https://www.theguardian.com/us/sport Sports news, scores, blogs and opinion on US and world sports from the Guardian, the world's leading liberal voice en-gb Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2026 Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:07:19 GMT 2026-04-18T12:07:19Z en-gb Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2026 https://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.png https://www.theguardian.com https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/suns-warriors-play-in-jalen-green-curry-magic-hornets <ul><li><p>Suns hold Curry to 17 in play-in elimination</p></li><li><p>Green drops 36 to send Phoenix into playoffs</p></li><li><p>Magic rout Hornets to book Pistons matchup</p></li></ul><p>Jalen Green scored 36 points, Devin Booker added 20 and the Phoenix Suns locked down Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, winning 111-96 in the NBA’s play-in tournament Friday night.</p><p>The Suns took the No 8 seed in the Western Conference playoffs and will face the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday in Game 1. The Warriors’ season is over.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/suns-warriors-play-in-jalen-green-curry-magic-hornets">Continue reading...</a> NBA Golden State Warriors Phoenix Suns Charlotte Hornets Orlando Magic Sport US sports Stephen Curry Sat, 18 Apr 2026 09:43:19 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/suns-warriors-play-in-jalen-green-curry-magic-hornets Photograph: Stephen Lam/AP Photograph: Stephen Lam/AP Photograph: Stephen Lam/AP Agencies 2026-04-18T09:43:19Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/alycia-baumgardner-fight-lani-daniels-shadasia-green-boxing <ul><li><p>Baumgardner cruises to wide decision over Shin</p></li><li><p>Daniels shocks Green by ninth-round stoppage</p></li><li><p>Green stretchered out, later reported conscious</p></li></ul><p>On a night when Alycia Baumgardner showed why she’s considered one of boxing’s hottest properties, it was a longshot from New Zealand in the co-main event who threatened to steal the show.</p><p>Baumgardner retained her WBO, IBF and WBA junior lightweight titles early Saturday morning at the Theater at Madison Square Garden with a commanding 10-round unanimous decision over South Korea’s Bo Mi Re Shin in the headline bout of the first US card staged by Most Valuable Promotions Women, the nascent women’s boxing platform launched by boxer-influencer Jake Paul.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/alycia-baumgardner-fight-lani-daniels-shadasia-green-boxing">Continue reading...</a> Boxing US sports Sport Sat, 18 Apr 2026 08:28:51 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/alycia-baumgardner-fight-lani-daniels-shadasia-green-boxing Photograph: Ed Mulholland/Getty Images Photograph: Ed Mulholland/Getty Images Photograph: Ed Mulholland/Getty Images Bryan Armen Graham at Madison Square Garden 2026-04-18T08:28:51Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/16/pellegrino-matarazzo-journey-new-jersey-real-sociedad <p>Real Sociedad’s coach’s career reveals plenty about the man leading the proud Basque club to only their eighth Copa del Rey final</p><p>There is a moment, about halfway through a long conversation about an extraordinary journey from New Jersey to Seville, when Pellegrino Matarazzo stops mid-sentence. “I keep using that word: ‘special’. I’m realising now that my English is terrible,” Real Sociedad’s coach says.</p><p>So much so that when it finally comes to an end, after he has moved from management and mathematics to music – to OK Computer and Nino D’Angelo, tapes in the old Chevy and all-night sessions on guitar and baglama – he has a suggestion. Laughing now, about to bid farewell, he says: “Feel free to replace any words I used over 10 times. So: ‘special’…”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/16/pellegrino-matarazzo-journey-new-jersey-real-sociedad">Continue reading...</a> Real Sociedad Copa del Rey Atlético Madrid European club football La Liga Football Sport US sports Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:00:31 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/16/pellegrino-matarazzo-journey-new-jersey-real-sociedad Photograph: Aflo Co. Ltd./Alamy Stock Photo/Alamy Live News. Photograph: Aflo Co. Ltd./Alamy Stock Photo/Alamy Live News. Photograph: Aflo Co. Ltd./Alamy Stock Photo/Alamy Live News. Sid Lowe 2026-04-17T20:00:31Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/18/uswnt-japan-friendly-kennedy-wesley <ul><li><p>Wesley scores first US goal in rout of Japan</p></li><li><p>Girma and Lavelle also strike in Colorado win</p></li><li><p>Hayes’s side take series after Seattle setback</p></li></ul><p>Kennedy Wesley scored her first international goal and had an assist after entering as a substitution after halftime, Naomi Girma and Rose Lavelle each added a goal and the United States beat Japan 3-0 in a friendly Friday night.