Category News

Arsenal have completed the signing of England forward Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.

The Gunners agreed a deal worth £60m, including £8m in add-ons, for the 27-year-old to become their seventh summer signing.

Eze had been one of Tottenham’s prime targets this summer and Spurs had agreed terms with both Palace and Eze.

But Spurs’ north London rivals then made a move for Eze on Wednesday and the boyhood Arsenal fan chose to rejoin the Gunners having started his youth career with the club.

A relaxed Eze, wearing an Arsenal shirt and jeans, sauntered out to a rapturous reception from fans before the match against Leeds.

Sporting director Andrea Berta described Eze as a “creative and explosive talent with huge technical quality”.

Manager Mikel Arteta said: “He is a powerful and exciting player who will give us a new dimension in our attacking game. What stands out just as much as his talent and intelligence as a player, is the way he has worked hard throughout his career to get where he is today.

Eze, who was raised in Greenwich, south-east London, began his senior career with QPR after leaving Arsenal, before making a £19.5m move to Palace in 2020.

In June 2023 he earned his first England cap and five months later he signed a contract extension with Palace to 2027.

Eze scored 40 goals in 169 games for Palace and claimed 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, including the only goal in the FA Cup final.

Arsenal had a long-standing interest in Eze but secured other attacking targets earlier this summer, allowing Tottenham to move to the brink of securing his signature.

Although Eze had agreed to join Spurs, Palace wanted to keep him for Thursday’s game with Fredrikstad so the move was not completed.

Meanwhile, Arsenal were assessing a knee injury to forward Kai Havertz and decided to make a move for Eze, submitting a bid on Wednesday afternoon.

Given his connection to the club, Eze chose to join the Gunners over Spurs, which is sure to make him an instant fans’ favourite at Emirates Stadium.

It seemed Arsenal were not going to pursue a deal for Eze after signing Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, while youngster Ethan Nwaneri signed a new long-term contract.

But Havertz then got injured and instead of looking to bring in a loan signing as cover, the Gunners sensed an opportunity to deny their rivals another transfer target after Spurs failed to secure a deal for Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this summer.

Shortly after the deal was announced, Eze posted an emotional thank you message to Crystal Palace on social media, describing his relationship with the fans as a “love shared that will last a lifetime”.

He said: “It feels like just yesterday I was walking through the doors joining from QPR. The day you gave me the chance to realise my dream of playing in the Premier League, for south London’s biggest club.

“They call us a family club because it’s impossible to truly understand what it’s like to be part of this club unless you’re in it. They’re not wrong.

The 2025 Rugby World Cup takes place in England from 22 August to 27 September.

Teams are awarded four points for a win, two points for a draw and zero points for a loss.

However, teams will also be awarded a bonus point if they score four tries or more, and/or if they lose by seven points or less.

The top two teams from each pool qualify for the knockout stage.

Friday 22 August:

Saturday 23 August:

Saturday 30 August:

Saturday 6 September:

Saturday 23 August:

Saturday 30 August:

Saturday 6 September:

Sunday 24 August:

Sunday 31 August:

Sunday 7 September:

Saturday 23 August:

Sunday 24 August:

Sunday 31 August:

Sunday 7 September:

Saturday 13 September:

Sunday 14 September:

Friday 19 September:

Saturday 20 September:

Saturday 27 September:

The Hundred men’s competition, Headingley

Northern Superchargers 198-4 (100 balls): Brook 56 (27), Crawley 49 (25)

Oval Invincibles 182-7 (100 balls): Ferreira 41 (15); Lawes 2-22, Duffy 2-39

Superchargers won by 16 runs

Northern Superchargers boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of The Hundred men’s competition by defeating Oval Invincibles at Headingley.

The 16-run win mean the two sides are now only separated by net run-rate at the top of the table as the hosts moved level on 20 points with the Invincibles.

After Harry Brook’s first-half century of this year’s Hundred and Zak Crawley’s rapid 49 helped Superchargers set a target of 199, Will Jacks’ 11-ball 25 gave the Invincibles a brisk start in their chase.

But Jacob Duffy halted his charge inside the powerplay before Tom Lawes struck twice, dismissing Tawanda Muyeye and the in-form Jordan Cox – who came into the match on the back of three consecutive half-centuries.

