“Hip drop” and “knee drop” tackles have been confirmed as illegal, with the changes focused on improving player welfare.
The “knee drop” law application guideline came into effect on October 5, while the “hip drop” law change will come into force on November 1.
World Rugby says the changes continue its work following this year’s Shape of the Game meeting.
#WorldRugby | #Rugby | #SummitRugby
- Summit Rugby
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| Mikel Arteta has committed his future to Arsenal by signing a new contract which will keep him with the Premier League champions until the summer of 2030. Photograph: John Walton/PA Wire |
Mikel Arteta has promised “this is only the beginning” of what he can achieve as Arsenal manager after signing a new long-term contract that would take his reign at the club beyond a decade if he sees it out.
The Spaniard is understood to have signed a four-year deal worth more £20m (€24m) a season, making him the best-paid Premier League manager. That is a hefty pay rise in recognition of his success last season as Arsenal ended their 22-year wait to be crowned champions after three successive runners-up finishes.
Arteta, who took over from Unai Emery in December 2019, is the Premier League’s longest-serving manager after the departure of Pep Guardiola from Manchester City. After losing the Champions League final last season to Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout, the 44-year-old is targeting more success as he seeks to build a winning dynasty at Arsenal, where he previously served as captain under Arsène Wenger.
“It’s a privilege to commit my future to the club and to continue to work with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal,” said Arteta. “This club is unique, its character and the way it makes you feel, and I have a great sense of privilege that our journey together will continue. We have already built a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime, and what is so exciting is that this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together.
“This is such a proud moment for me and my family. I feel the love and respect from our fantastic supporters, and they have mine – and ours – in return.”
Arteta’s previous contract, which was due to expire at the end of this season, was believed to be worth about £10m a season plus a £5m bonus for reaching the Champions League. The new deal, to June 2030, cements his status as one of the best-paid managers in the world. His coaching staff have also signed extended deals.
“It has been an incredible journey so far and we are excited for what lies ahead in this special relationship,” said Arsenal’s co-chairs, Stan and Josh Kroenke. “Last season was an incredible moment in Arsenal’s history, a moment in which we created memories that will last a lifetime. We’re determined to create many more in the years ahead.
“We share a special bond with Mikel. We are so proud of everything we have achieved since he returned to the club in 2019. He has a deep understanding of Arsenal’s values and carries them in his heart. He knows what this club means to everyone connected to it and is committed to building on everything we have achieved together.”
Arsenal confirmed this week that they have shelved plans for a major expansion of the Emirates Stadium after Arteta is believed to have expressed concern over the disruption that would have been caused by any temporary move. His side face Leeds on Saturday as they attempt to bounce back from a surprise 3-0 defeat at Brighton before the international break that ended the champions’ 100 per cent start to the new campaign.
- Ed Aarons
Valtteri Bottas has officially arrived in Singapore… on two wheels. 🚴♂️🇸🇬
After covering 419.67 km by bike, he’s already ridden farther than the maximum 305.337 km he can race on Sunday. 😭
Cyclist first, F1 driver second? 😂
#ValtteriBottas #F1 #SingaporeGP #Formula1
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| Christian Horner. (Image: David Davies / PA Wire) |
The former Formula 1 team principal was removed from his role following the British Grand Prix in 2025, bringing his two-decade spell in charge of the team to an end.
Mr Horner had served as Red Bull’s team principal since the energy drinks company took over Jaguar’s Formula 1 operation at the end of 2004.
During his time at the helm, the team secured eight drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles, with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen among those to enjoy success under his leadership.
Mr Horner, who lives on the Oxfordshire border near Banbury, has now claimed he was initially told that the team’s performance had declined before receiving a more detailed explanation after pushing for answers.
Speaking to The Times, he said: “I was never given a clear explanation other than that they felt [the team’s] performance had slipped a little.
“Even though at the [previous] race we’d been on pole position and leading the British Grand Prix; had it not been for the weather, we’d probably have won it. And that they wanted to go in a different direction.
“When I really pushed — I had six years left on my contract — I was told that it was more Christian Horner Racing than Red Bull Racing.”
Mr Horner was replaced as team principal by Laurent Mekies following his departure.
His exit came after he had faced an allegation of misconduct involving a female employee in 2024, which he denied.
Red Bull dismissed the complaint against Mr Horner following an internal investigation, while an appeal against that decision was also dismissed.
GPFans reports that Mr Horner was paid £80 million to leave Red Bull, with the former team boss saying the size of the reported settlement showed he had not committed any wrongdoing.
He added: “It also demonstrates that you’ve done nothing wrong. They just don’t want you any more. If somebody’s prepared to pay that much money for you not to be there …
“And I think if you look at that team 12 months down the line, it’s lost its mojo, its presence, its vibe.”
At the time of the interview, Red Bull had reportedly gone 15 races without a victory, its longest winless run since Mr Verstappen joined the team in 2016.
That sequence subsequently ended when the four-time world champion claimed victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was held in Malaysia.
