hearings and the news that anthony watson is out of the tournament. the head coach said today thatjohnny mahey is included but that does not mean that he is into the 33 just yet. it does mean that the ode dan will get a first start. 0de dan will get a first start. valuable time for such a youngster. but again much of the conversation today did centre around 0wen farrell and how he has reacted to everything that has happened. t everything that has happened. f is one of the most resilient people i have ever met so he is very good. in terms of the process, we respect the process. i think at some point in the future we will be clear on our thoughts and the experience and the way it happened and the way it went through and lasted such a long period. we will be very clear and we will talk openly about that but now is not the right time. ., ,., ., ., time.

and so close to the rugby world cup. this is not good l rugby world cup. eached the final twice, including in france after that famous men in 2003, but they are heading back to france income —— in apparent rugby playing disarray. they have been friendly, these matches over the course of the last few weekends, but they wouldn't necessarily have wanted to lose three out of four of them, including to fiji yesterday, which was supposed to be the momentum generating victory to send england on their way to france and twickenham against that tear to nation. �* , , ., ., , , nation. and they should absolutely be beatina nation. and they should absolutely be beating them, _ nation. and they should absolutely be beating them, right? _ nation. and they should absolutely | be beating them, right? regardless of the fact that these are times to try a new team members and test your squad and find your way to tinker away to the main tournament, it did not work out that way. five defeats out of the last six to england, the latest one yesterday at twickenham, beaten by fiji

world cup final on sunday, but red tape means it may be too late for it to be granted. high energy bills and other things, night clubs across the country are struggling to survive. with the rugbyas overturned, but world rugby is pushing for a ban. a dry but cloudy start. we have a band of rain coming in from the south—west pushing north—eastwards. that is heavy and thundery. there will be a lull and then the next band of heavy rain coming in from the south—west. all the details later. it's friday the 18th august.

world rugby�*s sally horrox says the competition "represents the start of a new era for women's rugbyd up in saturday's win over wales. he'll be replaced by scrum—half alex mitchell. you can get all the latest sports news at from the bbc sport app, orfrom our website. that's bbc.co.uk/sport. from me and the rest of the team at the bbc sport centre, goodbye. hello. you're watching bbc news. i'm rich preston. let's return to our top story. two thirds of nhs cancer waiting time targets are expected to be scrapped in england, in a move the health service says is designed to catch the disease earlier. it's thought that the nine current targets will be reduced to three. the proposals have been worked on by clinicians and have been out for consultation since last year. some cancer charities, though, say more investment is needed in treatment capacity. joining me now is chris thomas who's with the institute for public policy research commission on health and prosperity. good afternoon. scrapping two thirds of targets, what do you make of this? 50 of targets, what do you make of this? ~' of ta

owen farrell could still miss the start of next month's rugby world cup, we'll have the latest on his

for farrell, it's the second time in a week he's been through it, after world rugby appealed the decisionverturn the red he received against wales at twickenham. the pair risk bans and could miss the start of the world cup with england's preparations in disarray. the world athletics championships are continuing in budapest, you can follow all the action on a bbc sport website. meanwhile, soaring temperatures in budapest have pushed back the women's 5 thousand meters heats from wednesday morning to wednesday evening. the temperature in in the hungarian capital is expected to reach 32 degrees. "world athletics" have been highlighting issues faced by pacific island nations in relation to rising sea levels due to climate change. here's simone fe'ao who's president of athletics cook islands. i think there is enough influence now to say that they can't ignore it any longer and they need to look at ways to change the habits of not just our grassroots, but at our elite level of sport to make it more sustainable going forward, otherwise you're going to have some of our pacific nations not able to

world cups going forward. england continue their rugby world cup preparations in a match against wales on saturday.nts theo dan and tom willis are on the bench. ellis genge will captain the side, as marcus smith starts at fly—half. smith last started for england in the 53—10 defeat by france in the six nations and is joined by harlequins team—mate danny care at scrum—half. none of the players who featured in the premiership final are in the starting xv. the world cup starts in france next month. and finally, just to remind you of our top story this afternoon. germany are out of the women's world cup, deld to a i—all draw by korea. germany are out of the women's world cup, held to a 1—1 draw by south korea. they exit at the group stages in the biggest shock of the tournament so far. they, of course, reached the european final last year and were one of the pre—tournament favourites. they have won this competition twice, although some of the pretournament favourites. marco's win over colombia means that they offer instead. check these pictures offer instead. check these pictures of celebration, when m

farrell will play no part in england's world cup warm up match against ireland on saturday — after world rugbye decision that saw his red card against wales overturned. farrell has been left out of the squad — with his immediate future unclear. it the appeal is successful, farrell would miss england's opening game at the world cup — and possibly more, depending on the punishment. ireland are coached by owen's dad, andy — and he's been left unimpressed by how the situation has unfolded. i don't normally say too much because of that type of reason, but about my son, but what i would say probably at this point in time is the circus that has gone around all this is disgusting. in my opinion, disgusting. and i suppose the people who love their time in the sun get a few more days to keep going out and doing that. well andy farrell isn't the only angered coach. eddiejones took on the australian media on thursday — before they flew out to the world cup. he described his press conference as the worst he's ever taken part in as journalists asked about australia's poorform — which has seen them lose thei

