leicester tigers are an unstoppable force in the rugby union premiership at the moment. a way in injury time. 28—26 to make it ten wins out of ten this season. austin halewood reports. rugby�*s traditional boxing day fixtures, the masks might be a new addition but the atmosphere is the same, 22,000 at bristol cosmic ashton gate with leicester in town. it was the bearers who quickly put their christmas hangover behind them. , .,. their christmas hangover behind them. , .. ., their christmas hangover behind them. ., ., them. they raced an early lead. harry randall — them. they raced an early lead. harry randall with _ them. they raced an early lead. harry randall with a _ them. they raced an early lead. harry randall with a brilliant - them. they raced an early lead. | harry randall with a brilliant run and fits harding adding the finishing touches. the tigers still have not lost this season and they were soon back into it. i don't know, one of the biggest players in the premiership, with the deft of finishes. as a square began to build, so that the tension, leicester capt

harlequins were crowned men's premiership rugby union champions.petition. before a much disrupted tour ended with the british and irish lions narrowly beaten in south africa. there were some fans back at wembley. the challenge cup final. st helens saw off castleford. but the summer of 2021 will be remembered for the biggest sporting event of all — the delayed olympics that almost didn't happen again. a global games amidst a global crisis, athletes bringing home both medals and memories. # wondering what the world would be like. # i knew i had to change my mind. # didn't realise what would happen oh so soon. max whitlock! still the olympic champion. we love you. # the way it's so different now... # there's a place... # when i don't know what to say. # when i don't know what to do. # there's a room i need to sit in. # surrounded by my favourite view. skye brown will take bronze! looking really good at the moment. can you believe that? # independence cost me the price of questioning your own advice. # i know i will be all right. #ido. # what i do. and

three points against manchester united — we'll be at st james�* park and in the "big game" in rugby union's — harlequins take on northampton saints at twickenham — but who'll come out on top? hello and welcome to sportsday, it's rarely easy watching england play cricket in australia — and fans went through almost every emotion earlier after a day of drama at the mcg. needing to win to keep alive their hopes of regaining the ashes, james anderson led an england fighback in the first couple of sessions on day two of the third test... as the aussies were limited to a first innings lead of 82. but no sooner than hopes were raised, it all went wrong with the bat again, as england crumbled to 31 for 4 at stumps. our sports correspondent joe wilson reports: england players were unsure for a while if they would even be allowed in the ground. for covid—i9 cases amongst the support staff on their family but all of the test, the test. yes, england prospered. successful mark wood. what about steve smith? here comes james anderson. england quickly dismissed australia's most esteemed spatters. hey, we ar

in rugby union, their way through. in rugby union, the game with them was due to be at the field.doors, there was a second straight year stability so many people looking forward to because last year, we did not have spectators and yes, it is really frustrating, deflating, disappointing and tough on the staff, a lot of work has gone into preparing it and we have been working on the site for at least a month, six weeks. at each stage of the pandemic, it's the grassroots that hit hardest. up to 10,000 on boxing day, and england will be possible, but here it not so. life on footballs fringes just got harder. on footballs fringes 'ust got harder. . , ., , harder. the hard thing is that it is the drastic— harder. the hard thing is that it is the drastic measures _ harder. the hard thing is that it is the drastic measures of _ harder. the hard thing is that it is the drastic measures of proving i harder. the hard thing is that it is i the drastic measures of proving that they will_ the drastic measures of proving that they will he — the drastic measures of proving that they will be able

in rugby union's european champions cup, harlequins have got off to a winning start after an impressive8. quins were losing 11—7 at half time, but this try from alex dombrant helped them to a six point lead. england fly—half marcus smith proved key for the away side, kicking 10 points, and this penalty was vital. martin laveau went over for castres late on to ensure a nervy finish — but quins hung on — as castres lost at home for the first time in almost a year. sale sharks got their campaign off to a winning start by beating ospreys 21—13. jean—luc du preez scored their third try of the first half which was enough to secure the victory in swansea. losing captain brad shields for this tackle on dave kilcoyne in the 25th minute left wasps exposed against munster. they were thrashed 35—14 at home. both teams were without several players due to covid. but munster�*s academy players stepped up. 19—year—old patrick campbell shone on his senior debut with this try. there was defeat too for glasgow warriors. they did earn a losing bonus point though as they were beaten 20—13 by last season's r

