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With his ‘silver fox’ grey hair, love of a smart suit, hint of tan and playing-days maintained physique, St Helens head coach Paul Rowley would make a decent James Bond.

Unfortunately for the 50-year-old, Hollywood will have to wait. He is a little busy with an important mission of his own.

Rowley has been tasked with steering Saints from ‘Skyfall’ and the ‘Spectre’ of past achievements which have haunted recent trophy-less Super League seasons, into a team that rediscovers its licence to thrill.

Hopes are he can be the ‘man with the Midas touch’, as Shirley Bassey once sang.

After he cast his imprint on Leigh by guiding them into Super League and helped establish Toronto Wolfpack in their early years, Rowley then made unfashionable Salford an entertaining, swashbuckling challenger to the top four.

This is his biggest lead role yet.

“I think the difference between the teams that pull the trigger and who don’t is confidence and backing yourself,” Rowley told BBC Sport.

“I don’t think it’s skill or ability, it’s backing yourself and having the licence to play.

By his own admission, Rowley is more a ‘cup of tea and biscuit’ kind of bloke than a man used to sipping Martini – ‘shaken not stirred’.

Although someone who prefers the quiet life with his family by nature, Rowley has already experienced the goldfish bowl intensity of rugby league in St Helens, and enjoyed the interactions with those for whom matchday is the highlight of the week.

His appointment for Saints has been met with near universal approval in WA9, a popular choice for supporters who have come to expect a flourish of flair to their rugby league.

In addition, the former England international has relished the chance to work with elite talent such as Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley and Tristan Sailor, and for some stability after the chaos of Salford in 2025.

The Red Devils were part of a takeover saga which engulfed their entire season, saw numerous players depart and finished with their liquidation.

It came after back-to-back top six finishes, with fourth place in 2024 highlighting his impressive work.

“We were never a big club [at Salford] in terms of resource and infrastructure, but that was what made it fun,” Rowley added.

“But again, it’s the character. If you can bring that same sort of work ethic at a big club with the resource and the club facilitating success it can get you over the line.

“Every club has characters, every club has a group of lads and people who want to win and work hard.

“We’re from northern towns, it’s the fabric of the people in them and we’re no different; the difference in clubs is the magnitude of the expectation and the interest in the town.

“St Helens have not really had a football club to share with its population, so the biggest thing in the town is the rugby club. That’s evident. You can feel it and it’s tangible.

Saints have made some big plays in the transfer market for 2026 in their bid to revive their title aspirations, with big forwards such as David Klemmer and Jacob Host bringing punch to the pack, and Nene Macdonald adding extra strike out wide.

Former Man of Steel Jackson Hastings’ arrival added a strong dollop of control and creativity to the mix too, reuniting Rowley with a player he worked with while on Salford’s staff and a genuine playmaker.

Australia-born Hastings, 30, has played some of his best rugby league in the northern hemisphere, and counts his second home of England as a place where he can get his headspace right.

His new boss is another key factor in that positive mindset.

“He never gets too high when we do something good or too angry when we’re not great,” Hastings told BBC Radio 5 live.

“To have that mental fortitude as a coach to stay even throughout the game, or when training sessions fluctuate, is something he’s always been good at.

“Everyone talks about his sides and how they move the ball, but I think him as a person, he’s pretty even with his emotions and that’s something I really enjoy being around.

“For me, as someone who fluctuates a bit, having someone who’s really calm has been great.”

Hastings had to stand and applaud Saints as they beat his Salford and Wigan teams in back-to-back Grand Final losses in 2019 and 2020.

Now, he’s combining with long-standing Saints icons such as Welsby, Jonny Lomax and Walmsley on a daily basis, players at the heart of those disappointments.

“You can see why they’ve been successful, they train hard, they’re disciplined, and they all do the little things that make you a great player, a great person and ultimately a great team,” Hastings said.

“They do the things that you require to be successful and that’s been great.

Not even ‘club legend’ status was enough to save Rowley’s predecessor Paul Wellens from being ousted as Saints coach after last season, despite reaching the play-off semi-final, and winning the World Club Challenge in his first season in charge.