in world rugby will now decide the length of any ban., ending a run of three defeats in a row. much more on that story on the bbc sport website. you can see how harry kane is getting on for bayern munich, he has come off the bench in the german super cup. they are losing against leipzig. that is all the sport for now. thank you. thousands of protestors against planned legal reforms in israel have returned to the streets for the 32nd week in a row. the biggest demonstration is taking place in tel aviv and more than 100 others are also scheduled in towns and villages across the country. the protestors argue that the reforms being pursued by israel's right—wing government — which involve curbing the powers of the supreme court — will damage democracy there. but ministers insist unelected judges have too much power over elected politicians. the ongoing row has deeply divided the nation. russian officials say two ukrainian missiles have targeted a bridge that links russia to the annexed crimea peninsula. moscow says the rockets were shot down

but if they needed inspiration, 20 years ago, england's rugby union team won the world cup right herestralia, one of english sport's greatest ever moments. the matildas�* journey to a first semi—final has gripped the nation with record viewing figures and ticket sales. they've really grown with us throughout this whole tournament, from all over the country has been absolutely unreal and they're really like a 12th men out there for us. and i really do believe they've gotten us over the line on more times than once. so, yeah, they're going to be vital for us tomorrow. australia's enjoyed the upper hand so far this summer. its men's and women's cricket teams retaining the ashes and its netballers beating england in the world cup final. now for the latest chapter in a classic sporting rivalry. to play the lionesses at stadium australia on wednesday night, it's really a dream come true, i think, for the tournament in particular. we'll have every ticket sold, the demand is there and i think the interest is really going to bring this country and the rest of the world together. what a night i

farrell will play no part in england's world cup warm up match against ireland on saturday — after world rugbye world cup — and possibly more, depending on the punishment. ireland are coached by 0wen's dad, andy — and he's been left unimpressed by how the situation has unfolded. i don't normally say too much because of that type of reason, about my son, but what i would say probably at this point in time is the circus that has gone around all this is disgusting. in my opinion, disgusting. and i suppose the people who love their time in the sun get a few more days to keep going out and doing that. well on the pitch, farrell senior has named a strong team to face england — including giving cian prendergast his first start. he'll start at number eight, whilst bundee aki, garry ringrose and ross byrne all start too. there's been a blow for commonwealth games ten thousand metres champion eilish mccolgan — as her preparation for next year's 0lympics has suffered a big setback. a knee injury means she's pulled out of the world athletics championships, which starts on saturday in budapest. mccolgan sa

the world cup follows in india in october. 0fficial confirmation is expected on wednesday. england captain 0wen farrell has avoided a suspension, and is free to play in the rugbyw card that was upgraded to red by the bunker review system for a tackle on wales forward taine basham. it means the 31—year—old is free to feature in england's two remaining warm up games before their world cup opener against argentina in marseille on the 9th of september. it's great news for us, we are over the moon as a squad, as a team. 0bviously they've gone through the disciplinary process and come to that outcome they've come to, which is — yeah, it's great for us in terms of having our captain and leader back in — well, not back in, but getting away with obviously going through the process and cracking on as normal. some news from south africa ahead of their match against wales — captain siya kolisi will return to lead the side at cardiff. the 32—year—old hasn't played since april because of a knee injury. their first match at the world cup next month is against scotland. you can get all the latest sports news at from the bbc sport app, orfrom our website — that's bbc.co.uk/spo

this is one of the prized possessions in world rugby, the men's challenge cup trophy.e men, because for both sets of fans, it's been a long wait.— been a long wait. incredible, and congratulations _ been a long wait. incredible, and congratulations to _ been a long wait. incredible, and congratulations to both - been a long wait. incredible, and congratulations to both of - been a long wait. incredible, and congratulations to both of them. | been a long wait. incredible, and - congratulations to both of them. who would have thought we would have leigh leopards at wembley? it could go anyway and i'm so excited to be part of it. the leigh story is extraordinary.— part of it. the leigh story is extraordinary. part of it. the leigh story is extraordina . j , , ., extraordinary. they've been branded, the chance extraordinary. they've been branded, they change their _ extraordinary. they've been branded, they change their colours, _ extraordinary. they've been branded, they change their colours, they - extraordinary. they've been branded, they change their colours, they now

well, there's another world cup coming up next month. the rugby theirfly roman ntamack, such a key player in their team, is out of the tournament. that's because of a ruptured knee ligament. he scored a try, but then injured his left knee in their warm—up win over scotland on saturday. he was replaced in the second half. a scan on monday revealed the extent of the damage. there's also been a setback for england who were runners—up four years ago. scrum halfjack van portvliet is also going to miss out on the tournament because of an ankle injury. he needs surgery pick that up in saturday's win over wales he'll be replaced in the 33 man squad by alex mitchell. cricket news. the former england fast bowler steven finn has retired from the professional game at the age of 34. it brings to an end an 18 year career, he took 125 wickets in 36 tests for england between 2010 and 2016. won three ashes series. for over a year since suffering a knee injury, finn says he's been fighting a battle with his body for the last 12 months. just a reminder of our top st