Joni Taylor is the 2026 recipient of the Kay Yow Heart of a Coach Award. The Texas A&M women’s basketball coach received the award after a unanimous vote from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley took to X to give Taylor her flowers.
“@CoachJoniTaylor, there’s not a big enough bouquet of flowers to celebrate you for who you are and what you represent to us! Congrats! Congrats! Congrats! Much deserved!” Staley wrote.
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Joni Taylor started her coaching career as an assistant at Troy. She took up the job shortly after graduating from Alabama, where she starred as a power forward and center.
Taylor had other stints as an assistant, namely with Louisiana Tech, Alabama, LSU and Georgia. She became the Georgia Bulldogs coach in April 2015. Taylor spent seven seasons in the role, posting winning records each year.
Taylor became the Texas A&M coach on March 23, 2022. She’s looking to guide the program to success in the uber-competitive SEC. The Aggies are currently 11-11 (4-9) in the 2025-26 season. They’re fresh off an 82-74 win against the No. 21-ranked Tennessee Vols, and their next game is against the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Dawn Staley and Joni Taylor made history in 2021
History was made at the 2021 Southeastern Conference Tournament Championship game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and Georgia Bulldogs. That game was the first time two Black women head coaches met in a Power Five conference tournament championship.
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Dawn Staley coached the Gamecocks to a win over Joni Taylor’s Bulldogs. The duo embraced before and after the showdown.
“You can’t dream what you can’t see,” said Taylor after the game.
“So (the SEC title game) was a chance for people to dream something that they haven’t seen before.”
Taylor has since taken her talent to Texas A&M, while Staley remains South Carolina’s coach. The latter is vying for a winning season, while the latter is aiming for yet another national championship to add to an impressive haul.
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Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey – who is NCAAW’s highest-paid coach? Find out here
Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) sits on the heated bench during warm ups prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images.
With general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah no longer attached to the Minnesota Vikings, the frequency of trades may screech to a halt. But for the sake of argument, let’s assume interim general manager Rob Brzezinski has some tricks up sleeve. These are the top eight players — big names — he could target.
Eight names to watch as Minnesota explores trade-market upgrades, including quarterbacks, trench help, and a few surprise options.
Minnesota has an almost full draft pick cabinet to wheel and deal, so there’s plenty of ammunition.
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The Vikings’ Options for a Blockbuster
A peek at the Vikings’ would-be trade targets, listed in ascending order (No. 1 = most likely to be targeted by Minnesota.
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II runs out of the tunnel before kickoff against the Washington Commanders on Nov. 3, 2024, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, energizing the home crowd as pregame introductions conclude and the Giants prepare for a divisional NFC East matchup. Mandatory Credit: Julian Leshay Guadalupe-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
8. Dexter Lawrence | DT, NYG
Lawrence could be on the trade block, and in theory, the Vikings should ship their No. 18 pick to New York for Lawrence and a mid-rounder.
Minnesota would presumably cut Javon Hargrave and roll with a defensive tackle corps that includes Lawrence, Jalen Redmond, Jonathan Allen, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. Lawrence is 29, meaning he has about 3-5 ultra-productive seasons left.
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7. Drew Lock | QB, SEA
The Seattle Seahawks grabbed Sam Darnold from the Vikings last offseason — and drafted Alabama’s Jalen Milroe in Round 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Lock is expendable. If Kevin O’Connell does not have big dreams of onboarding a big-name quarterback like Kyler Murray, Mac Jones, or Malik Willis, Lock has shown flashes in the past and has a strong arm.
Minnesota can probably get him for a 6th-Round pick or so.
6. Will Levis | QB, TEN
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Levis is reckless, and no one disputes it. He’s basically Tennessee’s version of J.J. McCarthy. But with Cam Ward firmly in his role as QB1, Levis doesn’t have much footing with the Titans. His next team can pry him away for a late-round pick.
Between McCarthy and Levis, maybe O’Connell could whisper to one and hope for the best. Like Lock, Levis also has a strong arm.
5. Keon Coleman | WR, BUF
The Buffalo Bills’ owner oddly threw Coleman under the bus early in the offseason. He claimed former head coach Sean McDermott was accountable for the “bad” pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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Coleman’s stock is low, and needing a WR3, the Vikings could trade a 5th-Rounder or so for him.
