General Sports 24-Hour Briefing
×Rugby Union
Darcy Graham scored an early try to give Scotland the lead over France in the Six Nations at Murrayfield. Ireland kept alive their slim Six Nations title hopes with a bonus-point victory over spirited Wales in Dublin. Wales showed progress despite another loss, restoring pride after some Irish pundits had been denigrating Welsh rugby before Friday's game. England faces an away-day blues test as they aim to get their Six Nations back on track against a resurgent Italy in Rome, where they have never lost. Australia's Under-20 team saw their Six Nations title hopes end despite a 37-17 victory over Italy in Treviso.
Cricket
Annabel Sutherland's sparkling 129 helped Australia take control of the one-off day-night Test against India on day two in Perth. Brendon McCullum says he makes "no apologies" for running an informal dressing room as England coach but rejects the perception it is casual. Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key look likely to retain the support of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) despite a disappointing winter.
Boxing & Combat Sports
Max Holloway talks about his trademark 'point-down' before facing Charles Oliveira for the BMF title at UFC 326 in Las Vegas on Saturday. Jai Opetaia is set to lose his IBF cruiserweight title if he goes ahead with a fight for a Zuffa Boxing belt against Brandon Glanton on Sunday. Tom Aspinall says seeing Conor Benn secure a reported £11m one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing helped convince him to sign with Eddie Hearn in a bid to maximize his earnings outside of the UFC. Alycia Baumgardner will defend her world titles against Bo Mi Re Shin on April 17 as part of MVPW, a newly launched women's boxing league from Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).
Basketball
Victor Wembanyama enjoyed "one of the best wins" of his career as he helped the San Antonio Spurs make a 25-point comeback against the Los Angeles Clippers. Miami (Ohio) finished the regular season as the only unbeaten team in Division I men's basketball, winning 110-108 in overtime over Ohio. Vanderbilt's slim hopes for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament all but ended with Friday night's 89-78 defeat to Ole Miss, a loss that included head coach Shea Ralph getting ejected for arguing. Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery in Miami early Thursday morning after she allegedly punched a man in the face, according to police records.
Motorsport
George Russell knew his Mercedes was fast but was surprised by just how quick during Australian Grand Prix qualifying. Lando Norris was not so happy after Australian Grand Prix qualifying, unhappy with what he called "worst cars." Tyler Reddick has won the first three races of 2026, but no one in NASCAR history has started a year with four straight. Can he become the first?
American Football
The Raiders are set to release quarterback Geno Smith, barring a trade, before the start of the new league year, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Suns forward Dillon Brooks was arrested early Friday morning for suspicion of driving under the influence in Scottsdale, Arizona, police said.
College Sports & Policy
President Donald Trump says he will write an executive order within a week that will "solve all of the problems" brought forth in an unprecedented meeting at the White House to address the future of college sports. UNC's Caleb Wilson injury impacts the Tar Heels as the stakes rise, though his draft stock shouldn't plummet.
Winter Paralympics
Para-alpine skier Varvara Voronchikhina wins Russia's first medal of the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics with downhill bronze. Fred Warburton took up ski racing in a bid to impress his Italian father-in-law - now he's competing for Great Britain at the Winter Paralympics.
Tennis
Hungary's Panna Udvardy says she was sent "disturbing" messages including a picture of a gun, warning her family would be harmed unless she lost a match. Former world 100m champion Fred Kerley is banned for two years for an anti-doping whereabouts violation.
Other Sports
Warrington Wolves maintain their 100% start to the Super League season by holding off a spirited York Knights side in a high-scoring encounter. Loughborough Lightning struck down Leeds Rhinos in round two of the Netball Super League season, while London Pulse edged out Dragons. Dallas Center-Grimes' Ava Smid caught fire at the game's conclusion to avoid elimination and punch their ticket to the state title game. Henry Patten on finally getting out of Dubai amid the Middle East conflict, describing explosions, fighter jets and aborted border crossings.