General Sports 3d Briefing
×Rugby Union
Lou Holtz espn.com, the legendary college football coach who led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1988, has died at the age of. In Six Nations action, Ireland bbc.com makes five changes for their match against Wales, with Nick Timoney earning his first start. Wales bbc.com recalls Ellis Mee for the crucial encounter. England bbc.com full-back Elliot Daly believes the team are "not a million miles away" from rediscovering their winning form after a 12-match winning streak last year.
Cricket
South Africa bbc.com suffered a setback in their T20 World Cup semi-final as Cole McConchie took two wickets in two balls to remove Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton. England bbc.com captain Harry Brook says his team doesn't need a perfect performance to win the T20 World Cup, with "unity" driving them to the semi-finals. Former England captain Michael Vaughan bbc.com believes England has a better spin attack than India and has a "funny feeling" they'll win Thursday's semi-final.
Basketball
Top-ranked Duke espn.com overwhelmed NC State to clinch the outright ACC regular-season title, with star freshman Cameron Boozer leading the way. No. 19 Miami (Ohio) espn.com extended their season-opening winning streak to 30 games with a 74-72 win over Toledo. In the WNBA, Kelsey Plum espn.com and Breanna Stewart wrote to the players' union expressing "serious concerns" about how negotiations are being handled. The WNBPA's executive committee remains "united" amid ongoing CBA talks.
Football
Brazil bbc.com World Cup qualification is "in Wales' sights" according to captain Angharad James as they begin their qualifying campaign in the Czech Republic. Scotland bbc.com faces Grand Slam-chasing France looking to keep their title hopes alive. The WRU bbc.com is being urged to rethink plans to cut a men's professional side by Welsh government politicians.
Winter Sports
Great Britain's bbc.com wheelchair curlers suffered a 10-7 defeat to Estonia in their Winter Paralympics opener. Menna Fitzpatrick bbc.com says it feels "really special" to be at her third Winter Paralympic Games after a "rollercoaster" year. Fitzpatrick and Scott Meenagh have been named Great Britain's bbc.com flagbearers for the opening ceremony.
Golf
The Arnold Palmer Invitational espn.com at Bay Hill Club and Lodge features length off the tee and controlled iron play as premium skills. Rory Mc Ilroy espn.com called it "a shame" that Jon Rahm is the only LIV Golf player unwilling to accept a DP World Tour deal to eliminate future fines.
Motorsport
George Russell bbc.com is described as "elite" and a "leader" who may now have the car to challenge for the Formula 1 title. The Australian Grand Prix espn.com might see chaos from the start with guaranteed drama when the lights go out. Fernando Alonso espn.com described Aston Martin as the "team of the future" despite heading to Australia in disarray.
Combat Sports
The BMF belt espn.com has an in-your-face history, as told by the man who inspired it - Nate Diaz. Jade Jones bbc.com describes her journey from taekwondo to boxing as "humbling" ahead of her debut against Egypt Criss on March 7.
Other Sports
Nick Timoney bbc.com says he's happy he didn't give up on his Ireland dream, remaining unconcerned whether he starts against Wales or comes off the bench. Anthony Watson bbc.com revealed he cheated a concussion test during the 2017 Lions tour of New Zealand to continue playing. Jamie George bbc.com says rugby's relationship with head injuries has changed dramatically during his career.
Administrative
The Six Nations trophy bbc.com is to be "retired from ceremonial use" and replaced after being damaged by fire during transit. Halifax Panthers bbc.com regained RFL membership after liquidation. Iowa State espn.com is ending its women's gymnastics program, with the AD calling it "the right decision" for the athletics program.
International Developments
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East bbc.com is affecting the staging of sporting events worldwide, with athletes facing travel disruptions. Daniil Medvedev espn.com indicated he's among athletes trying to leave Dubai as the war has caused widespread travel shutdowns.