to rugby union now and there was a great win for leicester tigers who beat bordeaux 16—13 in france on cup. leicester currently lead the english premiership with 9 wins from 9 and guy porter was first across the line in france. there was cause for concern when harry potter suddenly vanished before magically re appearing moments later. but bordeaux struck back with a perhaps a stint at hogwarts did enough there. but bordeaux struck back with a try before the break after which penalties were exchanged and it was 13 all with a few minutes on the clock. one more followed from the boot of george ford , leaving leicester to celebrate victory on their return to the european elite. toulouse began the defence of their title with a 39 points to 7 thrashing of cardiff. a superb kick from world player of the year antoine du pont found artur bonnevalfor the bonus point winning fourth try. disappointment for bath who were outplayed by leinster at the aviva stadium. jamison gibson park went over twice in a seven—try thrashing that earned the four time champions a bonus point. bath scored two tries an

it's a perfect 10 for leicester tigers — theyjust don't know how to lose in the rugby union premiership... there's a shock winner in the king george. hello and welcome to sportsday. england cricketers are sinking fast in australia, the ashes are slipping away. already two down in the series, they were bowled out for 185 on the opening day of the third test in melbourne — a test that they have to win keep the series alive. here's our sports correspondentjoe wilson. a new match, new innings, a new beginning for nine minutes. haseeb hameed out for zero. england recalled zak crawley and pat cummins got him for 12 and that's why he won the toss and bowled. melbourne's boxing day test is a spectator occasion. it is a huge ground. proof of vaccination was required. no restrictions on the capacity. and no limits on pat cummins who got dawid malan for 14. butjoe root had the touches which put him in a different class, which took him to 50, which made the next so disappointing. edged and caught and out, and why? joe root could not tell you. he couldn't believe it himself. ben stokes tried all sor

exeter are up to third in rugby union's premiership after beating saracens by 18 points to 15.sandy park since their enforced relegation from the premiership in the wake of the salary cap scandal. nick parrott reports. this game is the renewal of a rivalry which has defined english club rugby for more than half a decade. in the three premiership finals between the two, saracens have won them all. they got off to a quick start thanks to alex lozowski, but they struggled to keep their heads. billy vunipola's disagreement with a decision saw the ref move exeter within range for levelling. in challenging conditions, it was going to take a mistake or a masterstroke to make a difference. the latter came courtesy of simmons fining tom o'flaherty to put the home team in front, but they couldn't cut out the errors and another soft penalty saw losowski restore saracens' lead. with a few moments of flair, exeter resorted to brute force with captain and player of the match looked cowan—dickie driving through. simmons converting before adding a penalty gave the hosts are big enough lead to

harlequins were crowned men's premiership rugby union champions.ome fans back at wembley. st. helens is all off castleford. but the summer of 2021 will be remembered for the biggest sporting event of all — the delayed olympics that almost didn't happen again. the global games and it's a global crisis, athletes bringing home both medals and memories. # wondering what the world would be like # i knew i had to change my mind # i knew i had to change my mind # didn't realise what would happen oh so soon. still # didn't realise what would happen oh so soon-— oh so soon. still the olympic champion- — oh so soon. still the olympic champion. we _ oh so soon. still the olympic champion. we love - oh so soon. still the olympic champion. we love you. i champion. we love you. # the _ champion. we love you. # the way _ champion. we love you. # the way it's - champion. we love you. # the way it's so i champion. we love you. i # the way it's so different champion. we love you. - # the way it's so different now... # the way it's so different now... # there's a pla

leicester tigers are an unstoppable force in the rugby union premiership at the moment.the league leaders found a way in injury time. 28—26 to make it ten wins out of 10 this season. austin halewood reports. rugby�*s traditional boxing day fixtures, the masks might be a new addition but the atmosphere is the same, 22,000 at bristol's ashton gate with leicester in town. it was the bears who quickly put their christmas hangover behind them. they raced to an early lead. harry randall with a brilliant run and fitzharding adding the finishing touches. the tigers still have not lost this season and they were soon back into it. one of the biggest players in the premiership, with the deftest of finishes. as the score began to build, so did the tension, leicester captain ellis genge, who joins bristol next season, keen to get to know his team—mates better. even he was probably impressed by randall, another clever break from him paving the way for lloyd and it looked like bristol had it won but in the fourth minute of extra time, this happened. guy porter with his first premiershi

