Andrew Aloia

Wigan Warriors beat Wakefield Trinity 26-12 to move top of the Betfred Super League, recording a club-record 12th consecutive league win. Bevan French and Liam Marshall’s first-half tries put Wigan 20-0 ahead, while Jai Field’s 95-metre interception try proved decisive after Wakefield threatened a comeback through Corey Hall and Ky Rodwell. Wakefield remain fourth but risk dropping to fifth, while Leeds Rhinos can reclaim first place by beating York Knights. Wigan coach Matt Peet praised his side’s defence, whereas Wakefield coach Daryl Powell highlighted his team’s effort and questioned the decision to disallow Max Jowitt’s try.

Warrington Wolves defeated defending champions Hull KR 34-28 in a rearranged Super League fixture, moving within two points of leaders Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors after 23 games. George Williams scored the decisive try on his return from neck surgery, while Albert Hopoate scored twice and Liam Byrne, James Bentley and Toafofoa Sipley also crossed for Warrington. Hull KR led 14-10 at half-time but lost control after the interval; Mikey Lewis was sin-binned on his return from a four-game suspension. The result leaves Warrington in strong contention near the top and Hull KR fifth while still fighting for a play-off place, with Warrington also losing Josh Thewlis to a hamstring injury.

Lincoln City have signed Brentford midfielder Yunus Konak on a season-long loan after the 20-year-old agreed a new five-year contract with Brentford, including a 12-month option. The Turkey Under-21 international has made 10 Premier League substitute appearances and spent the latter part of the 2025-26 season on loan at Oxford United. Lincoln sporting director Jez George described Konak as the club's top midfield target and said his defensive qualities fit the team's playing model.

Derby County have signed 31-year-old midfielder Alex Mowatt from West Bromwich Albion on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee. The move followed West Brom’s rejection of an initial bid two days earlier. Mowatt, formerly of Leeds United and Barnsley, made 170 appearances for West Brom after joining in 2021. He is Derby’s fifth summer signing and the first since a takeover attempt involving Saudi government official Turki Al-Sheikh collapsed.

Burton Albion head coach Gary Bowyer says he has had limited input into the club’s summer recruitment and no direct contact with head of recruitment Harrison Modeste. With fewer than 20 players and only 12 or 13 fit to train before the League One opener against Stevenage, Bowyer urged the club to add more players. Burton subsequently signed midfielder Will Collar on a season-long loan from MK Dons. Bowyer said owner Nordic Football Group has returned to a data-led recruitment model, arguing that data should guide rather than replace human judgment about character.

Notts County have signed 22-year-old Australian forward Luka Smyth from Finnish top-flight club VPS for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract, with an option for an additional season. Smyth scored seven goals in 14 league appearances for VPS last season after earlier spells with Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners. Notts County director of football Richard Montague believes Smyth can build on his breakthrough campaign and contribute goals and all-round play following the club’s promotion to League One.

Leicester City manager Russell Martin says he and the club should be judged on their future performance rather than recent history. Leicester have suffered consecutive relegations and are rebuilding in League One while managing spending-rule constraints, squad departures and the sale of promising young players. Martin has been tasked with securing promotion and establishing a playing style that connects with supporters, but the squad remains short of attacking options, with the club seeking two or three strikers and wingers with different qualities.

Former Lincoln City chairman Clive Nates has stepped away from active involvement in the club after a period of ill health. Nates, 68, will retain a little over 11% of the shares in the club's parent company after leaving his role as co-vice chairman. He chaired Lincoln City from 2018 until early 2026 and helped finance its rise from non-league football to the Championship, where it returned after 65 years. Nates said he had largely recovered and wanted to pursue other ventures, while majority shareholder Ron Fowler and BBC Radio Lincolnshire commentator Michael Hortin praised his decade-long contribution.

Lincoln City secured long-term commitments from Conor McGrandles, George Wickens and Ryley Towler following their promotion to the Championship. McGrandles extended his stay until 2028 with an option for an additional year, while Wickens agreed to a three‑year deal plus a 12‑month option. Towler signed a new contract running to 2030 after making 48 appearances during the League One title-winning season. Sporting director Jez George highlighted Towler’s importance and team-first attitude.

Derby County signed Filip Bilbija on a three‑year contract after his departure from Paderborn following their promotion to the Bundesliga. Bilbija contributed significantly to Paderborn’s success with 17 goals last season and a crucial play‑off equaliser against Wolfsburg. Previously linked with Werder Bremen, he joins Derby’s squad during their pre‑season camp in Austria.

Imogen Clark maintains her elite swimming career while managing epilepsy and working full-time to self-fund her training, as the 50m breaststroke has not been an Olympic event. She continues to compete at a high level despite past medical advice to stop swimming, and she prepares for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games aiming to medal again while balancing work, training and health considerations.

Nottinghamshire all-rounder Liam Patterson-White has signed a new three-year contract extension through 2029 after contributing significantly with both bat and ball, including helping secure last season’s Championship title. Head coach Peter Moores commended his continued development and growing impact across formats.

Leeds Rhinos regained a four‑point lead at the top of the Super League with a 28‑6 win over Catalans Dragons in Perpignan. Brodie Croft scored a hat‑trick, with additional tries from Harry Newman and Lachlan Miller, securing Leeds’ control after a 16‑0 halftime lead. Catalans struggled to convert key chances and remain eighth in the standings. Ugo Tison scored a late try to prevent a scoreless home defeat. Coaches John Cartwright and Brad Arthur reflected on improved Catalans physicality and Leeds’ composure in a heated second half.

Leicestershire signed South Africa all-rounder Ruan de Swardt to replace Nick Kelly, who has been called up for New Zealand’s one-day series against West Indies. De Swardt will play the county’s remaining T20 Blast group matches and early One-Day Cup fixtures in what will be his first experience of English cricket. Director of cricket Claude Henderson expects him to contribute with both bat and ball.

Hull KR secured a 26-12 derby win over Hull FC at Magic Weekend, reclaiming momentum after a previous heavy defeat. Early tries from Mikey Lewis and Rhyse Martin set up a halftime lead before Hull FC narrowed the gap through Jake Arthur and Tom Briscoe. A Zak Hardaker penalty briefly levelled the score, but Jai Whitbread’s contentious try restored Hull KR’s advantage, and Tyrone May sealed the result. Strong defensive spells proved decisive as Hull FC suffered their seventh loss in eight games, with both head coaches acknowledging key turning points and areas for improvement.

Burton Albion signed forward Matthew Dennis from Notts County on a three-year deal with an option for an extra year after his productive season drew interest from other clubs. Despite a late-season goal drought and limited involvement in Notts County’s play-off campaign, Burton’s sporting director and head coach highlighted his athleticism, pace and potential impact. The 24-year-old previously played for Carlisle, Rochdale and MK Dons.