Former Junior Springbok captain retires at 29
Former Junior Springbok captain Wiaan Liebenberg, still just 29 years old, will retire from rugby at the end of the current season.
France Sport News
Romelu Lukaku: Chelsea striker removed from the ‘fire’ by not featuring against Lille - boss Thomas Tuchel
Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel says he avoided using Romelu Lukaku in their 2-0 Champions League last-16 first leg win over Lille because the striker was already under too much scrutiny. The Belgium international, who has fallen short of expectations since returning to the club when he signed from Inter Milan last summer, was an unused substitute at Stamford Bridge after he was criticised for his performance in Saturday’s victory over Crystal Palace.
Chelsea's "unbelievable" trio singled out by Jody Morris after Lille win
Jody Morris was among those impressed by Chelsea's display against Lille on Tuesday night, singling out three of the Blues' stars for particular praise after they put one foot in the quarter-finals.
Mali’s Prime Minister Choguel Maiga: France had 'a plan' to overthrow the junta government
In the interview, Maiga insisted Bamako had "never requested" France to withdraw its anti-jihadist Barkhane operations from Mali, but that it was a decision that France had taken on its own. "On the grounds that Mali is preparing to discuss with the terrorists," he said, pointing to a June 3, 2021, statement in which France announced it was suspending its joint military operations with Malian forces. At the time, France said it was awaiting guarantees that the transitional government would hand over the power to civilian rule in the February, 2022, elections. The junta has since postponed the elections, however.
Football rumours: Arsenal boosted by Barca’s failure to hold Sergi Roberto talks
Arsenal are understood to be hopeful of signing Sergi Roberto from Barcelona this summer. The Spain international, 30, has a deal which ends in June, with the playmaker currently stuck on the sidelines since undergoing thigh surgery. The Sun, which cites Spain’s Marca, says the Gunners have been given hope due to Roberto’s planned meeting to discuss a new contract with Barca bosses after Christmas reportedly not eventuating.
Free agent forward willing to join Barcelona as Catalan giants look for bargain deals
Barcelona may be looking at marquee signings in the summer, but they are scouring the free agent market owing to their ongoing financial crisis. The Catalan club has identified Paulo Dybala as a potential target, with the Juventus forward's contract expiring in June.
Barcelona weigh up moves for Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak and Jules Kounde - Paper Round
Barcelona consider Haaland, Kounde and Isak Spanish side Barcelona are keen on signing Erling Haaland, with the player available for 75 million euros from Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season. However if they fail to sign him then they will move for Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad, and use the rest of their budget to bring in a central defender, with Sevilla’s Frenchman Jules Kounde their target for the backline.
Liverpool vs Leeds prediction: How will Premier League fixture tonight play out tonight?
Liverpool will cut Manchester City’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to just three points if they can beat Leeds United at Anfield this evening.