covid struggles in rugby union, too.s doubts over another this weekend. leinster say an additional number of senior players have tested positive for covid ahead of friday's game against montpellier in france. this follows four positives last week at the province. and issues, too, for the hosts. they have reported a fifth positive test, with the team now training in separate groups with more testing to come. former yorkshire head coach andrew gale will not return to his position as assistant coach of men's hundred side northern superchargers in 2022. gale was one of 16 people sacked by yorkshire in the aftermath of racism allegations made by azeem rafiq. gale was on a one—year contract with the superchargers for the 2021 season, which will not be renewed. the second ashes test begins on thursday, and despite the capitulation in the first, england captainjoe root believes there is reason to be optimistic. they may have lost by nine wickets and suffered two batting collapses, but root has stressed the positives heading into

now to rugby union and it was a nightmare start to the new european champions cup for northampton saintst franklins gardens. the french side scored five tries in the game. the pick of them created by scotland stand—off finn russell a brilliant, trademark run from him, before that lovely off—load to wenceslas lauret for the score. it's the climax to the formula one season this weekend. and who win the title is anyone's guess. max verstappen and lewis hamilton are level on points, verstappen only top by virtue of winning nine races to the reigning champions eight. it's the briton who topped the time sheets in friday's second practice. he was more than half a second quicker than his title rival, which is a huge margin in formula one. although the dutchman was fastest in the morning session. our reporterjennie gow is in abu dhabi. when it comes to the way this track has been re— profile from last year to this, they've got rid of a lot of the bits that red bull would've excelled at. actually they've met it a lot of fast, flowing corridors which typically has on the way of mercedes. so you hav

rugby union's six nations did — just about — and despite everything off the field, on it, it was onebest we've ever seen. an empty twickenham, and defending champions, england, is where scotland began. intimidating, perhaps, but they came with a plan. commentator: try. strange and silent twickenham. save _ commentator: try. strange and silent twickenham. save only _ commentator: try. strange and silent twickenham. save only the _ commentator: try. strange and silent twickenham. save only the cheers - commentator: try. strange and silent twickenham. save only the cheers and i twickenham. save only the cheers and roars of the scotland players. wales began at home. no crowd, of course. normally you pause for the roar. but that roar, normally you pause for the roar. that roar, the normally you pause for the roar. pm that roar, the patient was there, ireland saw red, were shown red and that human redwood do damage. and so to the snow and murrayfield. fix, to the snow and murrayfield. beacon of light in the west of edinburgh. beacon of light in the west of edinburgh-— beacon of light in the

in rugby union there was one game in the premiership tonight as gloucester beat bristol bears 27—10 at meanwhile, edinburgh kept up their good form in the united rugby championship with a 24—10 win over benetton. this try from emiliano boffelli on his home debut amongst the pick. elsewhere leinster beat connacht 47—19 and sharks were also victorious against bulls. and that's all the sport for now. more on those stories — including all the snooker results and reaction — on the bbc sport website, but from me and the team goodnight. hello. it's a rather cold and windy weekend on the way. the wettest weather will be during saturday. early rain clearing away from the eastern side of england, sunny spells following on behind. an area of rain and hill snow moving south through scotland, plenty of showers running into northern ireland, wintry on hills. rain and hills pushing in through parts of england, north wales later across more of the midlands as well. northwest scotland brightening up, south wales in southern england dry for a lot of the day. and temperatures will feel colder than this i

there was one match in rugby union's premiership, and harlequins moved up to third in the table afterd of the first half, but came from behind to comfortably win it it the end. louis lynagh finished off the pick of their six tries. it was a good day all round for harlequins fans. earlier, their women's side comfortably beat wasps by 29 points to 5. heather cowell scored the pick of the quins tries with this brilliant run, almost the entire length of the pitch. it was the first premier 15s match to take place at the ground. there were no fans at the welsh grand national for the second year in a row. the welsh government's introduced covid rules which prevent more than 50 spectators attending a sporting event. only five horses finished a gruelling race which was won by the 13—2 shot i will do it, ridden by sam sheppard and trained by sam thomas. the defending champion gerwyn pryce survived a huge scare to reach the last 16 of the pdc world darts championship at alexandra palace. the world number one was taken all the way to a sudden death leg by belgium's kim high—brecks. the ice man ke

