General Sports 3d Briefing
×Rugby Union
WRU bbc.com has been criticized by Welsh government politicians for losing the argument over plans to cut a men's professional side. Meanwhile, Wales captain Angharad James has set her sights on a first Women's World Cup in Brazil as the team begins qualification in the Czech Republic.
Scotland bbc.com face unbeaten France in the Six Nations on Saturday with their title hopes still alive, boosted by the unexpected return of Jack Dempsey to the squad. Scotland must get several key areas right against the champions, while Ireland bbc.com prepares for their match against Wales, with forwards coach Paul O'Connell insisting they don't underestimate the Welsh side.
Ospreys bbc.com earned victory over Ulster in the United Rugby Championship with a pair of late tries, while Munster bbc.com secured a much-needed win over Zebre despite being made to work hard. In other European rugby news, Bath bbc.com reached the Prem Cup semi-finals after a thrilling bonus-point win over Gloucester, and Connacht bbc.com stunned URC leaders Glasgow with a last-gasp try.
Football & Cricket
England bbc.com could see an entire backline change for their Six Nations match against Ireland in Italy on Saturday, with Fin Smith set to start. Former captain Michael Vaughan believes England have a better spin attack than India and predicts they will win Thursday's T20 World Cup semi-final.
India bbc.com secured a T20 World Cup semi-final showdown with England after a five-wicket victory over West Indies, thanks to Sanju Samson's unbeaten. Pakistan bbc.com were knocked out despite Sahibzada Farhan's superb century in their five-run win over Sri Lanka, while Ireland bbc.com began their FIH Hockey World Cup qualification campaign with a 5-2 victory over Canada.
Tennis & Motorsport
Daniil Medvedev bbc.com won the Dubai Tennis Championships title after opponent Tallon Griekspoor withdrew due to injury. The Russian had indicated he was among athletes trying to leave Dubai amid the Middle East conflict, though he ultimately stayed to compete.
The Australian Grand Prix organizers are "really confident" that travel chaos caused by the Middle East conflict will not impact bbc.com the opening Formula 1 race. As F1 steps into a new era with new rules and cars, Mathieu van der Poel bbc.com won the men's race at Omloop het Nieuwsblad, while Dutch compatriot Demi Vollering triumphed in the women's event.
Basketball & American Sports
No. 1 Duke espn.com extended its record with its 149th appearance as the top team in the Associated Press men's college basketball poll. Cameron Boozer and top-ranked Duke overwhelmed NC State to clinch the outright ACC regular-season title, while No. 21 North Carolina denied Duke the outright ACC women's title with a 74-69 victory.
Colorado espn.com mourned teammate Dominiq Ponder at practice after the 23-year-old died in a single-car crash Sunday. Outside linebacker Khalil Mack espn.com, who had mulled retirement, will play in 2026 and explore all options in free agency. In NASCAR history, Tyler Reddick espn.com became the first driver to win the first three races of the season with a victory at Circuit of the Americas.
Other Sports
Barry Hawkins bbc.com won his first Welsh Open title, beating Jack Lisowski 9-5 in the final after Lisowski had beaten four-time world champion John Higgins 6-5 in the semifinals. In LPGA action, Hannah Green bbc.com won the Women's World Championship in Singapore with her husband as caddie.
At the Tokyo Marathon, Brigid Kosgei bbc.com set a new course record of 2:14:29 with a commanding victory. In MMA, Britain's Lone'er Kavanagh claimed the biggest win of his career by upsetting former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno in Mexico City.
The Six Nations trophy bbc.com is to be "retired from ceremonial use" and replaced with a new one after being damaged by fire in an accident during transit, while rugby's relationship with head injuries continues to be a topic of discussion with England hooker Jamie George saying it has changed dramatically during his career.