we'll speak to sarah in just a moment, but first, austin halewood is in dublin. reigning champions, wales, ran out the winners in this fixture last year in cardiff, but they haven't had much success in dublin of late, have they? no, that's right. good afternoon from dublin. it will be a tall order for wales to win today at the aviva stadium, they haven't won for eight years here in the six nations but as the fans arrive, they will have woken up this morning, both sets of fans, filled with confidence, knowing the six nations grand slam is still very much alive after they both won their opening round fixtures last weekend. ireland and their new head coach, andy farrell, beat scotland in his first match as head coach. a good start for them, but they didn't win in too spectacular a fashion, they will be wanting to improve on that and they will be glad to be here once again on home turf. the aviva stadium, they've only lost once in their last 17 matches here, they have a great record. wales, on a high after that resounding win over italy last weekend. they thrashed the

coronavirus this week, rugby sevens the latest to be forced to make changes to the calendar, austin halewoodeeping across all the developments. yes. first it was sporting events in china... we saw the chinese grand prix postponed yesterday. but now events in other countries are starting to be affected. today, it's been the singapore and the hong kong sevens tournaments that have been rescheduled. there've now been more than a0 thousand cases of this coronavirus strain worldwide — with it being declared a global health emergency. it started in wuhan in china, but continues to affect sporting events across asia. now the sevens tournaments in hong kong and singapore were both due to take place in april, but they've now been rescheduled for october. in a statement, world rugby chairman bill beaumont said, "the wellbeing of the rugby family and wider public is our priority & the decision to reschedule has been made in full consultation with the unions and national authorities". meanwhile, manchester united's new striker 0dion ighalo has been training away from the club, following his arrival from

austin halewood's been looking into it for us. might drive the ball 200 maybe 250 yards. these numbers go way beyond that though. distances us club golfers could only dream of to be honest. this really is a big worry for golf‘s lawmakers — they're becoming more and more concerned that longer hitting means longer courses, higher maintenance costs and rounds taking longer to complete. golfers hit every club in the bag further than they used to but this is the problem area — the drive. the likes of rory mcilroy and tiger woods are smashing the ball further than it ever has gone before. so, this is how it's changed over the last quarter of a century. in 1995, the world's top 20 golfers were driving the ball, on average, 278 yards off the tee. but you throw that forward to last year and the average is up to a massive 310. and it's no surprise that that increase conincides with when this man exploded on the scene. tiger woods completely changed the approach to golf. he trained harder and longer than most had done before him — lifting wei

austin halewood has more. first it was sporting events in china.e saw the chinese grand prix postpone on wednesday. but now events in other countries are starting to be affected. today it's been the singapore and hong kong tournaments that have been rescheduled. they've now been more than 40,000 cases of this coronavirus strain worldwide with it being declared a global health emergency. it all started in wuhan, china, but continues to affect sporting events across asia. now the tournaments in hong kong and singapore were both due to take place in april, but they've now been rescheduled for october. in a statement, world rugby champion said... meanwhile, manchester united striker has been training away from the club following his arrival from has been training away from the club following his arrivalfrom shanghai in january. united following his arrivalfrom shanghai injanuary. united have kept him away from the squad as a precautionary measure because of the small risk posed by coronavirus. because of fears he might struggle to get back into the cou

austin halewood joins me now. a big night in store for liverpool.en a great season so far, the winter break for european football is officially over. the champions league is back now. now, it's beenjust over 8 months since liverpool lifted the trophy in the wanda metropolitano stadium in madrid. they're back there again tonight, at the scene of their greatest triumph, underjurgen klopp so far — but the atmosphere might be a bit more hostile as they take on home side athletico. now liverpool managerjurgen klopp says this is one of the most difficult away fixtures for any professional footballer. but a huge part of this tie is all going to be about the tactical battle between the managers — they're two of the most animated coaches in football. but klopp says he's nothing compared to his opposite number, diego simeone. people say about me that i am emotional at the sideline. i would say i am emotional at the sideline. i would sayiama emotional at the sideline. i would say i am a level four and the eagle is level 12. i am the kindergarten cop against hi