The stakes then are high, but nothing less than expected at a club of St Helens’ standing.

“It does feel like a mega job,” Rowley said. “But, I’ll be honest, when I was coaching at Leigh or Toronto or Salford, I never wanted another job.

“I wanted to win with whoever I represent and saw whatever club I was representing as a big club. It’s a defiance.

“Yet I can’t be ignorant to the fact that this is a big club because history says it’s a big club.

“I’m aware of that, I’ll acknowledge it, I’ll embrace it and I’m very fortunate to be coach.”

Never too up, never too down. Rowley’s balancing act could be the approach St Helens need to rediscover their success.

“We’re going to fire shots this year no doubt and we’re going to fire them again and again until they hit essentially,” Hastings added.

“There’s being calm in the chaos but also backing our ability, and it’s not a risk for us because we’ve trained it over and over again.

“Whether it comes off or not is one thing but we’ve worked on it all pre-season and we’ve got a guy at the helm that believes in it and believes in us.

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor wants to “keep it private and confidential” as to why Paul Green suddenly left the club after 13 years.

Green left his role as head of women’s football on Monday evening, despite having a significant impact on their success in the last decade.

During his time at the club, the majority spent working with former boss Emma Hayes, Chelsea won 19 trophies, including six Women’s Super League titles in a row.

There was speculation about Green’s departure in reports this week but, when asked if the fans deserved more of an explanation, Bompastor said: “I think it’s probably not a question for me to answer. Maybe some other people in the club can answer that question.

“I think he laid the foundations from the beginning and has been a huge part of the success of this club. I think he will be missed at this club for sure.”

Chelsea are third in the WSL, nine points adrift of leaders Manchester City, as they prepare for Sunday’s home fixture against Liverpool.

A number of players in the squad posted about Green’s exit on social media and their subsequent disappointment, including Erin Cuthbert and Millie Bright.

Striker Sam Kerr said his departure was a “big, big loss for the club”, while ex-Chelsea boss Hayes described him as “the absolute best in the business”.

“Everyone was sad. On a human level, it’s never positive news to have someone leaving the building,” added Bompastor, when asked on Thursday about the reaction to the news.

“We need to focus on what is coming next. That is difficult sometimes as we have emotions and feelings. But we just need to focus on what we can control in the future.

Former Manchester City striker Ellen White told the Women’s Football Weekly podcast that Green had been the “heartbeat” of Chelsea behind the scenes.

“He had an impact on recruitment,” she added. “They were always two or three years ahead of everyone else and that took them to another level.

“He had a huge part in building everything that Chelsea stands for, so it is really sad he’s left. It will be interesting to see what happens now.”

Green’s departure raised questions over the increased involvement of co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, and their decision-making in relation to the women’s team.

Bompastor signed a contract extension last week, keeping her at the club until 2030.

Asked whether she was happy with the level of autonomy she held at Chelsea, the Frenchwoman said: “I think I’m happy with where the club is going and the direction the club is going in.

“My job is to focus on what’s on the pitch.

“My job right now as a manager is to make sure I make this team as successful as possible, I win games with my team and I give the players clarity to perform on the pitch. That’s the only thing I can control and that’s my main focus.”

Bompastor insisted “the processess are still working and running”, despite noticeable disappointments in recent transfer windows.

Following their 5-1 WSL defeat by Manchester City, she raised concerns over their summer recruitment, admitting she “would have liked to have been in a better place” after it.

The Blues did not make any signings in January, despite falling behind their WSL rivals, and had multiple bids for Paris St-Germain midfielder Jennifer Echegini turned down on deadline day.

Following recent concerns, a report in the Athletic suggested some players had not taken to Bompastor’s training methods.

But she responded: “I know there is a lot of noise going on about our team outside the environment. I know we can’t control any of that.

“But I know my players are with me. We are all together focusing on the next game and what is next in the season for us.

It’s been a chaotic and damaging few weeks at Chelsea – a club that were a previously impenetrable force in the WSL.