4. Anthony Richardson | QB, IND
Richardson is just like Levis: plagued by injuries and inconsistent. He has every physical tool, though, necessary to succeed. The Indianapolis Colts used Daniel Jones, Philip Rivers, and Riley Leonard at quarterback down the stretch of the 2025 regular season — basically everyone not named Anthony Richardson.
The Vikings could ship a late-rounder to Indianapolis for Richardson, hoping to see if he’s ready to forge a redemption story.
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3. Jerry Jeudy | WR, CLE
Jeudy hasn’t panned on in Cleveland — unless Jameis Winston is under center. He needs a competent quarterback, and with any luck, Minnesota will have one by early summer. The Vikings could also let Jalen Nailor depart in free agency, and replacing him with Jeudy would excite the fan base.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy secures a reception during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 28, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, working through coverage to move the chains in a late-season AFC North showdown. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images.
From the Browns’ perspective, it would be financially more navigable to trade Jeudy after June 1st, so this could be a summer talker for Minnesota.
2. Kyler Murray | QB, ARI
Murray didn’t earn the top spot on this list for one reason: recent momentum suggests the Arizona Cardinals may release him. The Vikings could sign Murray for “free.”
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Murray ran a 4.38 forty before entering the NFL, he can throw the ball 65-70 yards, and he’s the fifth-most accurate passer in the history of the league. He may not be scripted in a lab for O’Connell’s offense, but if he’s available on the open market, how could a quarterback-needy team like Minnesota possibly ignore the value?
1. Mac Jones | QB, SF
The San Francisco 49ers have overtly stated this offseason that they “don’t see themselves trading” Jones, which means they want a 1st- or 2nd-Rounder to jar him loose. O’Connell and his lieutenants must decide if Jones is worth a juicy draft pick, perhaps sending a 2nd-Rounder to San Francisco for Jones and a 4th-Round pick (or something similar).
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones releases a pass downfield during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals on Sep. 21, 2025, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, scanning the secondary before delivering the throw in an NFC West contest. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images.
Jones isn’t exactly like Sam Darnold — he doesn’t have Darnold’s arm strength — but he will have come from the 49ers’ roster, just like Darnold, and was a 1st-Round pick five years ago, just like Darnold.
In eight starts last season, Jones produced Darnoldian numbers. He’s probably the next reclamation story in the making.
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It all boils down to whether Minnesota can part with precious draft capital after a) Drafting poorly over the last four years, b) Having a roster that is old-ish subsequently.
Ishan Kishan and Aiden Markram will be crucial batters for their respective sides when the Men in Blue face South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, February 22 in a Group 1 Super 8 clash. Both India and South Africa topped their respective groups to progress to the Super 8s.
Kishan is India’s leading run-getter in the tournament heading into the Super 8 stage. In four innings, he has scored 176 runs at an average of 44 and a strike rate of 202.30, with two half-centuries. On the other hand, Markram has scored 178 runs at an average of 59.33 and a strike rate of 187.37, with two fifties.
Kishan has featured in 40 T20I matches so far. Ahead of the India vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash, we compare his stats with those of Markram after the latter had also played the same number of T20I matches.
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Ishan Kishan vs Aiden Markram – Who has a better average and strike rate after 40 T20Is?
In 40 T20Is, Kishan has scored 1,187 runs at an average of 30.43 and a strike rate of 144.75. He has scored 318 runs in 11 T20Is against New Zealand at an average of 28.90 and a strike rate of 155.88. The southpaw has also scored 206 runs in five T20Is against South Africa at an average of 41.20 and a strike rate of 150.36. Also, he has 165 runs in six T20Is against Sri Lanka at a strike rate of 136.36.
After 40 T20Is, Markram had scored 1,130 runs, averaging 37.66 at a strike rate of 149.47. The Proteas batter had 251 runs in seven matches against West Indies at an average of 62.75 and a strike rate of 156.87. He had also scored 199 runs in five matches against Pakistan at an average of 39.80 and a strike rate of 177.67. Also, he scored 165 runs in five T20Is against India at a strike rate of 143.47.
Ishan Kishan vs Aiden Markram – Who has more 50-plus scores after 40 T20Is?