let's go straight to the principality in cardiff, austin halewood is pitchside for us. lders but with a new head coach it may not a straightforward campaign for them? welcome to cardiff when the start of the 2020 six nations as a couple of hours away and very much a feeling ofa hours away and very much a feeling of a changing of the guard here at the principality stadium, warren gatlin was the wales head coach for 12 successful yea rs, gatlin was the wales head coach for 12 successful years, he has left and a new man has come in, another new zealander with large shoes to fill, wayne pivac has never been an international coach before. he has only tinkered with the team, hoping for a result against italy whom they have only watched two twice in the six nations. ireland have a new coach too, they host scotland later who've had some disciplinary issues? that is the other big game in dublin, ireland very much a different feel about irish rugby from wales, the high day really poor 2019, a disappointing six nations, lefty one cup than they had hoped for so former coachjoe lefty

let's go the principality where austin halewood is pitchside for us. have a new head coach, which might make things more complicated for them 7 that's right. welcome to cardiff where the 2026 nations are about to begin. there is one hour until kick—off between the defending champions wales and italy on the principality staging right behind me here. there is a changing of the guard in welsh rugby at the moment. warren gatland, who was here head coach for 12 years, 12 very successful yea rs as coach for 12 years, 12 very successful years as well, he has now left and some big shoes to fill as well. their new head coach, this is his first game today in charge so it'll be interesting to see how he gets on but then the second game of the day takes place in ireland, they have a new head coach of their own in andy farrell and they are taking on scotland in dublin but very much all eyes on cadre for the opening game in an hour's time. —— all eyes are on cardiff for the opening game in an hour's time. britain's jamie murray has lost in the mixed doubles final at

let's go straight to the principality in cardiff, austin halewood is pitchside for us. th a new head coach it may not a straightforward campaign for them? that is right. good morning and welcome to cardiff where the 2026 the winger 2026 nations is about to kick off. they have just made the last preparations to the pitch behind me. there is a feel of the new dawn about welsh rugby. rohan gatlin was here for 12 very successful yea rs as gatlin was here for 12 very successful years as coach, but another new zealander has to take over and fill those very sizeable shoes that were left by warren gatland. he has made his changes. he has stuck with a tried and tested tea m has stuck with a tried and tested team and will want to get through this game with a win. it is against italy who they have only lost two twice in the 20 years of the six nations. ireland have a new coach too, they host scotland later, who've had some disciplinary issues. a new dawn for ireland but there is a different feel about irish rugby at the moment. they had a disappointing 2019, a really poor six natio

good evening, i'm austin halewood, with the latest sports news.ties have taken place in the knockout stage of the europa league. 5 british teams in action. wolves and arsenal both managed a win, while manchester united could only draw in brugge. nick parrott reports: trips to europe can be exciting and glamorous but bruges was far from a romantic away from manchester united. while the fans were trying to keep warm, the team was kept cold. a first assessed by a goalkeeper in the europa league in four seasons. dennis the happy recipient. sergio romero insured he did not get another. the alertness of martial to make something out of nothing, will mean that ole gunnar solskjaer will have a slight advantage on the return leg. a fantastic atmosphere at their home ground having the desired effect on espanyol. diogo ground having the desired effect on espa nyol. diogo jota ground having the desired effect on espanyol. diogojota taking advantage of some poor defending after a quarter of an hour. if that wasn't scrappy, neves made up of it by producing this

with all the details from dublin here's austin halewood: what a statement of intent that was from ireland, a resounding win over the defending champions wales here at the aviva stadium in dublin. last weekend against scotland, for ireland it was all about getting the first scotland —— victory but here it was a much more clinical performance, they were much better with ball in hand, taking a lot more chances, they looked stronger defensively as well so the grand slam are still very much alive for irish rugby fans. as for wales, it is their first defeat in the six nations since they lost here on this very page two years ago. today, it was the big first test for their new head coach but they weren't strong enough defensively this afternoon so there is lots to him and his team to work on over the next two weeks, there is a weak break until the next round of fixtures, wales host france in two weeks' time in cardiff before ireland with the grand slam hopes still intact, they head to england and andy farrell will be plotting the downfall of his son owen at twickenham. everton are up to seventh i

