Category Sports News

After having shoulder surgery, England lock George Martin will miss the autumn Test series. He will be ruled out until at least January.

The 24-year-old second row of the Tigers of Leicester hasn’t played since being forced off the field in the Six Nations victory against France in February, where he was forced to play through a combination of knee and shoulder injuries.

He had surgery in the summer, but he has now been ruled out for Leicester’s “first half” of the Prem campaign, which kicks off on January 24 with his 10th league game against Chelsea.

Martin’s return may coincide with Steve Borthwick naming his team for the upcoming Six Nations because it is unlikely to arrive until 2026.

The lock started for Borthwick’s side last year and won 21 of his 21 caps for England.

Borthwick described George as a fantastic player and a valued member of the England squad.

England and Canada have named unchanged teams for the Women’s Rugby World Cup final on Saturday at Twickenham.

Red Roses head coach John Mitchell has opted to stick with the same starting XV and replacements who overcame a slow start to defeat France 35-17 in the semi-finals.

Zoe Aldcroft captains England in their seventh straight World Cup final.

England have not won the tournament since 2014, losing the past two finals to New Zealand.

Star full-back Ellie Kildunne, Abby Dow, Zoe Harrison, Amy Cokayne, Aldcroft, Abbie Ward and Alex Matthews remain from the starting XV defeated by the Black Ferns three years ago.

Scrum-half Natasha Hunt and Matthews also played in the 2014 final.

Centre Meg Jones and wing Jess Breach, who has scored six tries in the World Cup, will be the only England players to have started all six games in the 2025 tournament.

The Red Roses, who are on a record 32-Test winning run, have not lost since their defeat at Eden Park in the 2022 final.

They went into that match having won their previous 30 games, and are up against an in-form Canada side on Saturday.

England have a record-setting side that Mitchell trusts. When on form, they can be clinical in attack and resilient in defence.

Kevin Rouet’s Canada, ranked number two in the world, have looked a class above all their opponents this tournament and delivered a remarkable semi-final performance to sweep past New Zealand and reach their first World Cup final since they lost to England in 2014.

Canada are semi-professional, and have had to crowdfund nearly a third of the budget for their World Cup campaign – they are currently 95% of the way towards their million-dollar fundraising goal entitled Mission: Win Rugby World Cup.

His side, who lost the semi-final 26-19 to England at the last World Cup, is captained by centre Alex Tessier and contains star goal-kicking lock Sophie de Goede.

Eight of the starting XV play in the Premiership Women’s Rugby league for English sides.

“I think we were very close in the last World Cup,” said Rouet, who was appointed just over six months before that tournament.

“We lost in the semi-finals against England and I would say all of the metrics were in our favour but not the score, so it’s kind of hard sometimes.

“But we were not ready on those high pressure games to deliver and I think that’s a big difference.

“We changed the way we play, for sure, and I think I saw a year and a half ago that we were going in the right direction and we do a lot of good stuff.”

Canada’s team contains three survivors from 2014 World Cup final defeat – flanker Karen Pauqin starts, fellow forwards Olivia DeMerchant and Tyson Beukeboom are named on the bench.

England have been professional since 2019 and are favourites to win a home World Cup in front of an 82,000-capacity, sold-out Twickenham.

Saturday’s crowd will surpass the 58,498 who watched England beat France at the same stadium in the 2023 Six Nations – the previous record for a XV-a-side match – and the 66,000 who watched the women’s rugby sevens at Stade de France during the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

“Our staff and players have worked hard to reach this stage of the tournament,” Mitchell said.

“Playing a World Cup final at Allianz Stadium [Twickenham] in front of a record 82,000 is a significant milestone for the sport.

“We are well prepared for the challenge against Canada. It is number one versus number two in the world, and we know the contest will demand a full 80 minutes. Our focus remains on staying in our process and executing effectively.”

England: Kildunne; Dow, Jones, Heard, Breach; Harrison, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Muir, Talling, Ward, Aldcroft (capt), Kabeya, Matthews.

Replacements: Atkin-Davies, Clifford, Bern, Galligan, Feaunati, L Packer, Aitchison, Rowland.

Canada: Schell; Corrigan, Symonds, Tessier (capt), Hogan-Rochester; Perry, Pelletier; Hunt, Tuttosi, Menin, De Goede, O’Donnell, Crossley, Paquin, Forteza.