</p><p>Claudia Dickey had three saves for the United States.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/18/uswnt-japan-friendly-kennedy-wesley">Continue reading...</a> USA women's football team Japan women's football team Football US sports Friendlies Women's football Sport Emma Hayes Trinity Rodman Sat, 18 Apr 2026 09:33:34 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/18/uswnt-japan-friendly-kennedy-wesley Photograph: Jack Dempsey/AP Photograph: Jack Dempsey/AP Photograph: Jack Dempsey/AP Agencies 2026-04-18T09:33:34Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/gout-athletics-australia-junior-championships-100m-final <ul><li><p>Teenage sensation wins in 10.21sec with legal tailwind in Brisbane</p></li><li><p>18-year-old celebrates before crossing line ahead of Zavier Peacock</p></li></ul><p>Gout Gout has blitzed the field but fallen short of breaking the 10-second barrier while winning the 100m at the Australian athletics junior championships in Brisbane on Saturday.</p><p>The 18-year-old took time to get his motor going before settling into his stride and chasing down the early leaders to cross the line first in a time of 10.21sec with a legal tailwind of +0.5m/s.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/gout-athletics-australia-junior-championships-100m-final">Continue reading...</a> Gout Gout Athletics Australia sport Sport Sat, 18 Apr 2026 05:23:33 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/gout-athletics-australia-junior-championships-100m-final Photograph: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images Photograph: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images Photograph: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images Martin Pegan 2026-04-18T05:23:33Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/17/saudi-arabia-abandons-plans-to-host-2035-rugby-world-cup-amid-funding-cutback <ul><li><p>Saudi’s PIF undergoing ‘value realization’ of plan</p></li><li><p>‘The [Iran] war would add more pressure to priorities’</p></li></ul><p>Saudi Arabia has abandoned its aspirations to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup as a result of the Public Investment Fund’s new financial strategy.</p><p>The sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal, confirmed Saudi Arabia’s interest in bidding for the tournament last year, but the Guardian has learned that the kingdom has not submitted an expression of interest to World Rugby and has no plans to do so before the bidding process closes in October. The president of Asia Rugby, Qais al-Dhalai, also talked up a joint Middle East bid from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates last year, but that has not materialised either.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/17/saudi-arabia-abandons-plans-to-host-2035-rugby-world-cup-amid-funding-cutback">Continue reading...</a> Saudi Arabia and sport Rugby World Cup Rugby union Sport World Rugby Sport politics Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:01:04 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/17/saudi-arabia-abandons-plans-to-host-2035-rugby-world-cup-amid-funding-cutback Photograph: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images Photograph: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images Photograph: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images Exclusive by Matt Hughes 2026-04-17T12:01:04Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/new-jersey-world-cup-matches-train-ticket-prices <ul><li><p>Price hikes for MetLife Stadium travel prompted outcry</p></li><li><p>Plans confirmed at Friday briefing include $80 bus option</p></li><li><p>NJ governor Sherrill spars with Fifa over cost burden</p></li></ul><p>New Jersey’s transit agency has confirmed it will charge $150 for a return ticket to World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium this summer.</p><p>The price for a round-trip ticket from New York’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium is typically $12.90. Reports this week of the elevenfold increase were met with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/14/nj-transit-train-tickets-prices-new-york-world-cup">outcry from fans</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/16/mike-sherrill-train-tickets-new-jersey-world-cup">sparked a back-and-forth</a> between New Jersey’s governor, Mikie Sherrill, and world football’s governing body, with costs mounting across the board, including parking priced as high as $225 at the mall adjacent to the stadium.