In 40 T20Is, Kishan has 10 50-plus scores to his name – one ton and nine fifties. He slammed 103 off just 43 balls against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram in January this year. The 27-year-old also struck 89 off 56 balls against Sri Lanka in Lucknow in February 2022 and 77 off 40 against Pakistan in Colombo in the group stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
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Player
Runs
Average
SR
HS
100s
50s
Ishan Kishan
1,187
30.43
144.75
103
1
9
Aiden Markram
1,130
37.66
149.47
70
0
9
(Kishan vs Markram – Batting stats comparison after 40 T20Is)
After 40 T20Is, Markram had nine half-centuries to his credit. His best at that stage was 70, which came off 48 balls against West Indies in St George’s in July 2021. The Proteas batter had also scored 63 off 31 balls against Pakistan in Centurion in April 2021. Of his T20I fifties at that stage, three had come against Pakistan and two each against England and West Indies.
Ishan Kishan vs Aiden Markram – Who has a better record in wins after 40 T20Is?
In 28 matches in wins, Kishan has scored 1,005 runs at an average of 35.89 and a strike rate of 150.22, with one hundred and eight fifties. In nine matches in losses, he has scored 157 runs, averaging 17.44 at a strike rate of 118.04, with one fifty. Kishan has 15 runs in one game that ended in no result and 10 runs in one match that ended in a tie.
Player
Matches
Runs
Average
SR
HS
100s
50s
Ishan Kishan
29
1,005
35.89
150.22
103
1
8
Aiden Markram
24
679
42.43
149.88
70
0
7
(Kishan vs Markram – Batting stats comparison in wins after 40 T20Is)
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In 24 matches in wins, Markram had scored 679 runs at an average of 42.43 and a strike rate of 149.88, with seven half-centuries. In 15 matches in losses, he had 451 runs, averaging 32.21 and a strike rate of 148.84, with two fifties. Markram did not bat in one game that ended in no result.
Ishan Kishan vs Aiden Markram – Who has a better record in chases after 40 T20Is?
In 12 T20Is in chases, Kishan has scored 336 runs at an average of 28 and a strike rate of 136.58, with three half-centuries. In 28 T20Is while batting first, he has 851 runs at an average of 31.51 and a strike rate of 148.25, with the aid of one ton and six half-centuries.
Player
Matches
Runs
Average
SR
HS
100s
50s
Ishan Kishan
12
336
28
136.58
76
0
3
Aiden Markram
18
434
36.16
146.12
54
0
3
(Kishan vs Markram – Batting stats comparison in chases after 40 T20Is)
In 18 T20Is in chases, Markram had scored 434 runs at an average of 36.16 and a strike rate of 146.12, with three half-centuries. In 22 T20Is while batting first, he had 696 runs at an average of 38.66 and a strike rate of 151.63, with six fifties.
Bill Mazeroski, the Hall of Fame second baseman who won eight Gold Glove awards for his steady work in the field and the hearts of countless Pittsburgh Pirates fans for his historic walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, has died at the age of 89.
Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said, “Maz was one of a kind, a true Pirates legend … His name will always be tied to the biggest home run in baseball history and the 1960 World Series championship, but I will remember him most for the person he was: humble, gracious and proud to be a pirate.”
Mazeroski died Friday, the Pirates said. No cause of death was given.
Elected to the Hall by the Veterans Committee in 2001, he was, by some measures, no superstar. Mazeroski had the lowest batting average, on-base percentage and stolen base total of any second baseman in Cooperstown. He hit just .260 lifetime, with 138 homers and 27 stolen bases in 17 years, and had an on-base percentage of .299. He never batted .300, never approached 100 runs batted or 100 runs scored and only once finished in the top 10 for Most Valuable Player.
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His best qualities were both tangible and beyond the box score. His Hall of Fame plaque praises him as a “defensive wizard” with “hard-nosed hustle” and a “quiet work ethic.” A 10-time All-Star, he turned a major league record 1,706 double plays, earning the nickname “No Hands” for how quickly he fielded grounders and relayed them. He led the National League nine times in assists for second basemen and has been cited by statistician Bill James as the game’s greatest defensive player at his position — by far.
“I think defence belongs in the Hall of Fame,” Mazeroski said, defensively, during his Hall of Fame induction speech. “Defence deserves as much credit as pitching and I’m proud to be going in as a defensive player.”
But his career’s signature moment took place in the batter’s box, as the square-jawed, tobacco-chewing Mazeroski, a coal miner’s son from West Virginia, lived out the dream of so many kids who thought of playing professional ball.