Holly Aitchison impressed off the bench at inside centre in the semi-final win, while former England World Cup-winner Kat Merchant had called for Lucy Packer to start at scrum-half over Hunt.

Packer is quick to get the ball moving away from the breakdown, which could help get England’s backline firing better and mean they do not have to rely on individual moments of brilliance from Kildunne.

But Mitchell, as expected, has gone for consistency in selection instead of making a big call to unsettle his preferred matchday 23.

“It is about trusting what we have built already. Our players don’t always need to be perfect. We have been effective and that is all that matters,” Mitchell said.

“Canada have been outstanding and have played some really great rugby. We believe it is going to take an 80-minute performance.

“They have grown as well and are fitter. They deserve to be in the final.”

One selection which illustrates Mitchell’s point about selection being based on the trust they have built over the past two years – rather than being based on the semi-final – is the retention of Tatyana Heard.

The inside centre struggled against France but over time has formed a formidable partnership with Jones, who has been a standout performer and works best alongside her midfield partner.

Heard runs hard and straight, helping create space for Jones to use her lethal footwork, while replacement Aitchison is a different style of inside centre as a second playmaker.

Mitchell also values his bench combinations and the impact they can bring.

Both Aitchison and Packer performed well last Saturday and because of that will be expected to make an impact in the second half of the final.

Canada delivered a memorable performance as they outclassed holders New Zealand to reach Saturday’s Women’s Rugby World Cup final.

Ranked number two in the world, Kevin Rouet’s side have been excellent throughout the tournament and are confident of overcoming World Cup hosts England at Twickenham.

England’s scrum has yet to be put under serious pressure but Canada’s forwards have the power to match the Red Roses.

Prop forward Menin, described as “a terrifying prospect” in the loose, is the cornerstone of their impressive pack.

Menin made 13 carries against the Black Ferns – the second most of any Canada player in the game – and has started all five games in the World Cup.

But her work at the set-piece is equally impressive.

“For me, she’s the best tight-head [prop] in the world,” said Canada head coach Rouet. “There is no question.”

Menin, who plays her club rugby for Exeter Chiefs alongside hooker Emily Tuttosi, is a powerful scrummager and will look to put pressure on England loose-head prop Botterman.

Botterman’s scrummaging has improved under Mitchell to earn a regular starting spot, but it is her ability to make turnovers and carry the ball into heavy traffic that are her foremost strengths.

Second row De Goede was nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year having only played eight games in 2025.

The goal-kicking Canada forward has been in outstanding form since returning to action following an anterior cruciate ligament injury in June 2024.

The 26-year-old won player of the match in both the pool-stage win over Wales – a performance which included 20 carries for 108 metres gained – and the quarter-final against Australia.

She also scored a try in both knockout games and has recorded the most successful kicks for goal (21) in the tournament. England know that any ill-discipline could be costly.

“Her all-round game is through the roof. She has a phenomenal skill-set and is world class,” former Wales international Siwan Lillicrap told BBC Sport.

De Goede, who plays in back row for Saracens in the Premiership Women’s Rugby league, is not a traditional lock compared to England’s Morwenna Talling.

The 23-year-old, who is second in England’s tournament tackle stats with 67, has become a key cog in the England pack thanks to the physicality she brings to the game.

Talling’s unsung work was rewarded with a quarter-final try and a player-of-the-match performance against Scotland.

Her rise over Mitchell’s tenure has also helped free up captain Zoe Aldcroft to move from the second row to blind-side flanker.

Scrum-half Pelletier picked up the player-of-the-match award in the semi-final win over the Black Ferns, scoring a well-taken opening try.

The 29-year-old plays her club rugby in France for Stade Bordelais and is a livewire around the breakdown.

For De Goede’s try against New Zealand, Pelletier broke away and threw a ridiculous one-handed offload back inside to send the lock through a gap.

Her high energy and ability to find holes will mean England’s defence around the ruck will have to be very sharp and diligent.

England’s number nine Hunt, 36, plays a different style to Pelletier and is more focused on controlling the pace of the game and organising her team.

Sat behind the breakdown in defence, the 2014 World Cup winner will demand her forwards work hard around the fringes and endeavour to get the ball away as fast as possible to England’s devastating runners.

Hunt, who was not selected in England’s squad at the last World Cup, will back her superior kicking game in what will be a fascinating clash of styles.

Centre Tessier, who can also play fly-half, is another Exeter Chief the England players will know well.

