Former Ireland and Munster star Simon Zebo believes the BKT United Rugby Championship has improved “ten-fold” and has named Leinster as the team to beat heading into the new season.

The 35-cap Ireland international says the variety of playing styles and growing number of international players across the competition have helped transform the URC into one of rugby’s most entertaining leagues.

Zebo, who retired from professional rugby in 2024 and is now part of the Premier Sports punditry team, believes defending champions Leinster remain the benchmark as the new campaign gets underway.

Simon Zebo: URC standard has gone up ‘ten-fold’

Now entering its sixth season in its current format, the BKT URC brings together teams from Ireland, South Africa, Scotland, Wales and Italy.

Zebo believes that mix has become one of the competition’s biggest strengths.

“How it’s evolved is how attractive it is to watch on the eye. I think the standard of the league across the board and the style we are being treated to, there’s a lot of quality on the pitch.

“That’s why there’s such a good connection with a lot of the supporters who are mad keen to go to the stadiums and watch live matches.

“It all boils down to the quality of the product. We are being treated to some amazing games, great cross culture matches.”

The former Munster and Racing 92 star believes the contrasting approaches across the competition provide both entertainment for supporters and an important test for players.

“There are loads of different styles that we are able to watch on view instead of just one country specifically. You’ve got the South African style versus the Irish style, the Italians, Scots and Welsh.

“It’s a great crossover and the difference in styles naturally prepares you for international rugby.”

Why the BKT URC is so difficult to win

Zebo believes the variety teams encounter from one weekend to the next is a major reason why winning the United Rugby Championship is such a difficult challenge.

“I think the difficulty in the league is that it’s so hard to win. That’s connected to the crossover in styles, the different cultures and different tests that come at you from week to week.

“It’s preparing for a Scottish team like Glasgow who can run at you from everywhere and then the following week playing the Bulls who are going to scrum you off the pitch to then maybe playing Munster or Leinster who can bring the aerial game into it.

“There are just so many different styles and lots of crossover and so many international players who are on display in the BKT URC now.

Advertisement

“They are nearly like smaller international matches with the quality of player on the field.”

Zebo feels the overall standard of the competition has increased dramatically.

“The competition is continuing to grow. The standard of rugby we are being treated to has gone up ten fold. That’s why I think it’s continuing to drive engagement, get people talking and there is a lot of excitement around now for the new season.”

Simon Zebo names Leinster as the URC team to beat

When it comes to the title race, Zebo believes Leinster remain the side everyone else has to catch.

Leinster enter the campaign as defending champions and will be looking to add another URC crown during Leo Cullen’s final season as head coach.

“I would say that Leinster are still the team to beat,” said Zebo while speaking at a BKT URC Round Table.

“Yes, there’s a lot of quality in South Africa in particular. The size and tactics of their teams can be a bit of an Achilles heel for the Irish sides at times.

“But given what Leinster have done to the Bulls in previous finals, their squad is so deep, they have so much quality.

“There’s a confidence there as well when you are champions. It’s tough to knock over the current champs.

“With the South African sides, Glasgow and Munster, there are plenty of teams in the mix.

Advertisement

“But, as of now, Leinster are probably still favourites going in by the bookies. It’s hard to begrudge them that.

“I think they are still very much the team to beat.”

Why a fast start matters in the URC

Zebo believes the opening rounds can have a major influence on a team’s title challenge, particularly in a competition where the battle for the play-off positions can quickly become congested.

“Finding a rhythm early on is probably the hardest part,” he said.

“Getting an early start breeds confidence for the rest of the season.

Advertisement

“Then other factors come into play about squad health, fatigue and all other things.

“But if you can get out early ahead of the pack, avoid that mosh pit and stay top three, top four, it just has a massive bearing on the rest of your season.

“You are not chasing points as heavily in the later rounds. The knock-on effect is huge.

“You are far better off getting a good early start and getting that confidence in your game plan early doors.”

Advertisement

Simon Zebo enjoying life after rugby

The 36-year-old has moved into broadcasting since calling time on his playing career in 2024.