he gained 15 caps for his country in rugby union and played rugby league for great britain.ne of rugby's hard men. it's a headbutt. it's a real bad one. my reputation was... ..of... ..ofa bad man, really, i think. some would say that i was a dirty player. crowd jeers it's only now, decades later, that he feels ready to open up about the huge impact his stammer had on his behaviour. crowd jeers the style of play i had... ..was driven... ..from the stammer. i'v e. i've hit a couple of people, done this and that, but it was... none of it was ever... ..targeted. shouting it was just that release. at home in wales, it's been... i've been looked at as a bit of a clown, yeah? but the stammer. .. . . influences your. . .your behaviour. it... it makes you into a bit of an outcast in...in your own head, and it's always like... it's as if your heads in a fish tank. commentator: out there, phil pugh. - anger was a big thing, yeah. the frustration, you'd be laughed at. i hated myself because i wasn't like other people. i've only ever spoken about it with my wife. no—one else. why did you

well, rugby union is one of the relatively young sports, certainly at club level, as an option for womenplayers, she's a winger for the sale sharks, she's also a science teacher at a secondary school. her name is carys hall. when i was younger, i dabbled in a lot of different sports, my mum took me to karate when she went to the gym on a saturday. i did cross country with my older sister. that translated into doing indoor athletics and going out to do track and field. competing in the city championships and stuff like that. i really took hold of athletics for a long period of my life. i also played football when i was younger, as well, but i switched over in uni to rugby, rugby sevens first then went into rugby 155. how would you sum up the atmosphere in women's rugby compared to other sports, in terms of its allowance of you to be yourself? it's the typical, "you can be any body type to play the positions we need." but it's also, i find people don't question your sexuality when you go in, and even if it is a question, it doesn't make any difference because you are putting your body on t

the new travel restrictions in france have ravaged the european rugby union fixture list with seven gameslso affected by player outbreaks. now only 8 matches from the champions cup and the second tier challenge cup will go ahead. tournament organisers hope the games can be played at a later date. ulster�*s champions cup game at home to northampton did go ahead though and it went to ulster who scored 4 tries in their 27 — 22 victory in belfast. england's cricketers face a huge battle to avoid going 2—nil down in the ashes series after another dominant performance by australia on day 2 of the second test. the aussies declared on 473 for 9 in adelaide — marnus labuchangne top scoring on 103. in reply, a weary england lost two early wickets — and were only saved by a lightning storm which forced them to close early on 17—2. but all rounder ben stokes is looking forward to batting in the daylight. it's been a tough two days, there's been a lot of time out on the field and put some overs into her leg smells nice to get at the field at the end and watch the guys go out and bat and we came off pr

wrath across the three divisions, and five champions cup and two challenge cup games are off in rugby unione has issued a fresh push on vaccinations after it emerged that 25% of afl players don't intend to get the vaccine so the jab drive goes on but given that some top—flight clubs are experiencing what are deemed uncontrollable outbreaks, there are calls for managers and players for a so—called circuit breaker, meaning the season will be paused for a couple of weeks. premier league bosses are keen to keep the show on the road but on monday they will meet club bosses to decide how best to manage this ever worsening crisis. thank you forjoining us. now, it's the strictly come dancing final tomorrow night, but it's sad news for aj 0dudu and her partner kai widdrington, who have pulled out of the show. the tv presenter has torn a ligament in her right ankle. she says she's "deeply upset" she can't perform. it means there are just two couples left in the competition, rose ayling—ellis, the first deaf contestant to take part in the series, and john whaite, the first man to dance in a same sex c

rugby union, rugby league and horseracing will all be affected in coming weeks.howell reports. last night going to a football match was a lot easier, however, those fans attending matches this evening will have a slightly different experience. the government's plan b to deal with the right think of it cases means those in attendance have to show a covid pass or negative test to get entry into the stadium with attendances over 10,000. the crystal palace to take on southampton this evening, the preparation for the new measures are well under way. preparation for the new measures are well underway. is preparation for the new measures are well under way-— well under way. is something we are well under way. is something we are well prepared for, _ well under way. is something we are well prepared for, it's _ well under way. is something we are well prepared for, it's something - well prepared for, it's something that we had great support from other clubs, as you are aware, other clubs have implemented it and tried it at various games. we have done exactly the same. we