Rouet opted to hand Tessier the captaincy for the tournament while De Goede got back up to speed from injury.

The added pressure to live up to De Goede’s standards has not affected Tessier, who set up a try and also crossed herself against the Black Ferns.

A large reason why Canada’s attack has worked so well is because of Tessier’s ability to help link play with her fellow backs.

England centres Heard and Megan Jones will need to shut down Tessier’s space by defending hard and fast – a role Jones has had plenty of success with during the tournament.

Heard struggled to impose her direct and powerful carrying game against France in the semi-final.

The 30-year-old is one of Mitchell’s most reliable performers but is yet to hit her best form during the tournament.

Expect fireworks out wide.

Wing Hogan-Rochester, who played with a broken leg against New Zealand in May, is not short on confidence.

The 26-year-old sevens flyer was central to helping Canada secure a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, knocking out hosts France on the way to the final.

Three tries at this World Cup, including a sharp finish from a strong hand-off against the Black Ferns, mean England wing Dow will have to be on high alert defensively.

Dow can match Hogan-Rochester for pace and scorching individual tries, making for an epic match-up.

When asked about coming up against England’s back three, Hogan-Rochester told BBC Sport: “I love it. We would have to have a race [to find out which back three is quickest].

“The goal this weekend is not to do anything different and be exactly who we are.”

Where Dow’s game has continued to grow is her defence, with the 27-year-old the best defender in England’s outstanding back three.

Blackburn Rovers’ Championship fixture against Ipswich Town is to be replayed in full following its abandonment on Saturday.

The fixture was called off in the 79th minute due to heavy rainfall at Ewood Park making the pitch unplayable, with Blackburn leading 1-0 courtesy of Todd Cantwell’s second-half penalty.

Cantwell’s goal will now no longer stand given the game will be replayed, but Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves, who was sent off, will still have to serve a suspension.

“The decision follows recent precedents relating to abandoned fixtures and is intended to uphold the integrity of the league competition which should, wherever possible, be based on a complete set of fixtures played to a conclusion on the day,” the statement said.

“The board recognised that this was an incredibly difficult decision and agreed to consult clubs on the best approach to the development of new guidance to be considered in the event of a match abandonment.”

In addition, the EFL said that three Championship directors abstained from the vote.

Blackburn had won twice in six games in all competitions heading into Saturday’s fixture. A victory would have given them a third win in four games, and moved them to 11th place in the Championship table rather than their current position of 18th.

Ipswich, who have had an inconsistent return to the second tier after relegation from the Premier League, have won once this season, with one defeat and three draws. They remain a place above Rovers on goal difference.

In response, Blackburn said that they were disappointed by the decision and will look to appeal the decision.

“Whilst Blackburn Rovers respects the processes undertaken by the EFL and acknowledges the complexities involved, the club is extremely disappointed by the outcome, which fails to take into account the significant advantages Rovers held at the time of abandonment,” a club statement said.

“Blackburn Rovers is committed to upholding the integrity of the competition, however we strongly feel that the decision to replay the entire fixture does not accurately reflect the circumstances on the day.

Earlier this week, Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael said that giving his side three points in the aftermath of the abandonment would be the “fairest thing to do”.

“We’ve got the right to want the three points because it’s the fair thing to do, especially when the opponent is down to 10 [men],” Ismael said in an interview on the club’s YouTube channel.

“Eleven versus 11 is another situation. We were clearly at an advantage and the data shows that we were on the front foot since the red card.”

A match can only be postponed or abandoned with the approval of the referee, authorities, or by the order of the police.

If a Premier League or EFL game is abandoned after kick-off, but before 90 minutes has been played, the fixture will either be:

Matt Fitzpatrick, a member of Europe, claims that his parents, in part due to abusive American fans they encountered four years ago, have decided not to compete at Bethpage.

In the days leading up to the biennial three-day event, the level of partisan support at the New York course this weekend and whether it will cross the line have been a hot topic of conversation.

When the contest was last played on American soil at Whistling Straits, Fitzpatrick’s parents, Russell and Susan, heard objectionable remarks toward Europeans, Fitzpatrick recently told the Times.

Another significant reason for his parents’ absence, according to Fitzpatrick’s wife, is that they will play alongside him in the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews the following week.

The Englishman, who is making his fourth Ryder Cup appearance on Thursday, said at Bethpage, “There is, obviously, a little bit of] the previous abuse] they didn’t have a great experience in Whistling Straits.