When Sam Curran edged Matthew Potts to wicketkeeper Michael Pepper, the Invincibles were reeling at 115-4.

But Donovan Ferreira gave them some hope by hitting three fours and three sixes from seven deliveries before falling for a 15-ball 41 – Duffy ending the chance of a dramatic comeback to set the Superchargers on their way to a crucial win.

Earlier, openers Crawley and Dawid Malan gave the hosts a flying start after being sent in to bat by Invincibles skipper Sam Billings.

Crawley set the tone early, helping them race to 49 without loss by the end of the powerplay, before falling just one run short of a fifty.

Captain Brook consolidated the Superchargers’ innings with a 27-ball 56 that included five sixes and three fours, before David Miller added the finishing touches, launching Tom Curran for three consecutive sixes in the final set to take them to 198-4.

There are four games on Sunday, starting with Welsh Fire women against Trent Rockets women at Cardiff at 11:00 BST.

The men’s match follows from 14:30. At the same time as that second match, Manchester Originals women host Birmingham Phoenix at Old Trafford.

Originals men against Phoenix men follows at 18:00.

Scotland (17) 38

Tries: McGhie 3, Brebner-Holden, Gallagher, Orr Cons: Nelson 4

Wales (8) 8

Scotland cast aside their off-field issues to condemn Wales to a record six-try defeat in their World Cup opener.

Scotland’s preparations had been beset by player contract uncertainty, but they were united in a dominant performance in front of 10, 054 fans in Salford, a record for a game between the nations.

Francesca McGhie celebrated a hat-trick as Wales were outclassed in almost every facet, with Leia Brebner-Holden, Evie Gallagher and Emma Orr also crossing for the host team.

The victory was sweet revenge for Scotland who were devastated by a last minute Welsh penalty in their World Cup opener three years ago.

It also puts them in a commanding position to claim a spot in the quarter-finals, while Wales must realistically beat Canada – ranked second in the world – to keep their knockout hopes alive.

There was a lot of speculation in the build-up over which Scotland side would show up given the emotional turmoil players have been through this summer, but that was soon put to bed as they found themselves on the scoreboard inside the opening minute.

The ball was worked out wide to player of the match McGhie, who took full advantage of missed tackles to run in on her wing.

Wales ‘ poor start continued with a line-out going astray, conceding a scrum penalty while full-back Nel Metcalfe looked shaky under the high ball as the Scots showed a willingness to kick.

They eventually got a foothold when Lleucu George’s superb touch finder earned a five metre line-out, which Wales mauled over the line for Callender to score.

No sooner had Wales finished celebrating and Scotland were straight back in their 22. Some powerful carries in the midfield left the defence desperately exposed with players lining up to score out wide and former ballet dancer McGhie glided over.

Wales looked predictable in attack and settled for a Keira Bevan penalty to reduce the deficit after a breathless opening quarter.

Jasmine Joyce-Butchers injected some much needed fire into Welsh bellies with a meandering 40m break, but Scotland scrambled well and won a timely turnover.

McGhie then broke from Scotland’s half to set up Scotland’s third, the forwards trucked it up to the line allowing Brebner-Holden the opportunity to snipe as all good scrum halves do.

Wales desperately needed to find something after the break, but George looked a little casual in gathering the restart and her kick was charged down to give Scotland another attacking platform.

The backs showed slick hands to get the ball out wide to dangerwoman McGhie, who was always going to beat the last defender.

Meanwhile Wales continued to fluff their set-piece and five minutes into the half, coach Sean Lynn had seen enough and made five changes, including an all-new front row.

But the impact of big hitters like Sisilia Tuipulotu and Carys Phillips was not felt as Scotland continued to dominate, while Gwen Crabb’s yellow card for a high tackle added to Welsh woes.

Scotland’s scrum dominance set up their fifth try, a huge shove won a penalty which was taken quickly to allow Gallagher over on her World Cup debut.

As the clock ran down, Wales looked like they had narrowly avoided a record defeat to their Six Nations rivals, but Orr crossed on the 78th minute.

Wales were given a temporary reprieve as the final pass from Caity Mattinson looked forward, but on replay it was deemed flat to rub salt into Welsh wounds.