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/new-jersey-world-cup-matches-train-ticket-prices">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 New Jersey US sports Sport Football Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:17:09 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/new-jersey-world-cup-matches-train-ticket-prices Photograph: Pamela Smith/AP Photograph: Pamela Smith/AP Photograph: Pamela Smith/AP Ella Brockway and Bryan Armen Graham 2026-04-17T18:17:09Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/cole-palmer-chelsea-premier-league-transfer-speculation-england-world-cup <p>The Blues’ star talks candidly about treatment-room frustrations, transfer talk and how he’s learned to love living down south</p><p>There are two sides to Cole Palmer. There is the shy character who can fool you into thinking he has nothing much to say for himself. On the other hand there’s the artist with the ball at his feet. The player with the “Ice Cold” celebration copied by kids in playgrounds everywhere. The improviser who makes the price of a ticket worthwhile.</p><p>“I know what you’re saying,” Palmer replies as, on a sunny afternoon at Chelsea’s training ground, we talk about the contrast between his shy conversational style and his ability to make an impact on people when he steps on the pitch. “I don’t really say too much in general but when I’m on a pitch I try to. I feel like it’s two different personalities. Off the pitch it’s quiet. I find it hard to speak to new people. But when I’m on the pitch I feel it just comes freely.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/cole-palmer-chelsea-premier-league-transfer-speculation-england-world-cup">Continue reading...</a> Chelsea Football Sport Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:00:52 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/cole-palmer-chelsea-premier-league-transfer-speculation-england-world-cup Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian Exclusive by Jacob Steinberg 2026-04-17T19:00:52Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/17/san-diego-padres-record-sale-jose-feliciano-chelsea <ul><li><p>Clearlake’s José E Feliciano, wife Kwanza Jones win bid</p></li><li><p>Previous record for club was Cohen’s $2.42bn for Mets</p></li><li><p>Everton owner Dan Friedkin said to be among finalists</p></li></ul><p>The San Diego Padres are nearing a sale to a group led by José E Feliciano, co-founder of private equity firm Clearlake Capital and co-owner of Chelsea FC, and his wife, Kwanza Jones, for a Major League Baseball-record $3.9bn, according to multiple reports.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.wsj.com/sports/baseball/san-diego-padres-sale-b954a4d4">Wall Street Journal</a> and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7203881/2026/04/17/san-diego-padres-sale-jose-e-feliciano/">the Athletic</a> reported on Friday that the group was closing in on a deal. The sale requires approval by 75% of MLB’s 30 owners. The reported price would surpass <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/oct/30/steve-cohen-new-york-mets-sale">the $2.42bn Steve Cohen</a> paid for the New York Mets in 2020.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/17/san-diego-padres-record-sale-jose-feliciano-chelsea">Continue reading...</a> San Diego Padres US sports MLB Baseball Sport Chelsea Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:45:50 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/17/san-diego-padres-record-sale-jose-feliciano-chelsea Photograph: Brandon Sloter/Getty Images Photograph: Brandon Sloter/Getty Images Photograph: Brandon Sloter/Getty Images Guardian sport 2026-04-17T16:45:50Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/apr/18/brentford-v-fulham-premier-league-live <p>⚽️ Premier League updates from the 12.30pm BST kick-off<br>⚽ <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/fixtures">Live scores</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/tables">Latest tables</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/sep/15/premier-league-top-scorers-2025-26-who-is-leading-race-for-golden-boot">Top scorers</a> | And <a href="mailto:tim.delisle.casual@guardian.co.uk">email Tim</a></p><p><strong>1 min</strong> Brentford kick off, lump the ball forward and Igor Thiago wins a corner!</p><p><strong>“Given today’s match between two solid London sides,” says Peter O’Connor, “a poser.</strong> If there were an independent state of London, where would its football league figure among the Big Five European leagues?”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/apr/18/brentford-v-fulham-premier-league-live">Continue reading...</a> Premier League Football Brentford Fulham Sport Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:05:48 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/apr/18/brentford-v-fulham-premier-league-live Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters Tim de Lisle 2026-04-18T12:05:48Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/18/pep-guardiola-manchester-city-hard-to-replace-alex-ferguson-manchester-united <p>Manager goes into Sunday’s showdown with Arsenal as a subplot bubbles regarding whether this is a farewell title tilt</p><p>Manchester City versus Arsenal on Sunday is a showdown for the ages. Second hosting first at what is likely to be a febrile Etihad Stadium might well be scripted by a Hollywood studio. Enter Pep Guardiola and the box‑office subplot of whether this could be his&nbsp;swansong season and, as such,&nbsp;a&nbsp;farewell tilt at the championship of an epoch-defining period piloting City.