austin halewood was at the match yes, the 2020 six nations are officially under way and it was the perfect new head coach, wayne pivac. they thrashed italy 42—0 in cardiff a bonus point win and wingerjosh adams was the star man with a hat trick of tries. andy swiss reports. an entrance fit for champions. passion as wales began their title defence. the emotion etched on their captain. but if the build up was rousing, so was what followed as italy were soon chasing shadows. two tries forjosh adams, the second courtesy of an outrageous piece of skill. how often do you see this? through the legs by biggar and wales we re through the legs by biggar and wales were out of sight by the break. there was no way back for italy. especially after this, tompkins with a try on his debut. not a bad start for him orfor wales‘ new coach wayne pivac and after north rumbled over, adams rounded things off in style. a hat trick for him and for wales a comprehensive victory. style. a hat trick for him and for wales a comprehensive victorym was a great team performance. it is noo is to nice to start with a bonus

austin halewood in dublin, thank you. their match this evening. before we head back to the studio, a domestic line of rugby news, chris jones, the rugby union correspondent can bring us up to date about saracens. going from bad to worse. when we are old and grey or in my case, older and greyer, this hasn‘t been a good season for saracens we will say. it never rains but it pours. they are in trouble with european rugby because when they played racing 92 a few weeks ago, one of their players, his work permit had expired the day before. saracens are in the dock for fielding an ineligible player. there is no precedent. this is not a european rugby decision, they have handed it to an independent panel. it is out of european rugby‘s hands and if saracens were to get a points deduction, they would go out of europe, glasgow would come in, the seedings would change in the quarter final fixture set in stone would be ripped up and we would have a whole new set. we have said it so many times with saracens this season, what a mess. we

austin halewood can tell us more.rs have been campaigning for in english football for years, isn't it ben. most of the big leagues around europe have a winter break, but this was the first for the premier league. and over the last few days we've seen some of the players making the most of their time away from the game. this was liverpool's roberto firmino on holiday in the maldives arsenal's lucas torrera soaking up some sun in dubai. and this was man united midfielder fred's view on his holiday in the maldives — not bad at all! 0n the other hand, some of the teams went away together as a squad for warm—weather training. but with six matches in the premier league this weekend, plenty of teams and managers have been back at their clubs this week. so what exactly did the players gain from the break? a bit ofa a bit of a tan. i think i haven't actually seen a very visible difference but i think it's a good thing andi difference but i think it's a good thing and i think it was good for them to physically and mentally rest

i'm austin halewood. here's what's coming up on the programme...the europa league. comeback complete for rangers. steven gerrard's side come from 2—0 down to beat braga at ibrox. and we're live in las vegas as tensions mount ahead of the rematch boxing has been waiting for — fury — wilder 2. good evening. it's been another busy night of football across europe. 16 ties have taken place in the knockout stage of the europa league. 5 british teams in action. wolves were the biggest winners on the night — they thrashed espanyol 4—0, to take a big step towards the last 16. arsenal won 1—0 away at olympiakos — but manchester united could only manage a draw in brugge. nick parrott reports. trips to europe can be exciting and glamourous but bridget was far from a romantic getaway for manchester united. fans were trying to keep warm and the team was caught cold. the first assessed by warm and the team was caught cold. the fi europa ;sed by . four warm and the team was caught cold. the fi europa ;sed b he l four warm and the team was caught cold. the fi europ