Some of Lynn’s players left the field in tears following a result that few saw coming.

Despite all the hype and build-up surrounding Wales, they will be desperately disappointed with their showing and have a week to regroup before taking on Canada.

Replacements: Elis Martin, Molly Wright, Lisa Cockburn, Jade Konkel, Eva Donaldson, Alex Stewart, Caity Mattinson, Beth Blacklock.

Wales: Nel Metcalfe, Lisa Neumann, Hannah Dallavalle, Courtney Keight, Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, Lleucu George, Keira Bevan, Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, Donna Rose, Alaw Pyrs, Gwen Crabb, Kate Williams (co-capt), Bethan Lewis, Alex Callender (co-capt).

Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr (NZR)

Assistant referees: Holly Wood (RFU), Jess Ling (RA)

TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)

Scotland (17) 38

Tries: McGhie 3, Brebner-Holden, Gallagher, Orr Cons: Nelson 4

Wales (8) 8

Scotland cast aside their off-field issues to condemn Wales to a record six-try defeat in their World Cup opener.

Scotland’s preparations had been beset by player contract uncertainty, but they were united in a dominant performance in front of 10, 054 fans in Salford, a record for a game between the nations.

Francesca McGhie celebrated a hat-trick as Wales were outclassed in almost every facet, with Leia Brebner-Holden, Evie Gallagher and Emma Orr also crossing for the host team.

The victory was sweet revenge for Scotland who were devastated by a last minute Welsh penalty in their World Cup opener three years ago.

It also puts them in a commanding position to claim a spot in the quarter-finals, while Wales must realistically beat Canada – ranked second in the world – to keep their knockout hopes alive.

There was a lot of speculation in the build-up over which Scotland side would show up given the emotional turmoil players have been through this summer, but that was soon put to bed as they found themselves on the scoreboard inside the opening minute.

The ball was worked out wide to player of the match McGhie, who took full advantage of missed tackles to run in on her wing.

Wales ‘ poor start continued with a line-out going astray, conceding a scrum penalty while full-back Nel Metcalfe looked shaky under the high ball as the Scots showed a willingness to kick.

They eventually got a foothold when Lleucu George’s superb touch finder earned a five metre line-out, which Wales mauled over the line for Callender to score.

No sooner had Wales finished celebrating and Scotland were straight back in their 22. Some powerful carries in the midfield left the defence desperately exposed with players lining up to score out wide and former ballet dancer McGhie glided over.

Wales looked predictable in attack and settled for a Keira Bevan penalty to reduce the deficit after a breathless opening quarter.

Jasmine Joyce-Butchers injected some much needed fire into Welsh bellies with a meandering 40m break, but Scotland scrambled well and won a timely turnover.

McGhie then broke from Scotland’s half to set up Scotland’s third, the forwards trucked it up to the line allowing Brebner-Holden the opportunity to snipe as all good scrum halves do.

Wales desperately needed to find something after the break, but George looked a little casual in gathering the restart and her kick was charged down to give Scotland another attacking platform.

The backs showed slick hands to get the ball out wide to dangerwoman McGhie, who was always going to beat the last defender.

Meanwhile Wales continued to fluff their set-piece and five minutes into the half, coach Sean Lynn had seen enough and made five changes, including an all-new front row.

But the impact of big hitters like Sisilia Tuipulotu and Carys Phillips was not felt as Scotland continued to dominate, while Gwen Crabb’s yellow card for a high tackle added to Welsh woes.

Scotland’s scrum dominance set up their fifth try, a huge shove won a penalty which was taken quickly to allow Gallagher over on her World Cup debut.

As the clock ran down, Wales looked like they had narrowly avoided a record defeat to their Six Nations rivals, but Orr crossed on the 78th minute.

Wales were given a temporary reprieve as the final pass from Caity Mattinson looked forward, but on replay it was deemed flat to rub salt into Welsh wounds.

Some of Lynn’s players left the field in tears following a result that few saw coming.

Despite all the hype and build-up surrounding Wales, they will be desperately disappointed with their showing and have a week to regroup before taking on Canada.

Replacements: Elis Martin, Molly Wright, Lisa Cockburn, Jade Konkel, Eva Donaldson, Alex Stewart, Caity Mattinson, Beth Blacklock.