Having represented Ireland 35 times along with spells at Munster and Racing 92, Zebo says remaining close to rugby has helped with the transition from playing.

“I love it. I’m incredibly fortunate to work with Premier Sports and get to stay up close with the action and remain in contact with the current players and past buddies that you played with.

“It’s nice to give insight and have a bit of fun at the same time. It comes back to the rugby we are being treated to. The product is so good at the moment.

“It’s always a joy. I wouldn’t call it work to be honest. It’s a privilege to be involved in the game still. It’s a nice transition out of playing the game.”

Advertisement

Munster v Glasgow Warriors

Zebo will be part of the Premier Sports team at Thomond Park on Saturday for Munster Rugby v Glasgow Warriors.

He will be joined by Ross Harries, Ryan Wilson, Darren Cave, Ryle Nugent and Paul Marshall.

Premier Sports will show every BKT United Rugby Championship game live throughout the season.

Simon Zebo was speaking as part of a BKT United Rugby Championship Round Table.

LiveScores Now Available at IrishScores.com

Manny Pacquiao could be set for a return to the global spotlight, with ambitious plans underway to feature the eight-division champion in a co-main event alongside Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) ended a four-year ring hiatus last summer when he fought to a competitive draw with then-WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

He then signed for a money-spinning rematch with Floyd Mayweather, but legal issues on the American’s side have seen that postponed with no rescheduled date. The Filipino’s team made it clear that he is still looking to get out this year, with most expecting an exhibition.

However, Shakur Stevenson may land the biggest commercial showcase of his career opposite the 47-year-old Hall of Famer.

According to a report by Boxing Scene, a historic “double main event” pairing Pacquiao and Stevenson remains actively in the works, even after the Joshua vs Fury heavyweight clash has moved across the Atlantic to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

Broadcast giants Netflix are understood to be pushing hard for the two-fight mega-bill, which is likely to take place on December 11.

Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) joined Zuffa Boxing on an exclusive multi-fight deal earlier this year, but is yet to have his debut fight under the fledgling promotion.

He has recently been linked to fellow super-lightweight world champion Gary Antuanne Russell – a more traditional match-up and perhaps with more intrigue, given Pacquiao’s advancing years. The weight for the proposed cross-generational contest is unclear, with the American recently saying he would only go as high as a 144lbs catchweight but Pacquiao unlikely to drop beneath 147.

With organisers targeting an official announcement for Joshua vs Fury in the coming days, fight figures will be watching closely to see if UK fans will be treated to not one, but two generational showdowns this December.

Indian rowers Satnam Singh and Salman Khan pose with their bronze medal (PTI Photo)

For rower Salman Khan, winning an Asian Games medal is the latest chapter in a journey that began with family responsibilities, financial struggles and a job as a cab driver.The Indian rower won the bronze medal in the men’s double sculls event alongside teammate Satnam Singh at the Asian Games 2026 on Thursday. The Indian pair stayed in second place until the 1,500m mark before slipping to third in the final 500m. They finished the race in 6:13.25 at the Nagaragawa International Regatta Course.China’s Yi Xudi and Yide Nie won gold with a timing of 6:09.37, while Uzbekistan’s Pavel Sorin and Mekhrojbek Mamatkulov took silver in 6:10.49.For Salman, the medal has come after years of hard work and a life that could have taken a very different path.

Salman lost his father at 18

Salman was born in Pure Dhingai in Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh. His father, Mohammed Kasim Khan, worked in truck-body construction in Tauru, Haryana, where Salman completed his schooling.He was the eldest of four brothers and two sisters. When his father died of dengue, Salman was just 18 years old.With his younger siblings still studying, the responsibility of supporting the family fell on him. His dream of joining the Army had to take a backseat as earning a livelihood became his priority.Salman started driving an Uber cab in Delhi. He worked day and night to keep his family going.

A friend’s advice changed his life

Salman had not given up completely on his Army dream. One day, while resting after a shift, a close friend reminded him that his height and physical build could help him in the Army. That advice pushed him to try again.He handed over the cab to another driver and spent four months preparing through hard running and training. He cleared the recruitment rally, medical and written examinations.In September 2018, he joined the Bombay Engineer Group (BEG), Kirkee, Pune.