The other thing is that they didn’t really want to ruin the Dunhill experience because that’s obviously unique.

There is no disputing that they had negative experiences in the past, but it is impossible to imagine that this has to be the case.

The European team’s attitude toward them during this week’s practice sessions, which were largely respectful and admirative, has been largely polite and encouraging.

When accompanied by an adult who pays for a $255 (£190) ticket, children under the age of 15 are given free admission.

American player Collin Morikawa described the lead-up as being “tame” and expressed the hope that “Friday is just absolute chaos” from the home fans.

Ireland’s Shane Lowry claimed that his wife had been subjected to “dog’s abuse” from American fans following Europe’s crushing defeat in Whistling Straits in 2021.

Lowry made an effort on Thursday to avoid any incendiary comments, just like Fitzpatrick and in keeping with the European team’s careful PR strategy.

Going there was a surprise surprise because that was my first Ryder Cup experience, and it was obviously my first away one, according to the 2019 Open champion.

However, it never comes as bad when you’re ready for something. I think the New Yorkers have enjoyed themselves so far this week.

It’s obvious that practice days are coming up, but it’s also a little bit lighter. It is what it is. The Americans must have had a bad time at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, which I’m pretty sure was not.

You must be yourself, conduct your own business, and make the most of it. You let it help you rather than hinder you.

“I believe we are mentally and physically prepared for it all.” We’ll see”.

There is anticipated to be a noticeable change in the American fans’ attitudes toward the visitors when the action begins for real on Friday.

Sean Mateiko, a Long Islander who was present on Wednesday’s practice day with his two children, told BBC Sport, “We’re not going to attack the Europeans today. Let’s wait for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”

Other partisan home supporters have argued that Europeans must have “some thick skin” in order for Americans to “not hold back.”

Matt Fitzpatrick, a member of Europe, claims that his parents, in part due to abusive American fans they encountered four years ago, have decided not to compete at Bethpage.

In the days leading up to the biennial three-day event, the level of partisan support at the New York course this weekend and whether it will cross the line have been a hot topic of conversation.

When the contest was last played on American soil at Whistling Straits, Fitzpatrick’s parents, Russell and Susan, heard objectionable remarks toward Europeans, Fitzpatrick recently told the Times.

Another significant reason for his parents’ absence, according to Fitzpatrick’s wife, is that they will play alongside him in the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews the following week.

The Englishman, who is making his fourth Ryder Cup appearance on Thursday, said at Bethpage, “There is, obviously, a little bit of] the previous abuse] they didn’t have a great experience in Whistling Straits.

The other thing is that they didn’t really want to ruin the Dunhill experience because that’s obviously unique.

There is no disputing that they had negative experiences in the past, but it is impossible to imagine that this has to be the case.

The European team’s attitude toward them during this week’s practice sessions, which were largely respectful and admirative, has been largely polite and encouraging.

When accompanied by an adult who pays for a $255 (£190) ticket, children under the age of 15 are given free admission.

American player Collin Morikawa described the lead-up as being “tame” and expressed the hope that “Friday is just absolute chaos” from the home fans.

Ireland’s Shane Lowry claimed that his wife had been subjected to “dog’s abuse” from American fans following Europe’s crushing defeat in Whistling Straits in 2021.

Lowry made an effort on Thursday to avoid any incendiary comments, just like Fitzpatrick and in keeping with the European team’s careful PR strategy.

Going there was a surprise surprise because that was my first Ryder Cup experience, and it was obviously my first away one, according to the 2019 Open champion.

However, it never comes as bad when you’re ready for something. I think the New Yorkers have enjoyed themselves so far this week.

It’s obvious that practice days are coming up, but it’s also a little bit lighter. It is what it is. The Americans must have had a bad time at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, which I’m pretty sure was not.

You must be yourself, conduct your own business, and make the most of it. You let it help you rather than hinder you.

“I believe we are mentally and physically prepared for it all.” We’ll see”.

There is anticipated to be a noticeable change in the American fans’ attitudes toward the visitors when the action begins for real on Friday.

Sean Mateiko, a Long Islander who was present on Wednesday’s practice day with his two children, told BBC Sport, “We’re not going to attack the Europeans today. Let’s wait for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”

Other partisan home supporters have argued that Europeans must have “some thick skin” in order for Americans to “not hold back.”