The Pirates had not reached the World Series since 1927, when they were swept by the New York Yankees, and again faced the Yankees in 1960. While New York was led by Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, Pittsburgh had few prominent names beyond a young Roberto Clemente. They relied on hitters ranging from shortstop Dick Groat to outfielder Bob Skinner, and the starting pitchers Vernon Law and Bob Friend. Mazeroski, who turned 24 that September, finished the season with a .273 average and usually batted eighth.
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The series told one story in the runs column and another in wins and losses. The Yankees outscored the Pirates 55-27 and 38-3 in the three games they won. Mazeroski’s counterpart on New York, Bobby Richardson, drove in a record 12 runs and was named the series’ MVP — even though he was on the losing team. Whitey Ford shut out the Pirates twice, on his way to a then-record 33 2-3 straight scoreless World Series innings for the Yankees ace.
The Pirates’ first three wins weren’t nearly so spectacular, but they were wins — and Mazeroski helped. He hit a 2-run homer in the fourth inning off the Yankees’ Jim Coates in Game 1, a 6-4 Pirate victory, and a 2-run double in the second inning off Art Ditmar in Game 5, a 5-2 Pittsburgh win. In Game 7, he saved his big hit for the end.
Some 36,000 fans at Pittsburgh’s Forbes Field, and many more tuning in on radio and television, agonized through one of the fall classic’s wildest and most emotional conclusions. The lead changed back and forth as Pittsburgh scored the game’s first four runs, only to fall behind as the Yankees rallied in the middle innings and went ahead 7-4 in the top of the eighth. Pittsburgh retook the lead with five runs in the bottom of the eighth, helped in part by a seeming double play grounder that took a bad hop and struck Yankees shortstop Tony Kubek in the throat. But the Yankees came right back and tied the score at 9 in the top of the ninth.
The bottom of the ninth has been relived, not always by choice, by the two teams and by generations of fans. The New York pitcher was Ralph Terry, a right-hander whom manager Casey Stengel had brought in during the previous inning and would later acknowledge that he had a tired arm. The right-handed hitting Mazeroski, who had grounded into a double play in his previous appearance, was up first.
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Terry started with a fastball, called high for a ball. After conferring briefly with catcher Johnny Blanchard, who reminded him to keep his pitches down, he threw what Mazeroski would call a slider that didn’t slide. Mazeroski got under it and belted it to left, the ball rising and rising as it cleared the high, ivy-covered brick wall, with Yankees left fielder Yogi Berra circling under it, then turning away in defeat. The whole city seemed to erupt, as if all had swung the bat with him, as if he were every underdog who longed to beat the hated Yankees. Mazeroski dashed around the bases, grinning and waving his cap, joined by celebrants from the stands who had rushed on to the field and followed him to home plate, where his teammates embraced him.
“I was just looking to get on base,″ he told The New York Times in 1985. ″Nothing fancy, just looking for a fastball until he got a strike on me. I thought it would be off the wall, and I wanted to make third if the ball ricocheted away from Berra. But when I got around first and was digging for second, I saw the umpire waving circles above his head and I knew it was over.”
ESPN has called it the greatest home run in major league history. It was the first time a World Series had ended on a homer, leading to enduring waves of celebration and despair. Pirates followers memorized the date, Saturday, Oct. 13, 1960, and the local time of Mazeroski’s hit, 3:36 p.m. Forbes Field was torn down in the 1970s, but a decade later fans began gathering every Oct. 13 at the park’s lone remnant, the center field wall, and listened to the original broadcast.
Meanwhile, Mantle would sob on the plane ride home in 1960, insisting the better team had lost. Ford would for years remain angry at Stengel — fired five days after the Series — for using him in Games 3 and 6 and making him unavailable to start a third time. Singer Bing Crosby, a co-owner of the Pirates, was so afraid he’d jinx his team that he listened to the game with friends across the Atlantic Ocean, in Paris.
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“We were in this beautiful apartment, listening on shortwave, and when it got close Bing opened a bottle of Scotch and was tapping it against the mantel,” his widow, Kathryn Crosby, told the Times in 2010. “When Mazeroski hit the home run, he tapped it hard; the Scotch flew into the fireplace and started a conflagration.”
Mazeroski was a Pirate for his entire time in the majors and was a team man off the field. His wife, Milene Nicholson, was a front office employee whom he met through Pittsburgh manager Danny Murtaugh. They were married in 1958, had two sons and remained together until her death in 2024.