rugby union is being affected too.onfirmed that the european cup matches involving french teams have been postponed. (00v)france is restricting travel for those arriving from the uk amid concerns over the 0micron variant. so that is seven games postponed across the champions cup and challenge cup — including the defending champions toulouse's trip to wasps. france is restricting travel for those arriving from the uk amid concerns over the 0micron variant. so that is seven games postponed across the champions cup and challenge cup — including the defending champions toulouse's trip to wasps. two other games, had been already been called off because of covid outbreaks in squads. well, some action going ahead is the ashes series in australia, but not the best news if you're an england fan. the hosts tightened their grip on match on day two of the second test in adelaide. they declared on 473—9, and in reply, england, with the new ball under the lights lost two early wickets in their innings to end on 17—2, after lightning

website and you can keep up with the latest scores on this busy boxing day, some big games in rugby union'sbye. this is bbc news. the headlines: tributes have been pouring in for archbishop desmond tutu —

website and you can keep up with the latest scores on this busy boxing day, some big games in rugby union'smiership, too, with leeds and leicester tigers at bristol bears but from me in the team, that is alljust what for now, goodbye. this is bbc news. the headlines: tributes have been pouring in for archbishop desmond tutu — the nobel peace laureate and veteran of south africa's struggle against apartheid, who has died at the age of 90. the president of south africa, cyril ramaphosa, has said that the passing of desmond tutu is another chapter of bereavement in south africa's "farewell to a generation of outstanding people who have bequeathed us a liberated country". new coronavirus restrictions have come into force in scotland, wales and northern ireland — to try to limit the spread of the omicron variant. omicron is causing chaos for travellers — 7,000 flights have been cancelled around the world over the christmas weekend. now on bbc news, click celebrates christmas in style, with a host of christmas—related gadgets and a look back at some of their highlights of the year. it is clickmas

of the brits tennis exhibition has been postponed due to the pandemic and the weekend's european rugby unioned between french and british teams this weekend have been postponed. it's after france opted to restrict people coming in from the uk amid concerns over the 0micron variant and two games were also affected by player outbreaks. now only eight matches from the champions cup and the second tier challenge cup will go ahead. tournament organisers hope the games can be played at a later date. ben stokes says england are not beaten yet. that despite another dominant performance by australia on day two of the second ashes test. the aussies shrugged off the england attack, eventually declaring on 473—9, marnus labuchangne top scoring on 103. in reply, a weary england lost two early wickets — both openers going cheaply as they struggled under the flood lights. they were saved any potential further wickets by a lightning storm which forced them to close early on 17—2. so england face a huge battle to avoid going 2—0 down in the best of five series. it has been a tough two days. we spent a lot of

there was one match in rugby union's premiership, and harlequins moved up to third in the table afterm. quins were 21—7 down at the end of the first half but came from behind to comfortably win it it the end. louis lynagh finished off the pick of their 6 tries. it was a good day all round for harlequins fans, earlier their women's side comfortably beat wasps by 29 points to 5. heather cowell scored the pick of the four quins tries with this brilliant run, almost the entire length of the pitch. it was the first premier 15s match to take place at the ground. there were no fans at the welsh grand national for the second year in a row. the welsh government's introduced covid rules which prevent more 0nly five horses finished a gruelling race which was won by the 13 to 2 shot i will do it, ridden by sam sheppard and trained by sam thomas. that's all the sport for now. you can follow their live coverage of the ball. kick off at eight p:m.. more for you later. goodbye. they have secretaries as people should remain cautious and the figures are being monitored. there is a sharp rise in the num

some rugby union news. billy and mako vunipola have signed new deals to stay at saracens.o a move to clubs in france. a move abroad would have ended their international careers, with england's policy not to select anyone playing in foreign leagues. 2022 could be very lucrative for golfers on the ladies european tour. a record prize fund will be on offer of over £20 million. they've released their schedule with the greatest number of tournaments in its ali—year history. 31 of them across 21 countries will be played. there'll be two new events in asia and south africa and eight tournaments return to the calendar. the tour starts in mid—february. and that's all for now from the bbc sport centre. this is bbc news. your headlines: new records for covid in the uk — the highest number of daily cases since the pandemic began and an estimated 1.7 million people are reported to have had the virus on a single day last week. millions around the world face travel disruption over christmas, as the surge in 0micron variant cases sees flights cancelled due to staff shortages. united airli

some rugby union news, billy and mako vunipola have signed new deals to stay at saracens — and that meansbroad would have ended their international careers, with england's policy not to select anyone playing in foreign leagues 2022 could be very lucrative for golfers on the ladies european tour. a record prize fund will be on offer of over 20 million pounds. they've released their schedule with the greatest number of tournaments in its aa year history. 31 across 21 countries. there'll be two new events in asia and south africa and 8 tournaments return to the calendar. the tour starts in mid february. and that is all the sport for now. hello in a warm welcome to the first of two special editions of dateline london. next weekend at the turn of the year, we will make some predictions for 2022. this weekend, we concentrate on the waning year and that seasonal