- Edward Burnett
The former Barcelona man announced his international retirement in August, and this friendly against Benin was set up to mark the departure of La Albiceleste's record appearance maker, and the man who helped deliver the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
As the two sides walked onto the pitch, they were met by a fireworks display and a huge Argentina shirt with Messi's no.10 on it.
Staying on that theme, the game was halted in the 10th minute for more fireworks and a standing ovation for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
The game was a routine 3-0 win for Lionel Scaloni's side and Messi was involved in all three goals, providing assists for Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz before converting a penalty for a strike of his own.
Licha was a second-half substitute, replacing former Manchester City man Otamendi shortly after he netted the opener.
"I told Leo Messi that I love him with all my heart," Martinez told broadcaster TyC Sports after the game.
Our defender was on the pitch 30 times with Messi in total, the pair combining for one of the 38-year-old's 126 Argentina goals. Only former Red Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more at international level with 146.
The friendly also drew the curtain on our involvement in the extended three-week international break, with focus now shifting firmly back to domestic action.
First up for the Reds is the visit of Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford this Saturday (10 October) for a 17:30 BST kick-off.
- Isaac Stacey Stronge
Director: Directed by Floyd Russ and executive produced by Bill Simmons, Jim Gray, and Ian Orefice.
Content: Features fresh interviews with Tyson, his family, and inner circle, tracing his rise from Brooklyn to becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history, alongside darker personal trials like his marriage to Robin Givens and his time in an Indiana prison.
Formula 1’s return to Africa will become a reality as an important decision has been made, RacingNews365 has learned.
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| XPBimages |
Formula 1 is to return to racing in Africa, RacingNews365 has learned from multiple sources.
It is understood from well-placed sources in the paddock that Rwanda will be granted the opportunity to host a grand prix, with the race set to join the calendar in 2030.
According to our information, an agreement has been reached, and an official announcement could come later on this year - potentially in the coming weeks.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has made significant efforts in recent years to secure an opportunity for his country to join the top tier of motorsport.
At Kagame’s initiative, the Rwandan capital Kigali hosted the FIA General Assemblies and Prize Giving Ceremony in 2024. Following months of speculation, Kagame used the event to announce that his country would bid to host a Formula 1 race.
As Rwanda currently has no circuit capable of hosting such an event, Kagame’s announcement was met with some scepticism within the F1 community. Nevertheless, the plans did not disappear. The president attended the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix and has maintained close contact with both FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali.
According to information obtained by RacingNews365, it has now been decided that Rwanda will build a permanent racing circuit, based on the plans that were previously leaked.
The complex will be constructed approximately 40 kilometres from Kigali, near Bugesera International Airport, based on designs by WurzDesign.
The company belongs to former F1 driver and circuit designer Alexander Wurz and is currently working - together with Tilke Engineering - on the Qiddiya Speed Park circuit in Saudi Arabia.
F1’s return to Africa has been a longstanding topic of discussion within the series, which last raced on the continent at the 1993 South African GP at Kyalami.
Several attempts have been made in recent years to bring F1 back to Africa.
In South Africa, the former host venue Kyalami, as well as Cape Town, have sought the opportunity to host a race, while there have also been rumours about the intention of Morocco and Nigeria.Although there is no shortage of interest in hosting grands prix around the world, prominent figures within the sport have long agreed that the African continent should return to the F1 calendar.
Among the drivers, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton has been one of the most vocal advocates for the initiative, which has also regularly received support from ben Sulayem and Domenicali.
- Sàndor Mészáros
Other formal bidders include South Africa, South Korea, Germany, Hungary and Turkey
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| Interested parties have until the end of this month to lodge a formal bid for the 2036 Olympics. Photograph: Thibaud Moritz/AFP via Getty |
India and Qatar are among seven bidders to host the 2036 Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee has confirmed.
Interested parties have until the end of this month to lodge a formal bid and enter a dialogue process which will culminate in a final vote by IOC members in 2029.
India has long been seen a front-runner, with Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat, the home state of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, already announced as hosts of the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Qatar launched unsuccessful bids to host both the 2016 and 2020 Games, losing out to Rio and Tokyo respectively. It intends to rely heavily on infrastructure created for its successful 2022 hosting of the football World Cup.
Munich won the right to bid on behalf of Germany following a vote by the country’s sports authority, the DOSB, late last month. Other formal bidders include South Africa, South Korea, Hungary and Turkey.
Following the closure of the initial bidding process, interested parties will make virtual presentations and undergo feasibility studies before the IOC executive board selects an initial shortlist.
South Korea and Germany are the only countries on the current list who have previously hosted the Games. Seoul staged the 1988 summer edition, while Berlin and Munich did so in 1936 and 1972.
An Indonesian bid to host the Games in Nusantara was rejected by the IOC after the country refused to permit Israeli athletes to compete at the World Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta in 2025.
- The Irish Times
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| Spain's Carlos Alcaraz (left) shakes hands with Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka after retaining his title. PHOTO: REUTERS |
TOKYO – Carlos Alcaraz made another slow start before cruising past unseeded Czech Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4) 6-4 in the Japan Open final on Oct 6 to retain his title and continue his resurgence after a lengthy wrist injury layoff.
