General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: July 14, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Rugby Union International Updates

Ireland assistant coach Andrew Goodman confirmed that Rob Baloucoune and Jeremy Loughman New Zealand for Saturday's Nations Championship match. New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie acknowledged Ireland's ability, stating his team is "well aware" of their opponents, while also noting Ireland's belief they can win. Wales captain Dewi Lake is set to miss his first game under Steve Tandy when Wales face the world champions. In the U20 Six Nations, England flanker Seb Kelly for a headbutt, ending his team's hopes of regaining the age-grade world title. England's young stars Henry Pollock and Noah Caluori are targeting starting for their country after scoring tries in their 73-8 thrashing of Fiji.

Cricket and Golf World Briefs

The ICC is considering structural changes to World Cups, including the introduction of semi-finals in the World Test Championship and a potential World Club T20 competition. England and India's historic Lord's Test due to scheduling and the announcement of Brendon McCullum's sacking, raising questions about the future of women's Test cricket. Matt Fitzpatrick stated that sports betting is becoming a problem among golf fans, contributing to personal abuse directed at players. There is a strong possibility an English winner could be crowned at The Open this week, nearly 60 years after Tony Jacklin's victory.

Soccer and Combat Sports News

Spain winger Lamine Yamal's comments about France were not a sign of disrespect, according to defender Jules Koundé, as Spain prepares to face France in the FIFA World Cup semifinal. Paddy Pimblett retiring had he lost to Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC. Stan Wawrinka, who recently won Wimbledon, has returned to his dominant No. 1 status in the rankings.

Basketball and WNBA Developments

The NCAA women's basketball tournament will seed the top 16 teams by true ranking, regardless of conference affiliation, starting next year. Former Kansas Jayhawks player Lagerald Vick has been charged with attempted first-degree murder. In the WNBA, Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles scored a career-high 33 points, becoming the first player to reach 400 points, 100 rebounds, and 100 assists in just 22 games, leading the Lynx to a win. Gotham FC are rocketed up the NWSL Power Rankings, showing offensive potency even without Sam Kerr.

Motorsports and Other Sports

Ryan Blaney emerged from a three-wide battle on the final lap of overtime to win the weather-delayed NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta. Former tennis player Mardy Fish American Century Championship title, defeating celebrity competitors. Max Whitlock, a three-time Olympic gold medallist, has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games due to a hand injury sustained in training.

NCAA and Athlete Eligibility Lawsuit

Eleven Division I athletes, who depleted their eligibility in the 2025-26 season, have filed a federal class action lawsuit against the NCAA, alleging that the new eligibility rules adversely affected them. The University of Michigan regents are expected to decide on AD Manuel soon, as they prepare to discuss an investigation into the athletic department's culture.