All Blacks star Dan Carter has been named player of the year at World Rugby's annual awards ceremony. Following their march to the World Cup final, Australia chief Michael Cheika won coach of the year – even though they lost 34-17 against New Zealand Japan will host the next tournament and were given the award for best World Cup match after their nail-biting opening win against South Africa. And the top referee award went to Welshman Nigel Owens who officiated at Saturday's final at Twickenham.
Man City reach League Cup semis, late Newcastle goal downs Fulham
Manchester City has eased into the semi-finals of the League Cup with a 2-0 home win over Brentford on Wednesday, and will meet holders Newcastle United who needed an added-time Lewis Miley goal to beat Fulham 2-1 at St James' Park.
Mbappe edges closer to Ronaldo record as Real survive Copa del Rey test
Kylian Mbappe has moved tantalisingly close to Cristiano Ronaldo's calendar-year scoring record for Real Madrid with a brace as they earned a 3-2 victory at third-tier Talavera de la Reina on Wednesday to reach the Copa del Rey's last 16 after a pulsating encounter.
MI Emirates hold on to stun Dubai Capitals by seven runs
MI Emirates has stunned the Dubai Capitals with a seven-run victory at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday, defending a modest total of 137/8.
Games of the Future open in Abu Dhabi
The UAE has officially opened the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025.
FIFA agrees 50% rise in prize money for 2026 World Cup
Prize money for next year's World Cup will be 50 per cent higher than the previous edition with world governing body FIFA agreeing a record $727 million financial contribution to the tournament on Wednesday.