Wales: Nel Metcalfe, Lisa Neumann, Hannah Dallavalle, Courtney Keight, Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, Lleucu George, Keira Bevan, Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, Donna Rose, Alaw Pyrs, Gwen Crabb, Kate Williams (co-capt), Bethan Lewis, Alex Callender (co-capt).

Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr (NZR)

Assistant referees: Holly Wood (RFU), Jess Ling (RA)

TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)

Early pacesetters Glentoran continued their winning start to the Irish Premiership season as they beat Crusaders 2-0 at Seaview.

The Glens made it four wins and four clean sheets in a row as goals from Jordan Jenkins and Josh Kelly before half-time sealed the victory.

Unbeaten Coleraine moved up to second as a late goal from substitute Matthew Shevlin helped them to a 2-1 victory against 10-man Glenavon, who are without a win.

Ballymena United, who are also yet to concede this season, recorded a third straight win as they eased to a 4-0 home triumph against Bangor.

After a slow start to the game, the away side took the lead in the 31st minute after Liam Burt’s delivery was flicked on by James Singleton towards Jenkins, whose strike crashed off right hand post.

However, the Crusaders ‘ defence was slow to react which gave the striker time to fire home the rebound.

Deep into first-half additional time, Kelly doubled Glentoran’s lead when he steered Danny Amos ‘ flicked on free-kick past Jonny Tuffey for his first goal since joining the Glens in 2023.

Just after the restart Singleton thought he had extended Declan Devine’s side’s advantage when his header found the back of the net, but he was offside.

The Bannsiders broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time through the unlikely source of defender Adam Long.

On the pitch as a first-half substitute following an injury to Charles Dunne, he was in the right place at the right time to get on the end of a Lewis McGregor cross to the back post to score on his debut.

Earlier, the dangerous McGregor rattled the Glenavon crossbar with a ferocious drive after evading the challenges of two home defender and letting fly from just inside the penalty area.

At the other end, the hosts were restricted to few chances though Jack Malone tested Coleraine goalkeeper Aidan Harris with a well-struck effort from distance while Stephen Mallon curled a left-footed effort over the crossbar from 20 yards.

The home side improved after the break, and they were rewarded for their efforts with an equaliser 20 minutes from the end.

Second-half substitute Francely Lomboto was denied by a brilliant point blank save from Harris but Paul McGovern, following up, swept home the rebound to register Glenavon’s first goal of the campaign.

Lomboto’s day ended early, however, when he was shown a straight red card by referee Mark Dillon following an incident in the centre circle with Lyndon Kane.

The home side took a sixth-minute lead when David Toure’s cross from the right brushed off the head of Ben Kennedy but fell kindly for Calvin McCurry to guide a shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Bangor might well have levelled on the quarter-hour mark when Kyle Owens met Lewis Harrison’s cross with a thumping header, but United keeper Sean O’Neill sprang across his goal to push the effort away.

Instead, the home side doubled their advantage from the penalty spot on 20 minutes after Harrison bundled over Toure near the edge of the penalty area and Kennedy sent 16-year-old keeper Lawton McMahon the wrong way from the penalty spot.

McMahon did well to prevent Ballymena from netting a third in the first half when he dived to his right to push away Kennedy’s 25-yard effort.

But Ballymena did grab a third goal less than two minutes into the second period as Patrick McEleney’s pass was laid off by McCurry to Kian Corbally, who arrowed a left-footed shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.

The same player added United’s fourth on 66 minutes when he reacted quickest to nod home from close range after Kennedy’s 25-yard shot had crashed off the crossbar.

Luke McCullough stood up the ball for Lecky’s first goal, with the striker nodding home from six yards out.

Danny Gibson was the provider for the second, with his cross-finding Lecky at the back post and the frontman sent a powerful header beyond Declan Dunne.

Near the end of the first half, Carrick should have made it three, with Jimmy Callacher and Matthew Snoddy coming close with quickfire efforts.

In the opening stages of the second half, Lecky should have sealed his hat-trick after a Jack Scott cross found him in space in the box. However, the ball seemed to strike Lecky’s thigh and his effort sailed over the crossbar.