The ATP 500 tournament victory is Alcaraz’s third of the year after the Australian Open and Qatar Open, before the 23-year-old was sidelined for nearly five months and returned at the US Open in late August.
“I’m really happy to be able to lift a trophy again,” Alcaraz said.
“It’s been a while and obviously it’s extra special after my injury and my comeback, in the second tournament that I’m playing.
“It was a really tough week and I didn’t play my best tennis and my best level but I did find good solutions and that’s what matters in the end.”
Alcaraz became the first man to go back-to-back in Tokyo since American Pete Sampras in 1993-94.
The world number three started shakily, dropping serve in the first game, but soon recovered and dialled up the intensity to break world number 19 Lehecka’s serve with a scorching backhand to level at 3-3.
More uncharacteristic errors from Alcaraz gave Lehecka hope in the tiebreak, but the Spaniard unleashed a sublime drop-shot en route to clinching the opening set to lay the platform for his 27th title overall.
The seven-times Grand Slam champion took control midway through the second set, breaking to claim a 4-3 lead before sealing victory by forcing an error on match point and then celebrating wildly with his team courtside.
Alcaraz said his triumph helped erase the doubts that he faced during his injury break.
“A lot of negative thoughts come to your mind,” Alcaraz added.
“If you’re going to come back healthy, if you’re going to come back the same as you were before, if I will be able to hit the ball normally without pain. I trusted myself and it worked out.”
Alcaraz will return to action at the Shanghai Masters where he will take on Juan Manuel Cerundolo or a qualifier first. The main draw of the ATP 1000 event begins on Oct 7.
- REUTERS
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| © XPB Images |
George Russell is to start this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix from the back of the grid after his costly power unit failure in the Bahrain GP.
Behind the safety car in Sepang, Russell pulled the Mercedes off to the side of the track with a power unit failure - the second of the season to strike the Briton following the Canadian GP.
Russell was already set to take one grid penalty in the closing stages of the season when Mercedes introduced its ADUO-boosted engine upgrade, believed to be in the United States GP in Austin.
A team spokesman has confirmed to RacingNews365 that Russell will be taking a new power unit in Singapore - and will incur the back-of-the-grid penalty.
At this stage, it is still to be confirmed if the ADUO-boosted engine could be fast-tracked into the W17 for Russell or if this new power unit he will take will be of the current specification.
If the ADUO-boosted engine is brought into Russell's pool, it would negate the need for a "double whammy" penalty of Russell taking a back-of-the-grid start for his old-spec engine, and then taking another such penalty for the ADUO upgrade.
Russell's penalty will be served in the grand prix itself on Sunday and not during the Sprint race, where he will start where he qualifies, save any in-weekend penalties for himself or other drivers, which either demote or promote him, respectively.
Team-mate Kimi Antonelli took his own batch of fresh components at the Italian GP, storming from 19th on the grid to win, although overtaking on the streets of Marina Bay is a far tougher prospect.
Following the power unit failure in Sepang, coupled with Antonelli scoring 18 points for second place, the points gap between the Mercedes team-mates opened to 84.
Antonelli cannot win the title in Singapore, with 150 points remaining after the weekend, but if he were to score a maximum of 33 points through victories in the Sprint and grand prix, with Russell not scoring a point, the Italian could be crowned world champion at the United States GP in Austin.
- Jake Nichol
OSLO: Norwegian football star Erling Haaland has taken legal action against Norwegian Air Shuttle, alleging that the airline used elements of his distinctive appearance without permission in a promotional post during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The dispute centres on a social media advertisement published while Norway was competing at the tournament, marking the country’s first World Cup appearance since 1998.
According to Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang (VG), Norwegian Air posted a composite image featuring one of its aircraft with a ponytail resembling Haaland’s trademark hairstyle. The post carried the caption, “We’ve never looked more Norwegian”, in a reference to the national team’s World Cup campaign.
Haaland’s lawyer, Thomas Hagen, told AFP that the case concerned what he described as Norwegian’s “unlawful use of Haaland’s distinctive signs” in promoting plane tickets during the World Cup.
Norwegian Air confirmed that it had received the lawsuit but disputed the basis for the legal action.
“Like almost all of Norway, we supported the national team this summer, through a few spontaneous posts inspired by trends on social media,” Norwegian Air spokesperson Catharina Solli told AFP.
She said the airline regretted that its support for the national team had resulted in legal action and expressed hope that the two sides could resolve the matter through dialogue.
The airline subsequently removed the social media post.
The lawsuit comes as Haaland has become one of the most recognisable figures in Norwegian sport, with his image and distinctive appearance closely associated with the national team.
A meeting between the judge and the legal teams is scheduled for 9 October at Oslo District Court, according to VG. The hearing is expected to provide the next step in the dispute over whether the advertisement crossed the line between supporting the national team and commercially using an individual’s recognisable identity.
- indiantelevision.com Team