— getting involved in rugby union is massive, women sport _ getting involved in rugby union is massiveen sport right across all sports is growing, so _ massive, women sport right across all sports is growing, so i - massive, women sport right across all sports is growing, so i think- all sports is growing, so i think having — all sports is growing, so i think having this _ all sports is growing, so i think having this opportunity - all sports is growing, so i think having this opportunity for - all sports is growing, so i think. having this opportunity for women all sports is growing, so i think- having this opportunity for women to play is _ having this opportunity for women to play is massive — having this opportunity for women to play is massive and _ having this opportunity for women to play is massive and i— having this opportunity for women to play is massive and i think— having this opportunity for women to play is massive and i think it- having this opportunity for women to play is massive and i think it is- play is massive and i think it is only— play is massive and i think it

rugby union.ars on saturday because the majority of their squad are still in a quarantine hotel in belfast. they don't get out until friday. they were one of the four sides stranded in south africa last week when travel restrictions were tightened, meaning they had to isolate for ten days on their return to the uk. they say they can't safely field a matchday squad. bristol have been awarded the match 28—0. england's simon middleton has become the first women's team coach to win world rugby�*s coach of the year award. he beat the all blacks' ian foster and australia's dave rennie to the honour. under his leadership, the red roses have gone 18 games unbeaten, and this year they completed a clean—sweep in the autumn nations series, as well as lifting the six nations title for the third time in a row. you can read more you can read more on you can read more on that on the bbc sport website. a lot of football tonight in the champions league. manchester city and liverpool both in action. i will be here

in rugby union's premiership leicester tigers maintained their perfect start to the season, with a dramatice red, the tigers scored in the fourth minute of added time to win by 28—26. guy porter with his first premiership try. that's now ten wins from ten for the tigers in the league this season — their best run for 21 years. and there was a big shock at kempton in the king george vi chase this afternoon. the 28—1 shot tornado flyer, ridden by danny mullins and trained by his uncle willie mullins, went on to finish nine lengths clear of the joint favourite clan des 0beaux, who was twice a winner in the past, with saint calvados third. that's all the sport for now. sportsday is at 6:30pm. but back to you now, lucy. thank you so much. let's return to our top story and the news of the death of archbishop desmond tutu. i'm joined now by the former prime minister gordon brown. it's good to see you. i know you encountered him as a friend. tell us about him. he encountered him as a friend. tell us about him. . , encountered him as a friend. tell us about him. ., , ., encountered him as a friend. t

some rugby union news, billy and mako vunipola have signed new deals to stay at saracens — and that meansould have ended their international careers, with england's policy not to select anyone playing in foreign leagues 2022 could be very lucrative for golfers on the ladies european tour. a record prize fund will be on offer of over 20 million pounds. they've released their schedule with the greatest number of tournaments in its 44 year history. 31 across 21 countries. there'll be two new events in asia and south africa and 8 tournaments return to the calendar. the tour starts in mid february that's all the sport for now. you can find more on all those stories on the bbc sport website. keep across those football fixtures in case any more go on boxing day. now i'm bbc news, it's time for a look back in the year at sport. there's never been a sporting year quite like 2021. it would, though, take a little time for the volume to be turned up. like everything else, it had to wait. when the year began, the backing track was the sound of silence.

of english football league fixtures have been postponed this weekend due to covid and tennis and rugby union breaker with managers and players favouring a break of a few weeks. but there is resistance from others and league bosses are keen to keep the show on the road. there were similar debates last december, but one chief executive told me tonight the momentum behind a circuit breaker are greater than they were last year. there was a fresh post to encourage players to get vaccinated after it emerged a quarter of efl players do not intend to getjabbed. given the congested calendar at christmas and the uncontrollable outbreaks at some squads, they will meet on monday to discuss how best to manage this ever worsening crisis. it's the strictly come dancing final tomorrow night but the tv presenter aj 0dudu and her partner kai widdrington have been forced to pulled out of the final show. aj has torn a ligament in her right ankle. she has been on crutches this week. but today it was confirmed she won't be dancing. she says she is "deeply upset" that she can't perform. it means there are just two

