
Ireland must ‘stop rot’ after Paris humbling
Ireland’s heavy defeat by France to open the Six Nations will only further press questions raised by a lacklustre autumn.
FRIDAY, 06 FEBRUARY 2026, 06:40

Ireland’s heavy defeat by France to open the Six Nations will only further press questions raised by a lacklustre autumn.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell admits his side have a lot of work to do following their 36-14 defeat against France in the opening match of 2026 Six Nations.

Ruthless France inflict more pain on Ireland as the Six Nations holders open their title defence with a bonus-point victory at a buoyant Stade de France.

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is a target for Juventus, Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has a release clause in his Al-Nassr contract, Napoli are set to hold talks to extend Scott McTominay’s contract, plus more.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend insists he and his side have learned from their autumn failings before they start their Six Nations campaign in Rome on Saturday.

The Saudi Pro League warns Cristiano Ronaldo “no individual” determines decisions outside of his club amid doubts over his future at Al-Nassr.

Team GB survive a late Czech Republic fightback to win 8-7 to maintain their perfect winning record in the curling mixed doubles at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Some are calling for Michael Carrick to be made permanent Man Utd manager, but the club will not rush a decision.

A tribunal rules Liverpool must pay Chelsea an intial £2.8m for signing teenage winger Rio Ngumoha from the Blues’ academy in 2024.

Jack Draper cruises to an emphatic victory on his long-awaited return from injury to give Great Britain the lead over Norway in Davis Cup qualifying.

Kaizer Chiefs have the league and CAF Confederation Cup but do they really have a good enough team to win either?

England Test captain Ben Stokes sustains a facial injury after being struck by a ball while coaching Durham’s academy.

T20 World Cup co-hosts Sri Lanka ask Pakistan to reverse their refusal to play their group match against India in Colombo.

Jack Draper claims an emphatic victory on his long-awaited return from injury to give Great Britain a 1-0 lead over Norway in Davis Cup qualifying.

Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor says “key players missing in key positions” is reason why Blues sit 12 points behind WSL leaders Manchester City.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is an injury doubt for England’s Six Nations opener against Wales on Saturday after the wing pulls up in training on Thursday.

Wales are huge underdogs on Saturday against England having not won a Six Nations game since March 2023.

Lesedi Kapinga, formerly with Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, is set to sign for the South African Premier League rookies Orbit College.

Smriti Mandhana plays a breathtaking innings as Royal Challengers Bengaluru complete a record-breaking Women’s Premier League chase to beat Delhi Capitals.

Kaizer Chiefs face Al-Masry in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday. A defeat will leave Amakhosi with very slim chances of making the final eight.

Former Great Britain athlete Reece Prescod tells BBC sports editor Dan Roan he is competing at the Enhanced Games to help himself get back into a “sub-10” shape and to “push his body to the limits”, and would be open to enhancements if he feels they could take his body to the next level.