William Stanley Mazeroski was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, during the Great Depression, grew up in eastern Ohio, and lived for a time in a one-room house without electricity or indoor plumbing. His father, Louis Mazeroski, had hoped himself to be a ballplayer and encouraged his son’s love for sports, even practicing with him by having Bill field tennis balls thrown against a brick wall.
Although a star in basketball and football, he favoured baseball and was good enough to be drafted by the Pirates at age 17 in 1954. Mazeroski was a shortstop for a team with numerous prospects at that position, and had switched to second by his rookie year, 1956. Even as a part-time player at the end of his career, he was a leader and steady presence on the 1971 team that featured Clemente and Willie Stargell and defeated the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series.
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After his final season, 1972, Mazeroski coached briefly for the Pirates and the Seattle Mariners and was an infield instructor for Pittsburgh during spring training. In 1987, the Pirates retired his uniform number, 9. The 50th anniversary of his Game 7 heroics was marked in 2010 by the unveiling — on Bill Mazeroski Way — of a 14-foot, 2,000-pound statue of one of Pittsburgh’s greatest everymen, rounding the bases, on top of the world.
Additionally, Hearn had always been a strong ally to Benn, especially after ‘The Destroyer’ twice tested positive for clomifene ahead of his cancelled encounter with Chris Eubank Jr in 2022.
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Amid his attempt to clear his name, Benn had two outings in America – against Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson in 2023 and 2024, respectively – before revisiting his rivalry with Eubank last year.
But despite Hearn standing by Benn’s side through thick and thin, the Ilford man has now decided to join rival promoter Zuffa Boxing, headed by UFC boss White.
Up to this point, the likes of Hearn and De La Hoya have been highly critical of White’s events, and indeed his plans to marginalise boxing’s four major sanctioning bodies.
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It is therefore unsurprising that Golden Boy promoter De La Hoya, in an interview with IFL TV, has questioned the source of Benn’s eight-figure purse, which has reportedly been promised for his next outing.
“Eddie Hearn must be p***ed off. My god, how can they do that to Eddie Hearn? It is not right.
“I heard it’s a one-fight deal. What I don’t understand is… who is paying him [Benn]? He’s going to demand a lot of money – if it’s going to be eight figures, or whatever it might be.
“Conor Benn going to [Zuffa] is just mind-boggling for me.”
As an outfit, Zuffa Boxing is expected to ignore the sport’s world championship belts – the WBC, IBF, WBO and WBA titles – in most cases, which makes Benn’s promotional shift particularly interesting.
Ireland have won eight of their last 10 away matches in the Men’s Six Nations though one of those defeats came on their most recent trip to Allianz Stadium.
They also lost their last away game in the Championship but have not suffered back-to-back road defeats in the tournament since 2019-21.
England are on a nine-match home winning run, their best sequence since 2015-18 a streak that was ended by Ireland.
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At the set-piece England remain perfect on their own scrum feed (8/8) and have even claimed four against the head. Ireland’s strength has been at the breakdown with a joint-high 13 turnovers, including seven jackals.
Ben Earl leads the carry count after two rounds, while Stuart McCloskey has assisted 60 per cent of Ireland’s tries so far.
England’s Ben Earl during a training session (Ben Whitley/PA) (PA Wire)
Ciara Fearn21 February 2026 14:05
A game of fine margins and big moments
England’s clash with Ireland could hinge on a handful of decisive contributions and few players embody that better than Henry Arundell.
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The winger leads this year’s Championship try charts with four, underlining his sharp finishing and game-breaking speed. Yet his campaign has also featured a costly red card in the Calcutta Cup.
Ireland arrive with their own form man in midfield. Stuart McCloskey, now 33, is enjoying a late-career surge at Test level and has emerged as one of the tournament’s most effective creators with three try assists.
But beyond the headline acts, the battle up front may prove decisive. Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan has been flawless at the lineout so far, marginally outpacing England’s reliable Luke Cowan-Dickie. In a contest where territory and possession will be fiercely contested that precision could make all the difference.
Henry Arundell was sent off after receiving two yellow cards against Scotland (Andrew Matthews/PA) (PA Wire)
Ciara Fearn21 February 2026 14:00
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Match officials
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
Assistant Referees: Pierre Brousset (Fra) & Gianluca Gnecchi (Ita)
Television Match Official: Matteo Liperini (Ita)
Foul Play Review Officer: Mike Adamson (Sco)
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Referee Andrea Piardi is in charge today (AFP via Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle21 February 2026 13:55
Lions friends become foes
There were plenty of friendships forged between Lions Irish and English last summer with the two nations providing so much of Andy Farrell’s squad. Ellis Genge and Finlay Bealham, who could lock horns later, have even started a podcast together.