in rugby union's premiership, leicester tigers maintained their perfect start to the season, with a dramatic his first premiership try. that's now ten wins from ten for the tigers in the league this season — their best run for 21 years. that's all the sport for now. the business secretary, kwasi kwarteng, is due to hold emergency talks with some of the uk's energy providers who warned last week that household bills would rise by another 50 per cent next year unless the treasury intervened. ahead of the meetings the boss of the country's third largest supplier, ovo energy, told bbc news ministers were showing "nowhere near enough urgency" and needed to step in to protect customers. our business correspondent, vishala sri—pathma, reports. it's been a constant worry for households for the past three months. rising prices of gas and electricity around the world that meant we have all been paying more to heat our homes and cook our meals. 26 energy companies have gone bust since september. more casualties are expected in the industry as there is no sign of prices falling.— industry as there is no

an rugby union, the glasgow game due at murrayfield, and embracing the welsh grand national behind closed _ for a second straight year. so many people were looking forward - for a second straight year. so many people were looking forward to - for a second straight year. so many people were looking forward to it, i people were looking forward to it, it is frustrating, disappointing, tough on the staff,... fist it is frustrating, disappointing, tough on the staff,...- it is frustrating, disappointing, tough on the staff,... at each stage ofthe tough on the staff,... at each stage of the pandemic _ tough on the staff,... at each stage of the pandemic grassroots - tough on the staff,... at each stage of the pandemic grassroots are - tough on the staff,... at each stage of the pandemic grassroots are hit i of the pandemic grassroots are hit hardest. wrexham hoped for 10,000 on boxing day, an england it would be possible but here, not so. life on the fringes of football just got harder. it the fringes of football 'ust got harder. , ., , . ., , harder. it is the drastic measure, we are able _ har

the new travel restrictions in france have ravaged the european rugby union fixture list with seven gamesr challenge cup will go ahead. tournament organisers hope the games can be played at a later date. ulster�*s champions cup game at home to northampton did go ahead though and it went to ulster who scored 4 tries in their 27 — 22 victory in belfast. england's cricketers face a huge battle to avoid going 2—nil down in the ashes series after another dominant performance by australia on day 2 of the second test. the aussies declared on 473 for 9 in adelaide — marnus labuchangne top scoring on 103. in reply, a weary england lost two early wickets — and were only saved by a lightning storm which forced them to close early on 17—2. but all rounder ben stokes is looking forward to batting in the daylight. it's been a tough two days, we've spent a lot of time out on the field and put some ovals into our legs, but it's been nice to get at the field at the end and watch the guys go out and bat and we came off pretty strange circumstances i'm not sure i've been involved in the game postponed due t

the brits' — tennis exhibition has been postponed due to the pandemic and the weekend's european rugby unioned. it's after france opted to restrict people coming in from the uk amid concerns over the 0micron variant and two games were also affected by player outbreaks. now only 8 matches from the champions cup and the second tier challenge cup will go ahead. tournament organisers hope the games can be played at a later date. inter milan have announced christian eriksen's contract has been terminated by mutual consent. erikesen hasn't played since he collapsed during denmark's euros match against finland injune. it was recently revealed that he'd started training again on his own, at a local club in denmark, but there's been no confirmation over whether or where eriksen will resume his career. hejoined interfrom tottenham injanuary last year. ben stokes says england are not beaten yet. that despite another dominant performance by australia on day 2 of the second ashes test. the aussies shrugged off the england attack, eventually declaring on 473 for 9 — marnus labuchangne top scoring on 103.

in rugby union there was one game in the premiership tonight as gloucester beat bristol bears 27—10 at leinster beat connacht 47—19 and sharks were also victorious against bulls. and that's all the sport for now. more on those stories — including all the snooker results and reaction — on the bbc sport website, but from me and the team goodnight. this is bbc news. i'm krupa padhy with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world. american prosecutors charge the parents of a teenager accused of a massacre at a school, saying they share responsibility. i will be reiterating today the gun ownership is a right, and with that right comes great responsibility. the first data on the omicron variant of covid suggests vaccines are less effective at stopping it spreading, but they do make the symptoms less serious. it's possible that the omicron variant is able to overcome and cause infections, even in previously vaccinated people. however, if they develop only mild illness, that means that the vaccines are still providing protection. scientists say they can now use gene—editin