They have set standards on the pitch, winning six successive titles, and have made a number of high-profile signings in previous transfer windows to remain on top.

However, their rapid fall from grace this season has been alarming and the cracks in their armour are now more apparent than ever.

Bompastor has been under scrutiny from her own fanbase, having to answer questions on her position and was defiant in her response.

Just as she had started the process of rebuilding with their victory over Tottenham on Sunday, the shock announcement of Green’s exit threw a spanner in the works.

Sources told BBC Sport the news came as a surprise to Bompastor and her players, with many upset by the decision and confused by the reasons.

Bompastor and Green appeared to have a good relationship, often seen talking at length on the pitch after games, and were aligned in their ambitions.

While she cannot admit as much publicly, Green’s exit will undoubtedly have an impact on her role as she loses a key ally in the boardroom.

It is a crucial few months for Chelsea with a number of senior players, including Australia striker Sam Kerr, captain Millie Bright and England internationals Hannah Hampton and Lucy Bronze coming to the end of their contracts and a transition period on the cards.

Recalled prop Tomas Francis says it was “tough” witnessing Wales’ rapid decline while he was in the international wildnerness.

Francis played in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final loss to Argentina, and prior to his comeback against England last weekend, could only watch as Wales fell to 21 defeats in 23 Tests.

“It’s never nice seeing your mates going through that and not being able to help,” the tight-head said.

“I have a chance now to try and come back and help.

Francis left Ospreys to join French Pro D2 side Provence after the World Cup and was not called upon for Wales duty until this year’s Six Nations.

And despite all the turmoil in Welsh rugby, Francis says it is great being back in the fold.

“I’ve missed it, it’s awesome to be back,” he said.

“It’s still a bit surreal, the first week was taking it all in, but I’ve found my feet and the boys have got stuck into me a bit more this week.

Former Exeter prop Francis will return to the English Premiership next season having signed for Sale and at 33, he still believes he has plenty to offer club and country.

“If I didn’t think that, I wouldn’t be here. If I didn’t have that fire, I wouldn’t be here,” he said.

“The day those game-day nerves go, then it’s time to walk away. I definitely had them last week and hopefully I get a chance to have them again this week [against France].

And for Francis, it will be a special moment as his two young daughters will be watching in Cardiff.

He said: “My girls are flying over tomorrow for their first game. It’s why I play, it’s family and to be able to come back and for them to be able to watch, it’s amazing.”

Francis knows the challenge France will bring better than most and says Wales cannot afford to be slow out of the blocks again this week or they will be punished.

“[We’ve] just got to attack it from first whistle. The French team can score from anywhere,” he said.

Ticket sales for Sunday’s match at the Principality have been slower on the uptake compared to previous years, while the Welsh regions struggle to attract regular big crowds.

It is a stark contrast to French rugby, with Francis saying Provence, a second tier French side, have enjoyed “two-and-a-half years of sell-outs”.

“It’s more of an entertainment in France,” he explained.

“They serve oysters on the side of the pitch, they have champagne. There’s a party in the bodega after and the rugby matches that.

“That French rugby model of a domestic league is great, hopefully something we can try and emulate here.”

But first Wales must put on a better show, having barely fired a shot against England at Allianz Stadium.

“You never go out there to have a bad game or to put the game we put on last week,” added Francis.

“We want to put on a show that we’re proud of firstly as a team, that our families are proud of and the Welsh public.

Men’s T20 World Cup, Group C, Mumbai

Nepal 123 all out (19.3 overs): Aarif 27 (24); Kalugamage 3-18

Italy 124-0 (12.4 overs): A. Mosca 62 (32), J Mosca 60* (44)

Italy won by 10 wickets

Italy dominated with both bat and ball as they claimed their first-ever T20 World Cup victory with a stunning 10-wicket win over Nepal.

Italy were overpowered by Scotland in their tournament opener, losing by 73 runs, but looked a completely different side at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

After a slow and conservative Nepal limped to 123 all out, brothers Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca wasted no time making inroads into Italy’s chase.