An area of particular interest today might be in the back five of the pack. Nine of the 10 starters on show toured Australia, with the exception being Caelan Doris – who may well have led the Lions if not for injury. This could be very tasty indeed.
Lions trio Tadhg Beirne (left), Ben Earl (centre) and Tom Curry celebrate with the trophy after winning the series 2-1 against Australia despite a final Test defeat in Sydney (PA Wire)
Harry Latham-Coyle21 February 2026 13:45
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How the Henry Pollock factor could help England bounce back against Ireland
A first start for Henry Pollock comes with plenty of anticipation here at Twickenham, with plenty of headbands among his legion of young fans around the ground. Earlier this week, Steve Borthwick recalled his first memories of a teenage talent with a real steeliness who feels ready for this opportunity:
Harry Latham-Coyle21 February 2026 13:35
Scrum battle in focus
The return of Tadhg Furlong to the Irish starting side comes with the visitors in need of improvement after some frailties were shown up in striking fashion by Italy. England have been going well in that area, though:
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Harry Latham-Coyle21 February 2026 13:25
Team news – Ireland
Jack Crowley starts at fly half for Ireland with Sam Prendergast left out of the matchday squad entirely after a difficult day against Italy. Experienced figures Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier and Jamison Gibson-Park all return to the starting side, while Garry Ringrose is fit to feature despite an injury scare last week and resumes his midfield partnership with Stuart McCloskey.
Somewhat surprisingly, there are just five forwards on the bench with no place for last week’s debutant Edwin Edogbo or Cormac Izuchukwu, impressive on the flank. Ciaran Frawley provides fly half, centre and full-back cover with Tommy O’Brien a wing option among the replacements.
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There is a late change, too – Cian Prendergast steps in for an ill Jack Conan
Ireland XV: 1 Jeremy Loughman, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 James Ryan; 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (capt.); 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Jack Crowley; 11 James Lowe, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Robert Baloucoune; 15 Jamie Osborne.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Tom O’Toole, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Nick Timoney, 20 Cian Prendergast; 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Tommy O’Brien.
Jack Crowley starts for Ireland (Reuters)
Harry Latham-Coyle21 February 2026 13:15
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Team news – England
Henry Pollock will make his first Test start for England as part of a reshuffled back row that also includes Tom Curry, similarly promoted from the bench. With Pollock at No 8, Ben Earl slides across the openside, while there is a positional switch in the backline, too: Tommy Freeman moves out to the wing and Ollie Lawrence is brought into midfield.
Captain Maro Itoje will win his 100th cap for his country, becoming the ninth Englishman to reach the mark. Jack van Poortvliet and Marcus Smith provide backline cover on a six/two bench.
England XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Joe Heyes; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Ollie Chessum; 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Earl, 8 Henry Pollock; 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 George Ford; 11 Henry Arundell, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Freddie Steward.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Alex Coles, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Sam Underhill; 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith.
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Ollie Lawrence makes his first appearance of the 2026 Six Nations (PA Archive)
Harry Latham-Coyle21 February 2026 13:10
Six Nations 2026 schedule in full: Fixtures and results
Need a reminder of all the Six Nations action so far and the fixtures to come in this campaign? We’ve got you covered.
Harry Latham-Coyle21 February 2026 13:00
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England’s Tommy Freeman ‘struggled without realising it’ after Lions tour
Freeman started all three Tests in the 2-1 series victory over Australia that concluded on August 2 – alongside Maro Itoje and Tom Curry one of only three Englishman to do so – and still felt the effects when the new season began.
While physically he was recharged by the mandatory five-week rest period that followed the tour, Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson and head coach Sam Vesty spotted that his “mental state wasn’t in the best spot”.
A reduction in training and matches enabled the 24-year-old to negotiate the early part of 2025-26 and he went on to take part in England’s autumn campaign until he was affected by a hamstring niggle.
Welcome to Sportskeeda Wrestling’s WWE News and Rumor Roundup for 21st February, 2026. In today’s brand-new edition, we’ll cover why Rhea Ripley broke down in tears, a female star clears the air on online dating speculations, and a major update on Bron Breakker and Seth Rollins.
