The Champions Cup will have a few points of interest to follow in opening round as South Africa’s three sides all face French opposition.

Wolves’ winless start to the season means they are on course for some unwanted records – including equalling the Premier League’s lowest Christmas points tally.

Former Salford Red Devils winger Mason Caton-Brown launches a bid to take over the club as part of a consortium.

The Sharks are preparing for a season without Eben Etzebeth after opting to deregister the lock for their Champions Cup campaign.

Uncapped utility backline player Nabo Sokoyi has been included in the Blitzboks squad for the Cape Town Sevens at DHL Stadium.

England and Scotland will know their World Cup opponents on Friday, but there will be a wait to discover where they will play.

Pots, quadrants, confederation constraints, group position grids … the World Cup draw is not going to be straightforward.

Siya Kolisi says Rassie Erasmus’s rotation policy had increased his chances of trying for a record third successive Rugby World Cup crown.

Anastasia Potapova switches nationality from Russian to Austrian after her application for citizenship is accepted.

George Ford is missing because of injury, so Rob du Preez will start at fly-half for Sale in their Champions Cup opener against Glasgow.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois urges supporters to show players more “respect” after team-mate Vinicius Jr is once again the target of abuse by fans.

Sale Sharks women announce the signing of Canada wing Asia Hogan-Rochester from 1 January.

Kaizer Chiefs lost ground in the title race following their 0-0 draw with Chippa United. Will Amakhosi bounce back?

Australia prop Angus Bell is set to make his Ulster debut off the bench in Friday’s Challenge Cup opener against Racing 92 at Affidea Stadium.

The World Darts Championship is staying at Alexandra Palace until at least 2031 after a new five-year deal is agreed.

A delegation from Iran will attend the 2026 World Cup draw in the US on Friday after threatening to boycott it over a visa row.

Gus Atkinson is brilliantly caught by Alex Carey for four, to give Mitchell Starc a fifth wicket as England fall to 264-8 on the opening day of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.

As Rieko Ioane prepares for his Leinster debut, BBC Sport NI looks at his shock move and his spat with Ireland legend Johnny Sexton.

Joe Root hits his 40th career Test century, and his first in Australia, as England move on to 256-7 on day one of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.

The door has finally opened for Andre de Jong to join Orlando Pirates. Reports say Stellenbosch FC have accepted an offer.

More than 20,000 girls and women are now registered to play football in Wales, marking a major milestone for the Football Association of Wales.