we have some sad news to bring you from the world of rugby union.n their world cup qualifier against spain in september. next tonight. the ashes begin a week today in brisbane and already it's shaping up to be a series like no other. with some players only emerging from quarantine restrictions yesterday, england have faced just 29 overs with warm up matches affected by rain. and there remains the prospect of the final test in perth being moved. as patrick gearey reports. this is brisbane but for england cricketers it must look like they never left home. it's hard to warm up never left home. it's hard to warm up in weather like this. so far in australia england have managers 29 over at match practice with a week to go until it starts for real they are stuck indoors. i’m to go until it starts for real they are stuck indoors.— to go until it starts for real they are stuck indoors. i'm not sure of bawlin: are stuck indoors. i'm not sure of bawling in — are stuck indoors. i'm not sure of bawling in a _ are stuck indoors. i'm not sure of bawling in a hote

now to rugby union and it was a nightmare start to the new european champions cup for northampton saintshe formula one season this weekend. and who win the title is anyone's guess. max verstappen and lewis hamilton are level on points, verstappen only top by virtue of winning nine races to the reigning champions eight. it's the briton who topped the time sheets in friday's second practice. he was more than half a second quicker than his title rival, which is a huge margin in formula one. although the dutchman was fastest in the morning session. our reporterjennie gow is in abu dhabi. when it comes to the way this track has been re— profile from last year to this, they've got rid of a lot of the bits that red bull would've excelled at. actually, they've met it a lot of fast, flowing corridors which typically has on the way of mercedes. so you have to say that lewis hamilton came into this weekend as favourite but as we seen already, the rule book this year has been thrown out. they are so good, these two drivers, i don't think you can split them. and that's the great thing about this, it'

covid struggles in rugby union, too.sitives last week at the province. and issues, too, for the hosts. they have reported a fifth positive test, with the team now training in separate groups with more testing to come. former yorkshire head coach andrew gale will not return to his position as assistant coach of men's hundred side northern superchargers in 2022. gale was one of 16 people sacked by yorkshire in the aftermath of racism allegations made by azeem rafiq. gale was on a one—year contract with the superchargers for the 2021 season, which will not be renewed. the second ashes test begins on thursday, and despite the capitulation in the first, england captainjoe root believes there is reason to be optimistic. they may have lost by nine wickets and suffered two batting collapses, but root has stressed the positives heading into that day—night test match with australia in adelaide. without sounding too cliched, there were things there we just have to do for longer, and we could be looking at a very different scoreline

next to rugby union — in the premiership there were wins for london irish, northampton saints and worcesteraherty and player of the match luke cowan—dickie helped exeter to an 18—5 win over their big rivals saracens. exeter are fourth in the table, while sarries remain second after just their second loss of the season. in the united rugby championship 1a points from stephen myler set up an ospreys victory over third—place ulster. ospreys are fourth. elsewhere wins for glasgow warriors and lions. we'll have a new name on snooker�*s uk championship trophy this evening when zhao xintong will face belgium's luca brecel at the york barbican. zhao thrashed former world championship finalist barry hawkins 6—1. whilst the belgian luca brecel beat kyren wilsen 6—4 as he recorded four century breaks. the best—of—19 final will be live across the bbc today. that's all the sport for now. now it is time for the papers. hello and welcome to our look at this morning's newspapers. with me are the independent�*s features writerjames rampton and laura hughes, who's the political and diplomatic correspondent f

there was one match in rugby union's premiership.harlequins fans. earlier, their women's side comfortably beat wasps by 29—5. heather cowell scoring the pick of the quins tries. brilliant run, almost the entire length of the pitch. it was the first premier 15s match to take place at the ground. there were no fans at the welsh grand national for the second year in a row. the welsh government's introduced covid rules which prevent more than 50 spectators attending a sporting event. only five horses finished a gruelling race which was won by the 13—2 shot i will do it, ridden by sam sheppard and trained by sam thomas. the defending champion gerwyn pryce survived a huge scare to reach the last 16 of the pdc world darts championship at alexandra palace. the world number one was taken all the way to a sudden death leg by belgium's kim huybrechts. the ice man kept his cool though as he took out 76 to set up a meeting with the netherlands�* dirk van duijvenbode in the next round. that is all your sport for now. van duijvenbode in the next ro