</p><p>Lose to Arsenal and Guardiola’s hope of a seventh crown will be all&nbsp;but extinguished. He would have&nbsp;“only” the FA Cup left to add&nbsp;to 16 major honours won while&nbsp;in charge at City, the last being last month’s fifth <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/mar/22/arsenal-manchester-city-carabao-cup-final-match-report">League Cup triumph</a> – over Arsenal. Defeat the&nbsp;visitors, however, and you would not bet against Guardiola leading his team home for a grandstand finish to the campaign – and his tenure. City would be only three points behind Arsenal with an extra match to play.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/18/pep-guardiola-manchester-city-hard-to-replace-alex-ferguson-manchester-united">Continue reading...</a> Manchester City Pep Guardiola Football Sport Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:00:15 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/18/pep-guardiola-manchester-city-hard-to-replace-alex-ferguson-manchester-united Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters Jamie Jackson 2026-04-18T11:00:15Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/18/david-moyes-merseyside-derby-everton-liverpool <p>Upwardly-mobile hosts are raising expectations heading into the first showdown against Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium</p><p>David Moyes extended sympathy and support for Arne Slot – which may not be what any Liverpool manager wishes to hear from an Everton counterpart before a Merseyside derby – yet could not resist the temptation to stir up some local rivalry in the same breath. There was a gleam in the eye and a barely suppressed grin on Moyes’s face as he ridiculed one of the reasons Slot has presented for the champions’ decline this season.</p><p>“Absolutely,” said the Everton manager when asked whether he sympathised with Slot’s predicament, just 12 months after he was on the verge of winning the Premier League title in his debut season. “Arne Slot has done a brilliant job and, I have got to say, he is really good coach. That is from a neutral point of view.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/18/david-moyes-merseyside-derby-everton-liverpool">Continue reading...</a> Everton David Moyes Football Sport Liverpool Sat, 18 Apr 2026 10:01:10 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/18/david-moyes-merseyside-derby-everton-liverpool Photograph: Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images Photograph: Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images Photograph: Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images Andy Hunter 2026-04-18T10:01:10Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/18/coventry-city-premier-league-promotion <p>Supporters and club insiders look back at the Sky Blues’ journey, from the depths of text-a-sub ridicule and fan mutinies to promotion</p><p>To understand the extraordinarily wild ride that Coventry have been on, culminating in the promotion <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/frank-lampard-delight-as-nervy-draw-at-blackburn-seals-promotion-for-coventry">achieved at Blackburn on Friday night</a>, you need only look at the text-a-substitute idea that has become part of football folklore.</p><p>In less than a decade, the club were relegated from the top flight for the first time after 34 years, lost their stadium and came within half an hour of extinction before being bought by a Mayfair-based hedge fund in 2007. The story goes that, as a way to generate extra revenue, fans would be able to text substitution suggestions to a premium-rate number during a match. It is frequently recalled in local and national newspapers. Fans are still asked about it today.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/18/coventry-city-premier-league-promotion">Continue reading...</a> Coventry City Championship Football Sport Frank Lampard Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:00:06 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/18/coventry-city-premier-league-promotion Photograph: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock Photograph: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock Photograph: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock Sam Cunningham 2026-04-18T07:00:06Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/bournemouth-set-to-appoint-marco-rose-as-manager-for-next-season <ul><li><p>Talks held with German over replacing Andoni Iraola</p></li><li><p>Rose out of work so can start planning immediately</p></li></ul><p>Bournemouth are set to appoint Marco Rose as their new manager after successful talks with the German. Rose has emerged as the favoured candidate to replace Andoni Iraola, who is stepping down when his contract expires this summer, and an agreement in principle is in place for him to take over.