Let’s get started:
Thanks for the submission!
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#5. Major update on Bron Breakker and Seth Rollins’ WWE status – Reports
Last year, Seth Rollins was kicked out of The Vision two days after he got injured at WWE Crown Jewel 2025. In the coming months, the villainous faction grew stronger, but a new masked man targeted them on the red brand. Earlier this month, Bron Breakker got injured during a spot and went on hiatus.
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However, the injury’s severity was much worse than expected. According to Dave Meltzer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON), both stars are doing their best and rehabbing to their fullest to make it to WrestleMania. The rumored plan involves a one-on-one match between the two at The Grandest Stage of Them All.
#4. Two more WWE superstars are headed to Elimination Chamber
WWE Elimination Chamber is a week away in Chicago, and superstars have almost acquired all the spots available in the gimmick match across both divisions. On the recent edition of Friday Night SmackDown, two more stars punched their ticket to the event.
Trick Williams and Kiana James qualified their respective Triple Threat matches on SmackDown and earned their spots inside the steel structure. A final set of qualifier matches will take place on Monday Night RAW, which will determine the field for both Elimination Chamber matches in Illinois.
#3. Female WWE star dismisses online speculations of dating JD McDonagh
The Judgment Day is popular for pairing superstars on the weekly product. It started with Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley in its initial days, which eventually led to LivDom (Dirty Dom and Liv Morgan) when Mysterio turned on Rhea Ripley for Morgan at SummerSlam 2024.
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In an appearance on TMZ’s Inside The Ring, Raquel Rodriguez cleared the air on online speculations of being a couple on the weekly product with JD McDonagh. Big Mami Cool subtly addressed the rumors and denied any romantic relationship with the former Cruiserweight Champion.
#2. Liv Morgan will finalize her WrestleMania opponent on WWE RAW
Earlier this month, Liv Morgan punched her ticket for WrestleMania 42 in Nevada, and she’s set to face a champion of her choosing at The Grandest Stage of Them All. While there’s friction between Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, the 31-year-old star has made her decision.
On the upcoming edition of Monday Night RAW, The Judgment Day’s Liv Morgan will choose her WrestleMania 42 opponent. It’s going to be either Stephanie Vaquer or Jade Cargill. However, La Primera will likely be her opponent for the event.
#1. Rhea Ripley breaks down in tears at WWE Royal Rumble 2026
Royal Rumble 2026 marked the end of AJ Styles’ in-ring career as The Phenomenal One had his final match against Gunther. The Men’s Grand Slam Champion received a heartwarming welcome as he walked backstage following his retirement match.
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Recently, WWE posted a video from the event where superstars interacted with AJ Styles after his final match. In the video, Rhea Ripley broke down in tears as The Phenomenal One returned backstage. Later, Mami claimed that AJ Styles made her cry as she got emotional bidding the veteran goodbye.
On the upcoming edition of Monday Night RAW, the management planned a tribute show for AJ Styles, as it takes place in Atlanta, Georgia. While Styles has no plans of stepping out of retirement, it’ll be interesting to see what’s next for Gunther heading into WrestleMania.
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The third round of the 2026 Genesis Invitational begins Saturday morning at Riviera CC in California. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the tournament on Saturday, including full Genesis Invitational TV coverage, streaming details and Round 3 tee times.
How to watch Genesis Invitational on Saturday
It’s a two-way tie at the top of the leaderboard heading into the weekend at the Genesis Invitational, with Englishman Marco Penge sharing the 36-hole lead with American Jacob Bridgeman at 12 under par.
Just behind them, though, is a slate of major-winning names. Rory McIlroy trails by one at 11 under, while Xander Schauffele and Adam Scott are three shots back.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler mounted a mighty charge to make the cut on Friday after an uncharacteristically bad start to his opening round on Thursday. A second-round 68 has him back to even par overall and T42 with two rounds remaining.
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You can watch the third round of the Genesis Invitational on TV via Golf Channel beginning at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, followed by the CBS broadcast at 3 p.m. ET. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will provide exclusive streaming coverage starting at 10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, as well as featured group and featured hole coverage.
Below you will find everything you need to know to watch the third round of the 2026 Genesis Invitational.
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Get ESPN+
With an ESPN+ subscription, you gain access to PGA Tour Live, where you can stream the best PGA Tour events live from wherever you want.