How Salman became a rower

At the training centre, coaches noticed Salman’s height and physique and introduced him to rowing. He knew nothing about the sport and initially had no interest in taking it up. With his family’s financial situation, sport was not something he thought he could pursue.He refused several times. But the coaches continued to push him and eventually put him in a boat. They saw potential in him and began training him seriously.Salman’s first inter-centre regatta gave him the first sign that he could make something out of rowing. He won a silver medal, which gave him confidence.

The turning point

The next major step came in 2021 when Salman cleared the ergometer benchmarks and was selected for the Army Rowing Node at CME Pune. Training alongside some of India’s best rowers changed his outlook.What had started as a sport he did not even want to take up became something he wanted to pursue professionally.Salman began to believe that rowing could help him win medals for India.

From national gold to international success

Salman’s progress continued over the next few years. At the 36th National Games in Gujarat in 2022, he won gold. At the 2023 Senior Nationals, he won gold in the single sculls against Olympian Dattu Bhokanal. That performance helped him earn a place in the India camp.In 2024, Salman won his first international gold at the Asian Rowing Cup in South Korea with Nitin Deol. That victory also earned him a promotion to Naib Subedar in the Indian Army.He followed it with a silver at the 2025 Australian Rowing Championships and another silver at the 2025 Asian Rowing Championships.Those performances helped him secure his place in India’s Asian Games squad.

From driving a cab to wearing the India jersey

For Salman, representing India carries a special meaning because of where his journey started. He came from a village background and had to take responsibility for his family at a very young age.His mother, Jabrun Nisha, remained a major source of strength for him, while his wife, Sahiba Khatoon, supported him throughout his journey.His coaches and support staff also played a major role in keeping him on the rowing path, particularly during periods when he lost interest in the sport.At the Army Rowing Node, officers and coaches helped him regain his focus and develop as an athlete.Salman’s journey from Amethi to the Indian Army, and from an unfamiliar boat to an Asian Games medal, has been built over years of perseverance, discipline and the support of his family, coaches and teammates.

Sophie Cunningham showed off her inner quarterback skills before the Fever’s 96-77 win over the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday. She was handed a football to sign and throw in the stands.

The Fever guard launched the ball from the court to the second deck of the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. On Tuesday, the Fever’s X account shared the video of Cunningham’s throw.

Cunningham retweeted the video with her thoughts in the caption.

“Call me Patrick Mahomes from here on out,” she wrote.

Cunningham’s reference to Mahomes was a nod at the Chiefs star’s incredible football-throwing skills. As the Chiefs’ star quarterback, Mahomes has been one of the best passers in the NFL for almost a decade.

The Fever guard is gearing up for a postseason run with the Fever. Indiana has clinched a playoff spot and currently sits in fifth place in the WNBA standings with a 28-15 record. They have only one game remaining on their schedule.

“I had to get to work”: Sophie Cunningham on bouncing back from poor showing in loss to the Mystics

Sophie Cunningham had a forgettable night, going scoreless, in the Fever’s 93-77 loss to the Washington Mystics on Sunday. The Fever guard did not let the slump affect her in the following game.

Cunningham finished with 11 points, two rebounds, and two assists in the Fever’s last home game of the season in a win over the Lynx. After securing the win, the Fever guard reflected on her bounce-back.

“I just wanted to go out there and do my job,” she said. “I’m used to having to just work through things. I could have had an attitude kind of somewhat after the Washington game, but no, I had to get to work.”

“I had to look myself in the mirror: what can I do better? And defensively is one of those things that I can’t (not) show up. The team relies on me on that, and if it’s not that, my communication, my energy. And so, I just wanted to come in and be a pro and lock in, and I think I did that.”

Cunningham has played as a bench option under Stephanie White, starting only three games in 42 appearances. She is averaging 8.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game on 46.8% shooting.

Read More:

WNBA Analyst Alleges Sophie Cunningham’s Caitlin Clark Claim Could Be Fueling Talk of Locker Room Friction

WNBA Fans Grill Sophie Cunningham Over Triple-Zero Line Against Mystics