It was just the second time in T20 World Cup history that siblings had opened an innings together, after they both did so against Scotland, and they smashed 68 runs off their first six overs and racked up 97 after 10.

Nepal’s bowlers struggled to contain Italy’s opening partnership with both Mosca brothers hitting their way to unbeaten half-centuries as Italy reached their target with 7.2 overs to spare, which significantly boosts their net run-rate and lifts them above England in Group C.

Nepal struggled from the off with Italy leg-spinner Crishan Kalugamage taking 3-18 and only three batters able to pass 20.

Men’s T20 World Cup, Group A, Delhi

India 209-9 (20 overs): Kishan 61 (24); Erasmus 4-20

Namibia 116 (18.2 overs): Steenkamp 29 (20); Chakravarthy 3-7

India won by 93 runs

Defending champions India made it two wins from two matches at the T20 World Cup with a 93-run victory against Namibia in Delhi.

India were stifled by the Namibia bowlers through the middle overs and at the death but they still managed to put 209-9 on board, thanks to a blistering 61 from 24 balls from opener Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya’s half-century.

In their reply, Namibia were 86-2 in the 10th over when Varun Chakravarthy, who registered figures of 3-7 from two overs, dismissed Nicol Loftie-Eaton and JJ Smit and they failed to recover as they were bundled out for 116 in 18.2 overs.

India had made a fast start through an eight-ball 22 from Sanju Samson, who came into the starting line-up in the absence of the explosive Abhishek Sharma.

But it was Kishan who hogged the limelight with a quickfire half-century, which included him smashing four consecutive sixes in the fifth over from Smit, to help India surge to 86-1 after six overs – their highest powerplay score at a T20 World Cup.

The wicketkeeper-batter brought up his fifty from just 20 balls before departing at the start of the eighth over leaving India at 104-2.

But Namibia’s finger spinners Gerhard Erasmus and Bernard Scholtz slowed down the home side’s innings dramatically, conceding just 30 and picking up three wickets in six overs, with captain Erasmus standing out with figures of 4-20.

Pandya’s 28-ball 52 helped India regain control but they were unable to capitalise at the death, losing five wickets for just four runs in the final 11 balls as their charge towards a much bigger total was stalled.

Openers Louren Steenkamp, who hit 29 from 20 balls, and Jan Frylinck, who hit a 15-ball 22, gave Namibia a good start but they were no match for India’s strong bowling line-up, with Pandya also recording 2-21 with the ball.

Men’s T20 World Cup, Group B, Kandy

Sri Lanka 225-5 (20 overs): Kusal Mendis 61 (45); Ramanandi 2-41

Oman 120-9 (20 overs): Nadeem 53* (56); Theekshana 2-11

Sri Lanka won by 105 runs

Co‑hosts Sri Lanka also made it two consecutive wins with a massive 105‑run victory against Oman in Kandy.

Rapid half-centuries from Pavan Rathnayake, Kusal Mendis and captain Dasun Shanaka helped Sri Lanka post a formidable 225 – the highest total at the 2026 tournament so far.

Associate nation Oman mustered little response with the bat as they huffed and puffed to 120-9.

Walking in with Sri Lanka at 136-3 in the 14th over, Shanaka, under pressure after recent poor form, unleashed a sensational late surge, smashing two fours and five sixes on his way to a19-ball 50.

It was the fastest fifty by a Sri Lankan in T20 internationals, surpassing his own previous mark of 20 balls against India in Pune in 2023.

Earlier, after losing openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara inside the powerplay, Rathnayake’s 28-ball 60 and Kusal Mendis’ composed 61 off 45 had set the perfect platform for Shanaka’s onslaught as he took them to 225-5, the second‑highest total for Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup history.

Already staring at a huge defeat at the halfway stage, only two batters reached double figures for Oman – Muhammad Nadeem and Wasim Ali.

While 40-year-old Nadeem needed 52 runs to reach his half-century and remained unbeaten on 53, Wasim departed for a 20-ball 27 as Oman fell well short of the target.