good evening, i'm austin halewood with your latest sports news.club — after city were punished by uefa for breaching financial fair play rules. he was speaking after their 2—0 win over west ham — their first match since they were given a two—year champions league ban and fined £25 milion as well. but the team didn't look fazed on the pitch. this headerfrom rhodri opening the scoring for city in the first half. that was supplied by man of the match kevin de bruyne who scored in the second to wrap up the victory. and after the game guardiola says he's comitted to the club. if they don't sack me i will be here, no matter what happens. i've said it before, i like it here, this is my club, and i will be here no matter what happens. but that is not important because you know how tough we important because you know how tough we work and the people will do what we we work and the people will do what we have to do. hopefully, if we qualify for the champions league, because we deserve it, on the pitch next year we can play it. it's been a busy night of foot

i'm austin halewood. here's your latest sports news.onal. set 178 to win it, england looked like they were cruising to victory before a chaotic final over saw them lose byjust one run. joe wilson watched the action. this is twenty20. oh, and he's gone again. that is a blinder. south africa's captain quinton de kock hitting the ball miles. what could be more thrilling? but t20 cricket is built around those instance ups and downs. he made 31 and was gone. 0h, too soon. south africa finished with 177. is that enough? can you? jason roy can hit most targets. aiming for the grandstands here. bowlers need tricks to make that pull slow. roy waited but could only hit it there, out for 70. eoin morgan took england to the brink of victory with 52 stop well, keep watching for the twist. morgan was gone and moeen ali facing, with three needed off two balls. so adil rashid, two to force the super 0ver. 0ne they made and the second only confusion. south africa grabbed victory. there are many cricket formats in twenty20 but this was classic twe nty20.

with all the details here's austin halewood.r ireland and the new head coach, a resounding win over the defending champions wales here at the aviva stadium in dublin. last weekend against scotland it was all about that first victory for farrell but today was a much more clinical performance, they were much better with ball in hand going forward, much stronger defensively. last season for irish rugby it was a disappointing one, they left the world cup earlier than they would have liked. what farrell has brought into the camp, it shows it is working. as for the welsh head coach wayne pivac, it is back to the drawing board. they will not be happy with conceding four tries. michael radford watched the action. as fans waited for the storm to arrive in dublin, all eyes were on events inside the stadium with ireland and wales both aiming to become the force of this year's championship. after both teams won in the first round of fixtures, this was always going to be a tough affair. 90 minutes had passed before the first score, courtesy

hello, i'm austin halewood and this is sportsday, live from the bbc sport centre.e beaten in south africa byjust one run. another high—profile sporting event is affected by the coronavirus — as the chinese grand prix is postponed. and the best around — we have the nominees for the bbc women's footballer of the year award. welcome to the programme... england's cricketers threw away the chance to beat south africa in their first, dramatic, twenty 20 international. set 178 to win it, england looked like they were cruising to victory before a chaotic final over saw them lose by just 1 run. joe wilson watched the action... this is 2020. south africa's captain hitting the ball miles. it could be more thrilling. creditors built around the instant ups and downs. he made at 31 and it was gone. too soon. south africa finished with 177, was not? who knew. he can hit mostly targets, aiming the grandstands here. bowlers need to make that ball, slow, roy waited they can only keep it fair, out for sanity. when morgan took england to the brink of victory with 52 watching for the t

that's it from me, more from austin halewood in afternoon live from 2pm.the news that heathrow airport's plans to build a third runway have been thrown into doubt after a ruling by the court of appeal. it found that the government's heathrow expansion decision was unlawful because it did not take climate commitments into account. heathrow has said it will challenge the decision, but the government has said it will not appeal. the transport secretary grant shapps explained why. our manifesto made it clear that any solution to heathrow would need to be industry—led, so we said we do want to see airport expansion but it has to be matched with our commitment to be zero carbon by 2050, those things have to fit together. the court said they don't at the moment, are you going to change that strategy in order to become compliant? is that the way forward? this is the government that wants to be compliant with the 2050 commitment. aviation has to fit into that, this government has put in £2 billion and counting to find cleaner ways to fly. things like hybrid aircraf