</p><p>Tiago Pinto, Bournemouth’s head of football operations, has moved swiftly since learning that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/15/bournemouth-in-talks-with-marco-rose-to-replace-andoni-iraola-as-head-coach">Iraola has decided to seek a fresh challenge</a>. Bournemouth considered a move for Kieran McKenna but the Ipswich manager’s heavy buyout clause presented a significant challenge and made a move for Rose more likely.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/bournemouth-set-to-appoint-marco-rose-as-manager-for-next-season">Continue reading...</a> Bournemouth Football Sport Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:39:49 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/bournemouth-set-to-appoint-marco-rose-as-manager-for-next-season Photograph: Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images/Shutterstock Photograph: Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images/Shutterstock Photograph: Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images/Shutterstock Jacob Steinberg 2026-04-17T16:39:49Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/marcus-rashford-faces-summer-post-loan-limbo-michael-carrick-door-manchester-united-not-closed <ul><li><p>Barcelona increasingly unlikely to make loan permanent</p></li><li><p>United keen to sell forward but few can afford wages</p></li></ul><p>Marcus Rashford could have a summer of transfer limbo in store despite Michael Carrick admitting the door is not completely closed on the forward playing for Manchester United again. Rashford is currently on loan at Barcelona but it is becoming increasingly unlikely the move will be made permanent, which will obligate a return to Old Trafford where he would receive a wage rise if the club qualify for the Champions League.</p><p>The 28-year-old has not played for United since December 2024, spending the past 16 months out on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona, who have the option to purchase Rashford for €30m (£26m). United sit comfortably in third, seven points above Saturday’s opponents, sixth-placed Chelsea, but will not want to see the gap close come full time at Stamford Bridge.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/marcus-rashford-faces-summer-post-loan-limbo-michael-carrick-door-manchester-united-not-closed">Continue reading...</a> Manchester United Marcus Rashford Michael Carrick Football Sport Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:30:55 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/marcus-rashford-faces-summer-post-loan-limbo-michael-carrick-door-manchester-united-not-closed Photograph: Lluís Gené/AFP/Getty Images Photograph: Lluís Gené/AFP/Getty Images Photograph: Lluís Gené/AFP/Getty Images Will Unwin 2026-04-17T21:30:55Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/sarina-wiegman-iceland-england-spain-womens-world-cup-qualifier <ul><li><p>Lionesses sit top of World Cup qualifying group</p></li><li><p>Saturday’s match will be 500th in team’s history</p></li></ul><p>Sarina Wiegman has said it is important England get the right result against Iceland in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier to make the win against Spain at Wembley on Tuesday “even more valuable”.</p><p>England put themselves in pole position in their qualifying group with the tight <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/14/england-spain-womens-world-cup-2027-qualifying-match-report">1-0 victory over Spain</a>, with Lauren Hemp’s early goal the difference. The European champions have three wins from three and with only the top team from each group in League A securing automatic qualification and avoiding the playoffs, the incentive to keep winning is high.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/sarina-wiegman-iceland-england-spain-womens-world-cup-qualifier">Continue reading...</a> England women's football team Women's World Cup 2027 qualifiers Women's football Football Sport Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:29:49 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/sarina-wiegman-iceland-england-spain-womens-world-cup-qualifier Photograph: Naomi Baker/The FA/Getty Images Photograph: Naomi Baker/The FA/Getty Images Photograph: Naomi Baker/The FA/Getty Images Suzanne Wrack in Reykjavík 2026-04-17T14:29:49Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/18/scotland-v-england-womens-six-nations-rugby-union-live <p> Women’s Six Nations updates, 1.30pm BST kick-off<br> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/17/scotland-women-murrayfield-landmark-depleted-england-womens-six-nations-rugby-union">Scotland ready for Murrayfield landmark</a> | <a href="mailto:daniel.gallan.casual@guardian.co.uk">Mail Daniel</a></p><p><strong>How about some stats I’ve dug up (pulled straight from Scottish Rugby’s own website):</strong></p><p>England (57%) and Scotland (55%) had the highest territory rates of any sides in Round One of this year’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations.</p><p>Scotland had the highest ruck success rate of any side in last weekend’s fixtures (97.8%), while England’s average attacking ruck speed of 2.56 seconds was the quickest of any team last time out.</p><p>Scotland (5/5) and England (8/8) were two of three sides not to lose a single scrum on their own put-in during the opening round of this year’s Championship (also France, 3/3).</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/18/scotland-v-england-womens-six-nations-rugby-union-live">Continue reading...</a> Women's Six Nations Women's rugby union Rugby union Scotland women's rugby union team England women's rugby union team Sport Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:05:53 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/18/scotland-v-england-womens-six-nations-rugby-union-live Photograph: Molly Darlington/RFU/The RFU Collection/Getty Images Photograph: Molly Darlington/RFU/The RFU Collection/Getty Images Photograph: Molly Darlington/RFU/The RFU Collection/Getty Images Daniel Gallan 2026-04-18T12:05:53Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/18/hampshire-v-somerset-warwickshire-v-essex-and-more-county-cricket-live <p> Updates from the second day’s play in the latest round<br> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/18/sign-up-to-the-spin">Sign up for The Spin</a> | <a href="mailto:tanya.aldred.freelance@theguardian.com">Mail Tanya</a> or comment BTL</p><p><strong>At Southampton, Kyle Abbott is </strong>hustling with admirable vigour. Baker still running in from the other end, elbows horizontally churning. Rew (85) and Abell (41) have now put on a hundred for the fourth wicket. <strong>Somerset 175-3, 63 behind.</strong></p><p><strong>And three for Jimmy Anderson</strong>, two in an over, old teammate Will Williams lbw and Henry Brookes caught. Gloucestershire all out 136, and I predict a couple of days of toil in the field.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/18/hampshire-v-somerset-warwickshire-v-essex-and-more-county-cricket-live">Continue reading...</a> County Championship Hampshire Somerset Warwickshire Essex Northamptonshire Middlesex Gloucestershire Lancashire Cricket County Championship Division One County Championship Division Two Sport Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:58:28 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/18/hampshire-v-somerset-warwickshire-v-essex-and-more-county-cricket-live Photograph: Dave Vokes/Shutterstock Photograph: Dave Vokes/Shutterstock Photograph: Dave Vokes/Shutterstock Tanya Aldred 2026-04-18T11:58:28Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/apr/18/spurs-seek-elusive-victory-lionesses-in-iceland-and-coventry-seal-premier-league-promotion-matchday-live <p>⚽️ Look back on Saturday’s news, discussion and buildup</p><p><strong>The Guardian has kicked off a new chapter in puzzles</strong> with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/info/2025/sep/29/upgrade-your-downtime-with-guardian-puzzles">the launch of its first daily football game</a>, On the ball. It is now live in the app for both iOS and Android … so what are you waiting for?</p><p><strong>Not something</strong> you see everyday, it’s like something from a Hitchcock film:</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/apr/18/spurs-seek-elusive-victory-lionesses-in-iceland-and-coventry-seal-premier-league-promotion-matchday-live">Continue reading...</a> Football Sport Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:07:32 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/apr/18/spurs-seek-elusive-victory-lionesses-in-iceland-and-coventry-seal-premier-league-promotion-matchday-live Composite: Guardian Pictures; Sportsphoto/Allstar Picture Library Ltd; PA; Reuters Composite: Guardian Pictures; Sportsphoto/Allstar Picture Library Ltd; PA; Reuters Composite: Guardian Pictures; Sportsphoto/Allstar Picture Library Ltd; PA; Reuters Tom Bassam 2026-04-18T11:07:32Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/the-crucible-holds-tribute-to-former-player-and-commentator-john-virgo <ul><li><p>World Championship venue has a minute’s applause</p></li><li><p>Voice of snooker died in February aged 79</p></li></ul><p>A minute’s applause was paid in tribute to John Virgo, who died in February aged 79, as the World Snooker Championship got under way at the Crucible in Sheffield.</p><p>Virgo, who won the UK Championship in 1979, enjoyed a successful playing career but was best known for his broadcasting.