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How to watch on TV Saturday
Golf Channel will carry early third-round TV coverage of the 2026 Genesis Invitational from 1-3 p.m. ET on Saturday, followed by the CBS broadcast from 3-7 p.m. ET.
How to stream online Saturday
You can stream the third round of the 2026 Genesis Invitational via PGA Tour Live on ESPN+, which will offer streaming coverage beginning on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. ET in addition to featured group and hole coverage. Paramount+ will stream the CBS broadcast.
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Garcia, who previously held interim gold at lightweight, will bid to become a fully-fledged world champion when he boxes Barrios, who puts his WBC welterweight belt on the line in Las Vegas.
But Barrios, 30, is lacking momentum as well. The southpaw champion has not won since May 2024, having drawn both of his subsequent bouts. Barrios could not convincingly see off Abel Ramos in November 2024, and last summer’s clash with a 46-year-old, ring-rusty Manny Pacquiao ended as a draw, too.
If Garcia (24-2, 20 knockouts) can dethrone his fellow American (29-2-2, 18 KOs) this evening, he will not only realise his world-title dream at last, but the young star may also find himself paired with Conor Benn next. Here’s all you need to know.
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When is the fight?
Garcia vs Barrios will take place on Saturday 21 February at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card is due to begin at 1am GMT on Sunday (5pm PT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET on Saturday), with main-event ring walks expected at around 5am GMT on Sunday (9pm PT / 11pm CT on Saturday / 12am ET on Sunday).
How can I watch it?
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Mario Barrios (left) and Ryan Garcia will clash on 21 February (Getty Images)
Garcia vs Barrios will stream live exclusively on DAZN pay-per-view worldwide, at a cost of £24.99 in the UK, $64.99 in the US, and the equivalent of $19.99 in other countries. You can purchase the fight on DAZN here, where you can also buy a DAZN subscription (plans start at £15.99 per month).
Odds
7/4 – Barrios
4/9 – Garcia
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16/1 – draw
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Fight card in full
Subject to change; ‘C’ denotes champion
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Garcia’s inconsistency in and out of the ring has hindered him on his journey to a world title (Getty Images)
Mario Barrios (C) vs Ryan Garcia (WBC welterweight title)
Richardson Hitchins (C) vs Oscar Duarte (IBF super-lightweight title)
Gary Antuanne Russell (C) vs Andy Hiraoka (WBA super-lightweight title)
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Frank Martin vs Nahir Albright (super-lightweight)
Bektemir Melikuziev vs Sena Agbeko (super-middleweight)
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Team GB face an uphill task to win an Olympic medal in the four-man bobsleigh as they sit seventh at the halfway point.
Pilot Brad Hall had showcased why the British team are medal contenders in Cortina with a brilliant first run of 54.39 seconds, which left them in third place.
But they dropped off the pace in the second, clocking 55.04secs – the 12th-quickest time in heat two – to lose four places in the standings before Sunday’s medal-deciding heats.
The three German teams remain the ones to beat and they occupy the top three spots with Johannes Lochner, who won two-man gold earlier this week, leading the charge with an overall time of 1:48:61.
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There was a long delay to competition at the Cortina sliding track after Austria suffered a crash during heat two, with one of the athletes treated for a lengthy period on the ice before being stretchered off.
Action resumed after about a 20-minute delay but, with the track now slower because of the rising temperature, the British team were unable to find the speed of their first run and currently sit on 1:49:43.
LIVIGNO, Italy (AP) — Italian freeskiers Simone Deromedis and Federico Tomasoni won gold and silver for the Winter Olympic hosts after dominating the men’s skicross final held under snowy conditions on Saturday.
Deromedis, the 2023 world champion, took an early lead and stayed well in front of his other three racers over the banks, rollers and jumps of the course in Livigno. These were the 25-year-old’s second Games.
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Tomasoni made it an Italian one-two by stretching to the finish line to beat out Switzerland’s Alex Fiva in a photo finish.
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The 40-year-old Fiva added the bronze medal to his silver from Beijing 2022.
Satoshi Furuno of Japan missed the podium finishing fourth.
Defending gold medalist Ryan Regez was eliminated in the semifinals after he was yellow carded for impeding another skier.
On Friday, Daniela Maier of Germany won gold in women’s skicross ahead of Swiss freeskier Fanny Smith.
