Alex Hoad

St Helens have appointed current Australia head coach Kevin Walters as their new head coach on a three-year contract beginning in 2027. Walters will remain in charge of Australia through the home World Cup in October and November before taking up the Saints role. The former Brisbane Broncos and Catalans Dragons coach brings extensive playing and coaching experience, while interim boss Eamon O'Carroll will remain in charge until the end of the current season. The appointment follows Paul Rowley's departure and comes as injury-hit St Helens sit seventh in Super League, at risk of missing the play-offs for the first time.

Northamptonshire Steelbacks secured their third T20 Blast title with a 14‑run win over Hampshire Hawks after Ricardo Vasconcelos' 88 set up a defendable total and a late bowling surge sealed the result. Sonny Baker’s five‑wicket haul kept Hampshire in contention before a collapse in the final overs, including the run-out of Liam Dawson and Joe Weatherley’s dismissal on 75, derailed their chase. Strong performances across the season from Vasconcelos, Sales and Lynn highlighted Northamptonshire’s resurgence, while Hampshire were left to reflect on narrow margins and missed chances in another close Finals Day defeat.

The United States advanced to a World Cup 2026 quarter-final meeting with Belgium after a deserved win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, but their progress was overshadowed by Folarin Balogun’s red card. Balogun scored his third goal of the tournament before being sent off for an accidental-looking challenge, resulting in an automatic suspension that may be extended by FIFA. The team expressed confidence in replacing him, with Ricardo Pepi the likely option. Mauricio Pochettino praised the squad’s unity, while analysts suggested the dismissal strengthened the side’s defensive resolve. The US are viewed as having exceeded expectations and pose a strong challenge to Belgium.