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/the-crucible-holds-tribute-to-former-player-and-commentator-john-virgo">Continue reading...</a> World Snooker Championship Snooker Sport Sat, 18 Apr 2026 10:16:18 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/the-crucible-holds-tribute-to-former-player-and-commentator-john-virgo Photograph: George Wood/Getty Images Photograph: George Wood/Getty Images Photograph: George Wood/Getty Images Guardian sport 2026-04-18T10:16:18Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/super-rugby-team-moana-pasifika-union-lost-to-league <ul><li><p>Coach Umaga calls for more support for union in Samoa and Tonga</p></li><li><p>Super Rugby club’s future in grave doubt beyond this season</p></li></ul><p>All Blacks great and Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga fears the region’s talent will gravitate to league and derail the Tongan and Samoan Test sides without a Super Rugby presence.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/15/no-longer-viable-super-rugby-team-moana-pasifika-to-be-axed-at-end-of-season">Super Rugby Pacific franchise is set to be disbanded</a> after ownership on Wednesday confirmed it would not continue funding the “unviable” operation beyond this season.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/super-rugby-team-moana-pasifika-union-lost-to-league">Continue reading...</a> Super Rugby Pacific Rugby union Australia sport Sport Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:43:05 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/super-rugby-team-moana-pasifika-union-lost-to-league Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP Australian Associated Press 2026-04-17T23:43:05Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/17/hampshire-v-somerset-warwickshire-v-essex-and-more-county-cricket-day-one-live <p>James Rew’s unbeaten 77 helped put Somerset in a strong position after bowling out Hampshire for 238, while Jamie Porter made inroads for Essex at Egbaston before the weather intervened</p><p><strong>Bad news for Lancs at Bristol,</strong> where Ajeet Singh Dale seems to have done something nasty to his hamstring and has limped off. A real shame on his return to his old club. <strong>Glos 8-0. </strong></p><p><strong>A fascinating piece by Emma John,</strong> with a mention of Benny Howell of Hants, Glos and more.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/17/hampshire-v-somerset-warwickshire-v-essex-and-more-county-cricket-day-one-live">Continue reading...</a> County Championship Warwickshire Essex Hampshire Somerset Gloucestershire Lancashire Middlesex Northamptonshire Cricket Sport County Championship Division One County Championship Division Two Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:19:50 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/17/hampshire-v-somerset-warwickshire-v-essex-and-more-county-cricket-day-one-live Photograph: Dave Vokes/Shutterstock Photograph: Dave Vokes/Shutterstock Photograph: Dave Vokes/Shutterstock Tanya Aldred 2026-04-17T22:19:50Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/mikel-arteta-manchester-city-arsenal-tactics-bukayo-saka-injury <ul><li><p>Arsenal coach sees trip to Etihad as ‘a big opportunity’</p></li><li><p>Bukayo Saka still unavailable with an achilles problem</p></li></ul><p>Mikel Arteta will go all out for victory in Sunday’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/pep-guardiola-mikel-arteta-manchester-city-arsenal-premier-league-title">Premier League title showdown at Manchester City</a> and has not thought for “one second” about setting up for a draw.</p><p>Arsenal are six points clear of City, albeit they have played an extra game, and a stalemate could move them decisively towards the trophy they crave. According to Opta’s projections, Arsenal would have an 89% probability of winning the title if it finished all square at the Etihad Stadium.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/mikel-arteta-manchester-city-arsenal-tactics-bukayo-saka-injury">Continue reading...</a> Arsenal Mikel Arteta Manchester City Football Sport Premier League Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:30:55 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/mikel-arteta-manchester-city-arsenal-tactics-bukayo-saka-injury Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters David Hytner 2026-04-17T21:30:55Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/united-states-australia-wallaroos-womens-rugby-union-pacific-four-report <ul><li><p>Australia suffer 33-12 defeat to United States women in Kansas City</p></li><li><p>Tornado warnings and storm delay start of game by nearly three hours</p></li></ul><p>Wild weather delayed play for nearly three hours before the Wallaroos were outmuscled 33-12 by the United States in a Pacific Four Series rugby clash that went beyond midnight in Kansas.