hello, i‘m austin halewood and this is sportsday, live from the bbc sport centre.jury—hit side are beaten in the first leg of their champions league tie and tensions build ahead of tyson fury and deontay wilder‘s rematch in las vegas. good evening. welcome to the programe. manchester city comfortably beat west ham in the premeir league tonight in their first match since their uefa punishment. there were two first leg ties in the last 16, tottenham were at home to rba leipzig, butjose marinos injury we re rba leipzig, butjose marinos injury were beaten at home, anti—swiss reports. hoping to triumph over adversity, a crisis had left tottenham without a recognised trigger, but that soon seemed a least of their problems, as leipzig ran rings around them. only a blend in the post denying angeleno. tottenham did pose the occasional threats, forcing a decent save. the first half was almost entirely leipzig‘s, and if it wasn‘t phil reese, they would‘ve been clear ofa phil reese, they would‘ve been clear of a break. after as though the spurs finally cracked. a clumsy challe

austin halewood, bbc news. a great day of rugby to look forward to.them out of the competition. they are out of the premiership rugby cup, though, after losing 28—7 to sale sharks in the semi—finals. sale scored three quick—fire tries in the first half to do the damage. they‘ll play harlequins in next month‘s final. israel folau won‘t be making his super league debut for catalans dragons against wakefield tomorrow, not because of the controversy surrounding his signing, but because he‘s not match—ready. last night, castleford beat wigan 16—12 and danny houghton marked his 350th appearance for hull fc with a try, as they won the derby against hull kr by 25—16. great britain have a job on their hands to reach the fed cup finals. they 2—0 down to slovakia in bratislava after heather watson lost the opening singles, and harriet dart saved five match points before she was beaten in a really tight three—setter by viktoria kuzmova. it‘s a best—of—five tie, so britain need to win both reverse singles and the doubles today, to go through, and you can watch it

sport now on afternoon live — with austin halewood. coronavirus outbreak, the question now is how the rest of the championship will be affected? austin: the six nations say they're closely monitoring the situation after, as you say, the matches between ireland and italy were cancelled yesterday. those matches between the men's and women's teams were due to take place next weekend in dublin. italy we know is the most affected country in europe — 11 towns in the north are in lockdown after an outbreak there. well, the week after those games in dublin, england's men's and women's sides are due to travel to italy — so there's doubt about whether they'll now go ahead as planned. i am very surprised that they haven't made a quick decision like ireland have. i cannot imagine 10,000 supporters going over to italy in a few weeks but it is very hard from a player perspective. we remember what happened in the world cup with the typhoon and the cancelled match against france but at the moment if france beat scotland and ireland they are the grand

here's austin halewood with all you need to know.n't be forgotten, the same old rivalries, the same prize on offer. a chance for those at the top to prove themselves all over again. it is actually great to inherit a side thatis actually great to inherit a side that is full of confidence and are winning close games and know how to get across the finish line, if you like. last is really about looking at the same, how can we add value, how can we improve an organisation that has been winning more than they have been losing, if you like —— for us. their first is an opportunity, an opportunity for others to rise. ireland have been at the very top, this time last year they were the best side in the world. but the six nations and then japan best side in the world. but the six nations and thenjapan didn't go to plan. it's not too long ago everyone was talking to us about what a great side we are as well, so we take the rough with the smooth and we harness what's great about our squad and we make sure we still stand for that as well and every

austin halewood was at the match yes, the 2020 six nations are officially under way and it was the perfect pivac. they thrashed italy 42—0 here in cardiffa pivac. they thrashed italy 42—0 here in cardiff a bonus point win and wingerjosh adams was the star man, with a hat trick of tries. andy swiss reports. an entrance fit for champions. passion and pyrotechnics as wales started their title defence. but the build up was rousing, so was what followed. italy we re rousing, so was what followed. italy were soon chasing shadows. two tries for adams, the second from an outrageous piece of skill. how often do you see this? through the legs by biggar and wales were out of sight by the break. - was no way back by the break. there was no way back for italy, especially after tompkins scoring on his debut. not a bad start for him or wales‘ new coach and after north rumbled over, adams a hat e