Graham Thorpe would still be alive if England cricket had helped more, says widow

FIFA announced the draw procedure for the 2026 World Cup, which will feature an expanded format of 48 teams. The draw will ensure that top-ranked teams, including Spain, Argentina, France, and England, are kept separate until the final rounds of the tournament.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has announced that it has no plans to negotiate a contract extension for head coach Steve Borthwick, despite England's impressive 11-match winning streak and recent clean sweep in the autumn internationals. Borthwick's current contract is set to run until 2027, and RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney indicated that discussions regarding an extension are not on the agenda for the foreseeable future.

The World Cup 2026 draw will implement a tennis-style seeding system for its top four teams: Spain, Argentina, France, and England. This system aims to ensure competitive balance by preventing these teams from facing each other until the semi-finals, thereby enhancing the tournament's structure.

England's cricket team has been warned to prepare for challenging conditions at the Gabba, where 'wickets fall in clumps' under lights, following a disappointing first-Test defeat against Australia. The team lost five wickets for just 12 runs in their first innings and four for 11 in their second, raising concerns about their performance as the Ashes series continues.

England's rugby league team will not play any fixtures for nearly a year leading up to the Rugby League World Cup, as the 2026 Super League schedule does not allow for a mid-season international break. This decision follows a disappointing performance against Australia in the Ashes series, where the team faced a whitewash defeat.

Graham Thorpe, a former England cricketer and assistant coach, died by suicide in August 2022 after struggling with anxiety and depression. His widow, Amanda Thorpe, has stated that he would still be alive if the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had provided more substantial support following his departure from coaching. She described the remote assistance offered by the ECB as inadequate.

The autumn internationals showcased thrilling rugby, highlighted by South Africa's 24-13 victory over Ireland, marred by indiscipline, and England's narrow 27-23 win against Argentina, marking their 11th consecutive Test win. The matches were characterized by intense competition and significant player performances, including a notable impact from newcomer Max Ojomoh for England.

Travis Head's explosive century of 123 runs off just 83 balls led Australia to a decisive victory over England in the first Test of the Ashes series, raising questions about the future role of Usman Khawaja, who is dealing with a back injury. This performance not only secured a win but also showcased Head's capability to perform under pressure, effectively demoralizing the English team.