</p><p>Prop Hope Rogers scored a double as the hosts ran in the final three tries after Australian winger Desiree Miller’s try early in the second half made it a two-point game.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/united-states-australia-wallaroos-womens-rugby-union-pacific-four-report">Continue reading...</a> Australia women's rugby union team USA women's rugby union team Women's rugby union Rugby union Australia sport US sports Sport Sat, 18 Apr 2026 08:16:44 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/united-states-australia-wallaroos-womens-rugby-union-pacific-four-report Photograph: Jamie Squire/Getty Images Photograph: Jamie Squire/Getty Images Photograph: Jamie Squire/Getty Images Australian Associated Press 2026-04-18T08:16:44Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/17/alycia-baumgardner-bo-mi-re-shin-boxing-fight-live-updates <ul><li><p>Baumgardner retains WBA, WBO and IBF belts at 130lb</p></li><li><p>New Zealand’s Daniels upsets Green for unified 168lb crown</p></li><li><p>Green taken from ring on stretcher in frightening scene</p></li></ul><p><strong>We’ll share any updates on Green’s condition as soon as we hear them.</strong> In the meantime, the main event is about to start with Alycia Baumgardner and Bo Mi Re Shin making their entrances.</p><p><strong>Concern is rippling through the theater after Shadasia Green’s TKO loss to Lani Daniels with the American having been quickly removed from the ring on a stretcher.</strong> The decision to immobilize and transport her from the ring, before the result has even been announced, has prompted commotion at ringside.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/17/alycia-baumgardner-bo-mi-re-shin-boxing-fight-live-updates">Continue reading...</a> Boxing Sport US sports Sat, 18 Apr 2026 05:32:03 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/17/alycia-baumgardner-bo-mi-re-shin-boxing-fight-live-updates Photograph: Ed Mulholland/Getty Images Photograph: Ed Mulholland/Getty Images Photograph: Ed Mulholland/Getty Images Bryan Armen Graham at Madison Square Garden 2026-04-18T05:32:03Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/17/nfl-reporter-rescues-man-dianna-russini <p>Dianna Russini, who was photographed with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, climbed on to Jeep to pull out man and dog</p><p>A day after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/14/nfl-reporter-russini-resigns-amid-self-feeding-speculation-over-photos-with-patriots-vrabel">resigning</a> from the Athletic amid an internal investigation into photos of her and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, the NFL reporter Dianna Russini rescued an older man and a dog from an overturned car in New Jersey.</p><p>Russini’s actions in the aftermath of a car crash on Wednesday in Wyckoff, New Jersey, were confirmed by a source with direct knowledge of the matter. <a href="https://pagesix.com/2026/04/17/celebrity-news/dianna-russini-mounts-daring-rescue-of-elderly-man-dog/">Page Six</a> on Friday first reported on the wreck and Russini’s intervention, 10 days after the celebrity news outlet exclusively published the photos of Russini and Vrabel.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/17/nfl-reporter-rescues-man-dianna-russini">Continue reading...</a> New Jersey NFL Media US news US sports New York Times Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:44:52 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/17/nfl-reporter-rescues-man-dianna-russini Photograph: Icon Sportswire/Getty Images Photograph: Icon Sportswire/Getty Images Photograph: Icon Sportswire/Getty Images Ramon Antonio Vargas 2026-04-17T22:44:52Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/nba-playoffs-australia-dyson-daniels-atlanta-hawks <p>Australian guard has endured a mixed campaign but will be one of the Hawks’ main protagonists in a marquee match-up against the New York Knicks</p><p>The so-called “Great Barrier Thief” will be unleashed on to one of basketball’s most storied stages this weekend, as Australian Dyson Daniels storms into an NBA playoff battle against Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.</p><p>The Atlanta guard has, like his team, endured a mixed season. But both have finished strongly to make the Hawks a dark horse as the sixth-seed in an Eastern Conference bracket considered wide open.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/nba-playoffs-australia-dyson-daniels-atlanta-hawks">Continue reading...</a> NBA NBA finals Atlanta Hawks Basketball Australia sport US sports Sport Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:00:48 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/18/nba-playoffs-australia-dyson-daniels-atlanta-hawks Photograph: Adam Hagy/NBAE/Getty Images Photograph: Adam Hagy/NBAE/Getty Images Photograph: Adam Hagy/NBAE/Getty Images Jack Snape 2026-04-17T15:00:48Z